Friends of Saint James, Irish Confraternity..

[unadara]

I spotted an ad on the back of newspaper for the Irish Society of St.James's annual mass, today Sunday 24th to celebrate the Feast of St.James. I live quite near so thought I would go and get my pilgrim's passport at the same time. My husband (who will walk also in Sept) and grandson came too. We met another forum member Emma there and chatted with her.
The mass was wonderful with readings about the camino, a lesson in Spanish and there were many people there, also the refreshments provided afterwards allowed lots of "friends" to meet and catch up.
We got our credentials (newly designed Irish style booklets) and our first embossed stamp.
So a big Thank You to the society.
I would recommend to all Irish pilgrims to become involved if they can with this annual event, it seems a wonderful way to celebrate together. For us it is another "first" step on the Way.
Am so excited...

[sean]

Hi Unadara,

I was at the mass yesterday also. It is always a great event, with more than a tinge of The Camino about it. I also got my new passport for my walk in August and got my first stamp at Guinness Hopstore afterwards.

Enjoy your Camino

Regards,

Sean
Dublin

[unadara]

Sean
When are you going in Aug ? we got a stamp from the priest, a wonderful embossed? one! We were brought through the church, up to the altar, shown St.James with his scallop shell on his robe and a little humour from the priest too. Someone mentioned the Guinness stamp but said it might not be there? Did you have to pay in ? I might go back and get one! We start 13th Sept. You have walked before ? We are 52 and 56, carry many injuries/health issues but consider ourselves mountain fit.

[sean]

Hi Unadara,

I leave the day after my 58th birthday (with a heavy head) and fly to Madrid. I plan to walk from Salamanca to Astorga and then join the French Way going west as far as Sarria. I have only got 2 weeks, so it is a push. The stamp is available in the Guinness Hopstore at the reception desk and you do not have to pay in to get it.
With regard to the Camino, if you have any injury, or potential to bring on old ones-take it easy. I did a lot (6 months worth) of damage to my feet when I first walked the French Way 2 years ago. The weather is great in September and the countryside is at it's best.
One man mentioned the stop at Granon the other day at the Mass. It is without doubt my favourite stop on the Camino. You get to sleep on the floor of the bell tower of the church and the communinal meals are the making of memories that will last forever.

Enjoy your Camino. If it is your first, you will be back.

Regards,

Sean,
Dublin

[unadara]

You know Sean even to say my first Camino makes me tingle with anticipation that I am about to embark on a journey that may change my life-and my life is pretty good ...(since I retired early that is )haha. I will miss the sea, your journey sounds so good too, looking forward to hearing all, we'll meet next year at the mass? It is so hard to think of a 6 months recovery for your poor feet, have you written your story elsewhere?
Buen Camino
Una

[sean]

Hi Unadara,

My story is written in every step I took after Astorga, hence the reasoning behind my going back to the scene of the crime. We have a score to settle. My wife walked with me last September on the Portugese Way and suffered some serious blisters. She somehow managed to walk most of the way in flip flops without any other side effects. I had no repeat of my injuries-touch wood. I did bandage my ankles throughout the walk and took extra care of my feet.
I wrote a piece for my golf club magazine after my return. A few were tempted and tried the walk, others run a mile when they see us, for fear they may commit to something longer than 18 holes of golf. Others earwig in on our stories of great adventure and promise to do it one day, "agh, if I only had the time"

Regards,

Sean,
Dublin.