decisions decisions

[Doug Bedell]

Hello. I am thinking about going on this pilgrimage. Probably one of the shortest routes. I have never done anything remotely close to this. I want to do this for personal reasons. Too complicated to go into detail. Any encouragement, tips, websites, etc.. would be helpful. Thank you, Confused in Nebraska

[Maur]

Go for it Doug...sounds like you have the "calling". I just finished the Camino Frances from St. Jean to Finisterre. on Oct. 1. It was absolutely the most difficult thing I have ever done for that extended period of time. What got me through? Lots of prayer ( I was never much of a pray-er before this), determination, the stunning scenery, the freedom of being outside all day long, with only me to consult about how far and how long i wanted to go each day, but mostly, meeting others and sharing the same struggles, creating immediate bonds. The feeling of walking into a village and being greeted by folks who seem genuinely happy to see you, simply by virtue of having met at an albergue the night before, was such fun. As for tips, this forum had loads of good information. And there's tons of guidebooks out there. I used Brierley's and it was great.
Learn some Spanish if you don't already know it. I didn't and I got by, but I wished I had known a bit more. Pack light - you really dont' need half of what you think you do. And start dreaming about when you can go.
All the best...Buen Camino!
Maur

[Doug Bedell]

Thank you Maur.

[Lipka149]

Hello. I am thinking about going on this pilgrimage. Probably one of the shortest routes. I have never done anything remotely close to this. I want to do this for personal reasons. Too complicated to go into detail. Any encouragement, tips, websites, etc.. would be helpful. Thank you, Confused in Nebraska

Hi Doug -

Perhaps the first place to start in your process of discernment is to get more information. This forum contains a wealth of knowledge based on experience, so my first tip would be to browse the various topics here. I'm sure you will be led to other forums, websites, and books on the subject as you do so.

Walking a "short" Camino after traveling to Spain from Nebraska is going to be expensive. Figure at about $2000 in travel costs alone. If money is no object, then you can begin to explore other aspects of going.

I must admit that it is difficult to encourage someone to travel a great distance to do something they have never remotely done before for complicated personal reasons without knowing more about that person. Everyone who walks the Camino brings their life with them, and the Camino acts on it. Many find it a worthwhile experience. Some do not. Only you can decide to risk the time, money, and physical/emotional/spiritual challenges of a pilgrimage.

That being said, I would encourage you to pursue your desire to walk the Camino. There may, however, be some important preparation necessary for you to go through before embarking. You can only benefit by taking care of that first.

All the best !