learning Spanish as I walk

[Mrs Mac]

I want to walk from Burgos to Santiago in September. My grandchildren live in Spain and I need to learn Spanish. I shall set off alone but I would love to join up with anyone who speak to me only in Spanish.Anyone out there who would join me?

[HuskyNerd]

You'll certainly find Spanish-only pilgrims along the way, though fewer across the Meseta. That said, you may be expecting a little much of people to walk the Camino while teaching you Spanish. After all, this is their vacation/pilgrimage and their thoughts are likely on things other than providing free language lessons for someone they don't know.

Do you have much Spanish now? I've also wanted to learn Spanish, so I enrolled last fall in daily Spanish classes at my local community college. I'm completing my first year now and will try out my new Spanish skills this July on the Via de la Plata and then next spring on the Camino Frances. My goal is to get to know Spanish speakers and absorb more of the local flavor of the Camino in these trips than I did on my first Camino in 2008.

If you're super serious about this approach you might try posting on a Spanish language forum like "Foro peregrinos del Camino de Santiago" . Still, rather than depending on the Camino to teach you Spanish it might be preferable to sign up for an immersion Spanish language class for several weeks. You'll learn more Spanish that way and will allow your Camino to a pilgrimage rather than a Spanish class!

[Mrs Mac]

I absolutely take your point and I do not wish to impose. I did a total immersion course in Valladolid 18 months ago which was great and I would like the opportunity to speak Spanish on this journey . I dont think people will join up with me unless they want to! But thanks for your suggestions.

[Agustin]

Hi. I am a Spanish teacher offering courses as I walk in Camino de Santiago.

Last July I did my first one. I walked from Nájera (Rioja) to Santiago with one student who found my website (HTTP://www.aprender-espanol.npage.eu). The page is not updated, but it will be soon.

The experience was remarkable, I am working in my project to do it again next year with a bigger group of students.

My idea is to do fifteen days in june (walking about 20-25 kilometres a day), and leave the evenings for to focus in the language and culture.

I will also arrange accomodation in hostels and rural houses for the students interested.

Good luck with your Spanish learning
Agustín

[Mrs Mac]

Hi Augustin

[Mrs Mac]

Hi Augustin
This could be perfect. I shall keep in touch.
best regards
Mrs Mac

[Maya2]

I've had really good luck using DVDs to learn other languages. You may be surprised by how much in common English has with French, Spanish, Italian and Porteguese. When I'm about to travel to a new country, I get a DVD and I can learn what I call "travel" Spanish, French, etc. I learn please and thank you, then branch out to asking directions, ordering food, taking public transit, and checking into hotels. Also, Rick Steve's phrase books are good. He has a "cheat sheet" you can pull out and take with you. Making the effort to speak your host' language is always appreciated. Be ready to laugh at yourself if you goof.