What exactly has Deena been doing for the last month? And why does she seem to have so many foot problems? The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage across Spain to the city of Santiago de Compostela. There are different routes you can take, but they all end in the same city. I took the Camino Francés from Pamplona, Spain, which is approximately a 30 day walk.
The Camino is traditionally Catholic, so the old path runs from church to church all the way across Spain. Many people still walk the Camino as a Catholic pilgrimage, but others like myself do it for various personal or spiritual reasons. Those walking the Camino are considered “peregrinos,” or “pilgrims.” Albergues, peregrino-specific hostels, are subsidized by the government and accommodate pilgrims along The Way.
Dori and Dona from Bulgaria were the sweetest sisters! After Dona suffered a leg injury, Dori carried and pulled both bags to Santiago.
Although everyone does the Camino differently, most people walk 20-25 kilometers per day, which takes 6-8 hours if you stop for breaks (which you should.) The full Peregrino experience includes meeting people from around the world, coping with blisters and sprained ankles, and ultimately walking hundreds of kilometers to yourself. It’s been a great (and challenging) experience that I have had the pleasure of accomplishing with my mother!
We collect stamps in our Pilgrim’s passport at stops along the way
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