My first post.

The Camino de Santiago, a 800km trek across northern Spain, is described by anyone who has taken it, considered taking it or met anyone who has taken it, as a Life Changing Experience.
Combined this with the diverse people that you meet, in such a beautiful setting as the Spanish countryside, and the architecture of the different convents, monasteries, churches and cathedrals that are part of the "Camino" it makes for an unforgetable experience to say the least.
There are many expectations imposed on Camino pilgrims. There are things you must do to be a real pilgrim. But for me one key element is getting away from it all and having time to think about, my life, my family, my friends  and my job and what this all mean at this point in my life.
Walking "El Camino" and reflecting in the millions of pilgrims who have walked this path through the years and remembering that it is the journey that counts and not the destination.
I will be writing in this blog and posting pictures every two or three days. 

"The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man." Euripides

The treasures of a walking pilgrimage.

1. It implies the movement of the whole person: body and spirit.

2. Carrying the necessary on our back, we clear the useless things off, we leave the non-essentials.

3. We enjoy all God's creation: silence, peace and beauty.

4. Walking is a patience school. It is the picture of our own life, it is a question of progressing day after day courageously.

5. The everyday acts of our life take another savour, like drinking, having a wash, welcoming a smile on our way... Mutual aid is also to be learned like showing the way, sharing food...

6. A pilgrimage is an equality school. Whether we are rich or poor, full of knowledge or not at all, the thing is to go our way on with patience and humility.

7. Walking gives many great occasions to live deep meetings with other pilgrims and with the inhabitants.

8. Walking as a pilgrim opens our heart to God: "Lord, I shall give you some time, I shall give way to you. Work within me, give me your light."

9. Walking gives time to pray with the help of numerous holy places (churches, sanctuaries), and with the help of many testimonies from countless human brothers and sisters who have been through this pilgrimage for many centuries.