Camino de Santiago Stage #1

(Note that this was written on May 29, 2014…)
 

“The Background”

Buen Camino! As you’re reading this post, I’m currently walking across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. I mention it briefly in “Bulls, Bands, and London”:

“It’s known as The Way of St. James in English, but usually referred to simply as the Camino. After Jerusalem and Rome, Santiago de Compostela was considered the third most holy place in medieval Christendom because it contained the rumored remains of St. James…

Spanish tradition states that after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, James preached the Gospel in northern Spain. And after he was killed by Herod Agrippa in 44 AD, he was returned there by boat by his followers. Then in the eighth century, James’s relics were discovered in Santiago de Compostela. And voilà, Christians from all over Europe wanted to see them and pay their respects. So how did they get around in medieval times? They walked (or rode their horse if they could afford one). And the pilgrimage route, and the industry that catered to it, was born.”

So yes, its origins are religious but today thousands of pilgrims tackle the journey for various personal reasons: loss of partner, loss of job, conquering a disease, age milestone, strong need to unplug and escape 21st century life, fitness, or simply the challenge of a new adventure. Me? I’m researching the next book!
 

“The Plan”

However, since I just started my walk across Spain yesterday (June 1), I haven’t gotten very far. Basically, I left my starting point in Pamplona and made it to the tiny town of Puente la Reina 23 kilometres away.

This was my hotel in Pamplona:

http://www.hotelyoldi.com/index.php/en/

This is the town of Puente la Reina. You have to like the 11th century bridge built just for the wandering pilgrims.

http://www.coccarelli.it/santiagoinbici/puente_la_reina.htm

Next week, I hope to have more of a Camino update… or, at least, a longer journey…
 
For more posts about my actual Camino journey, check out:

https://www.johnmeyerbooks.com/camino-de-santiago-2/

https://www.johnmeyerbooks.com/camino-de-santiago-3/

https://www.johnmeyerbooks.com/walk-for-the-ages/

https://www.johnmeyerbooks.com/baseball-in-my-shoe/