Introducing myself

[Alan Steele]

Hi all
I feel somewhat guilty having been 'lurking' now for several months, but
always enjoying the disparate opinins expressed on this forum.
I intend to walk in  September 2002 and prior to that will be living and
studying Italian in Italy before embarking on my pilgramage.  Initially my
prime intention was to return to Italy having been touched by St Francis and
my time at Assisi, but having picked up Shirley McLean's book in Rome the
day before I returned to Oz, (never having heard of the Camino before) and
then doing a search when I returned and finding this list, it now seems to
me that my time in Italy is but a mere precursor to my pilgramage on the
Camino.
While I don't relate to all of Shirley's experiences, I  am grateful that
she was the source of my interest in the Camino.
I am aware that even before I depart, the spirit of the Camino is already
affecting me, and many of the topics discussed have an amazing resonance
with issues in my daily life.  I have just starated reading Phil Cousineau's
book which again speaks to me in amazing ways, and I look forward to meeting
many other pilgrims along the way.
Having come from a basic 'fear' orientation towards life and others in it, I
look forward to the challenge of taking things as they come.   I think I can
already recognise that "letting go" will be a prime focus of my pilgrimage,
and I look forward to the challenge.
I  also look forward to meeting some of you on my journey!
Ciao
Alan Steele *mailto:alpalaozemail.com.au
Avon Park Alpacas*Australia