Camino.

[Eyskens]

I've read Shirley McLaines's book and Coelho as well.  Both are fiction,
although in 2001 when I walked the Camino both were 'required' reading
for every pilgrim I encountered, or so it seemed.  I had a copy of
Coelho's, the 'Alchemist' with me, and was actually criticized by a very
serious young woman from California for not having his 'Pilgrimage'
instead.  If you plan to walk the Camino in order to experience past
life flashbacks, or meet the Devil, I'm afraid you might be
disappointed.  Last year when I was a 'Hospitalero', Shirley seemed to
have fallen from the pilgrim reading list, but Coelho remained as
popular as ever.
 
If you want a point to point, village to village guide, I would
recommend the Confraternity of St James guides,  You can get them at
csj.org.uk.  A hefty guide is the 'Pilgrimage road to Santiago' by
Gitlitz and Davidson.  It gives the historical background of every sight
along the Camino (Frances).  Its a little large to carry in your
rucksack, but I did and found it to be well worth the extra sweat.  A
good history of the medieval pilgrim experience is 'Pilgrimage' by
Jonathon Sumption.
 
As for personal accounts, the websites mentioned are all worth reading
as well as some you can find by 'web surfing'.  The message posted on
this board re the basic necessities and preparations is the best I've
ever read,  
 
Also don't worry about any packs of wild dogs, or theft and violence in
or out of the Refugios.  Spain is one of the safest countries I've ever
been in.
 
Good luck and Buen Camino
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage [mailto:GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU] On
Behalf Of Todd OKeefe
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2003 12:17 AM
To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
Subject: Camino.


My name is Todd O'keefe, next year i will begin the adventure of walking
the "Camino'.   I'm very excited, as I hope to have a "Shirleyesque"
type experience.  Could someone please point me in the direction of a
good book, on the initial planning of this trip.  Or, if you have this
information at hand, send it on to me.  An example of the info I'm
looking for Plane fare (open ended tickets?)......Best times to
hike.....Camping gear...Are dogs a problem....violence/crime...... I
would very much appreciate any information.  Thankyou Todd O'keefe.
Anything you think would help a first timer!



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