<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 2/21/2002 11:32:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, kesatotaSHAW.CA writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I have been told when I walk the Camino I should carry the Scallop<BR>
Shell and that is why I asked of it's history and if I could buy one on<BR>
the camino, the answer was yes. Also, I was told I will need to carry a<BR>
stick while on the Camino for all sorts of reasons as well as "everyone<BR>
carries one and that is part of the tradition" so I will carry one.<BR>
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Before we left for the Camino, we went to the beach at Fire Island where we collected about 2 dozen scallop shells. John, my buddy, carefully made small perforations in each one and inserted small gold ribbons and attached a small gold safety pin in each one. We wore them and gave these to special people that we met on the Camino. Although they are fragile and a lot smaller than the French coquilles, they made a big hit with all the pilgrims we met. The ubiquitous walking sticks are not just a tradition, but an essential in my opinion. They help you when you are walking by giving you balance on the steep inclines and declines. Leverage going uphill and support going downhill. Howard Mendes, NYC</FONT></HTML>