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<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=560263606-22072003>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. </SPAN>A<SPAN class=560263606-22072003> good history of the
medieval pilgrim experience is 'Pilgrimage' by Jonathon
Sumption.</SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=560263606-22072003></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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, </FONT> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Good
luck and Buen Camino</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=560263606-22072003><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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<DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left><FONT
face=Tahoma size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> Road to Santiago
Pilgrimage [mailto:GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU] <B>On Behalf Of </B>Todd
OKeefe<BR><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, July 22, 2003 12:17 AM<BR><B>To:</B>
GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU<BR><B>Subject:</B> Camino.<BR><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV>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!</DIV>
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