Tools to plan your Pilgrimage along the Way of St James

Where do you start? There are so many publications, websites, tour companies and individuals who provide options, suggestions and direction on the best way to walk this ancient trail.  Budget, time factor and whether you wish to freewheel it or travel with a guide are some of the major determining factors in choosing how and who you travel with.

Here are some of my favourite tools that you might like to utilize to help with both the planning and your actual time on the trail:

Favourite Books:
A pilgrims guide to the Camino De Santiago by John Brierley
Lonely Planet Phrase book

Useful websites:
www.caminodownunder.com
This website sells a fantastic set of maps that have been laminated and in 3D so perfect for any weather when walking.
www.camindesantiago.me.uk
Great general information on this site

www.chronoexpres.com
Transport options to carry your bags if you are free-wheeling it.

When choosing a tour company you need to determine what is most important to you. The size of the group, the standard of accommodation, are the guides Spanish or another nationality, the duration of the tour, inclusions such as meals, any special extras that are included that other tour companies do not offer, the amount of free time offered while on tour.

A “small tour group” walking the Camino certainly makes it more personable and easier all round. If you are lucky enough to find a fantastic guide then this is what brings that special piece of magic to your time on the Camino. The experienced guides have the respect of the locals, know how to provide surprises along the way and take all of the hassles out of walking so that you can truly embrace yourself into the history, scenery, people and gourmet delights.

Buen Camino

Why climb Waynu Picchu?

For many just reaching Machu Picchu (old mountain) is a dream come true. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and no matter how many times I visit I never tire of spending time in this ancient city.

If it is a spiritual experience you want then just being in the energy will kickstart that. Drift away embracing the history and allow yourself just for a moment to wonder what it must have been like living in Incan times. What an advanced race with a true sense of community and spiritual practice. This becomes very obvious as our spiritual archeologist explains the true meaning of the different areas within the city and what they were used for.

To enhance your spiritual experience I highly recommend you take on the challenge of climbing Waynu Picchu (Young Mountain). No matter from where you stand it looms tall, proud, regal and mysteriously before you. How do people shimmy up the sheer rock face? No ropes to hold onto, 500m up to the Roof Top of the World!

As you commence the climb you notice many who are treating it like a race, passing you one after the other. Keen to conquer the climb they wonder how fast they can make it to the top? Our group purposefully goes slow taking a bend or two at a time. Stopping to savour the view, listen to a teaching from our spiritual archeologist and feel the energy as we begin to understand what the climb is about.

A cleansing, an initiation a releasing of long held fears. To walk this climb with a purpose allowing yourself to connect with it more strongly with each step that you take is a very powerful experience. There is no need to rush and just as the famous saying goes. It is not the destination but the journey.

On reaching the top you have to weave yourself through a tight opening in the rock so that you can sit right on the highest ridge of the mountain. It is pretty challenging! This is where the initiation is completed. As you stand on this side of the entrance you bring with you all of your experiences to date, your fears, your dreams, your beliefs. As you walk through you have an opportunity to set new goals, to release any fears and re-programme your beliefs with a very specific intent.

Sitting up on the top of the Roof Top having completed the journey and experience at so many levels you will have renewed energy to climb down the next 300m to the Temple of the Moon. Many people do not take this part of the journey. They just rush back down still focusing on how fast they can do the whole climb not even knowing the other exists. With very few people around you will love what you discover. A temple that is hidden in the rocks with seats carved out that you can sit in and soak up the special energy within the space.

It is not for the faint-hearted though, with another 300m to climb from the Temple of the Moon back to the starting point you will be pleased you took it slowly and made it a full days excursion. With huge steps to conquer on your way back through beautiful bush and peaceful surroundings it will take you back to the Lemurian times where the people were said to be very tall. They must have been to climb the huge steps!

Traditional Dishes Along The Way of St. James

If you thought you might go hungry walking the trail as a pilgrim, then think again! In fact it is quite the opposite! Thank goodness for all of that walking. It means you can eat until your heart’s content and believe me there are so many wonderful taste explosions and regional delicacies to experience.

I love the simplicity in which the Spanish cook and display their food. They work with natural ingredients focusing on the freshness of the dish and seasoning.

As you meander the Asturian coastline on the “Celtic Way to Santiago”, exploring tiny fishing villages tucked into the cliffs you will be served with Paella to die for, seafood dishes such as small crabs, lobster, sardines, sea barnacles and much more. Wash all of this down with a San Miguel Beer or even better still a famous glass of Cider from this region! Yes you really have died and gone to heaven! But wait there is more…how about a slice of Tarta de Santiago (Almond Tart), a cream caramel or some local cheese with honey, the list goes on. Village after village you can bar hop to taste the cider allowing it to wash down a wonderful array of small dishes tapa style, of seafood, vegetables and meats heavily seasoned with garlic, paprika, oil, lemon and salt.

Crossing from the Asturian region we head up into the Cantabrian mountains where you will have the chance to try one of their famous dishes called a “Fabada”, a very hearty stew/soup consisting of beans as the base along with meats such as chorizo sausage, pork or black pudding and seasoned with saffron. A dish that is perfect all year round especially being in the higher altitude.

Then as we drop down onto the flat again into the warmer climate you can choose from a three course menu of the day (approx 10-13.00 euro) or make up your own menu from dishes such as the conventional Spanish omelette which melts in the mouth or a Bocadilla (Spanish word for a large sandwich) filled with ham or cheese along with an ensalada made up of lettuce, tomato and onions coated in lashings of oil and vinegar. These dishes are part of the staple Spaniards diet and you never tire of them. Interlaced amongst the staple dishes you have the chance to try the likes of “Octopus” in the town of Melide at one of the Octopus houses. Dine at one of the Casas that you stay in enroute where home grown dishes of chicken, fish or meat are served straight off the land. How about some cheese from Arzua? Fondly known as “tit” cheese because of its shape.

One dish I absolutely must have on arrival in Santiago de Compostela is the chocolate and churros. There are cafes and chocolerias that specialize in this dish, make sure you don’t miss out!

See you will eat like a king and a queen while walking the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela.