For me, The Camino is not a holiday, it feels more like a “calling”. I can’t really explain it but it just feels like something I have to do.

More than 200,000 people walk this pilgrim trail every year. When we collect our pilgrim passport at St Jean Pied de Port in France, we are asked to declare our reasons for the walk. 

But why would you put your body through the physical hardship of waking 12-15 miles day after day?

After spending time on forums and reading blogs, there appears to be seven main reasons why people walk the Camino.

1. A challenge
2. Taking time out
3. Spiritual
4. Adventure
5. Exercise
6. Religious reasons
7. Peace, Solitude

When I consider my own personal reasons for walking the Camino, it is really a mix of all of the above, but if I had to choose just one, then it would be number 4, adventure.

I’ve watched videos, films, and I am addicted to the forums, which in hindsight was a bit mad. It’s great to be prepared, but I feel I may have spoiled the adventure by knowing a bit too much.  I can’t undo that now, so I am just going to enjoy the experience.

Adventure begins with culture

I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture of the Camino. Eating different food in true Pilgrim style, sleeping in bunkhouses with the snorers and pilgrims trying to be quiet in the morning.

Adventure includes the scenery

Another reason that attracted me to the Camino was the breath taking scenery of the mountains and open fields. The quaint churches that we can explore and the fresh water rivers that we can take a dip in when it’s hot.  I’ve never been to Spain, and it will be great to explore the real Spain, rather than the commercial Spain that we all hear about.

Adventure for me includes the people

One of the biggest attractions for me was the people. I’m curious to meet people from all over the world. How are we going to communicate? What are they going to be like? What characters will we meet along the way?

As I also own a print business, I’ve had some cards created which are being delivered on Wednesday. I will leave these in the geocaches and it will also be a great way to connect with my new friends.

Our Camino Cards

What are/were your reasons for walking the Camino? I’d love to hear from you.

This is also my first blog that I have written using my iPhone. I won’t be taking my MacBook with me, so I need to get accustomed to writing on my phone (which is a completely different experience, and I guarantee lots of spelling mistakes!).

5 days to go!!

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