El Camino de Santiago is the name given to any of the several ancient pilgrimage routes spanning Europe that end in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwest Spain. Tradition holds that the remains of Jesus's apostle, St James the Elder rest within the ancient city's cathedral.
These pilgrimage routes date back to the 9th century, carrying stories of miracles and renewal rich with history. Promoted by Kings and religious orders of both Spain and France the Camino not only helped to stabilize the northern borders between Christians and Moors but also resulted in the development of cities and villages along the way.
The Camino I am walking begins in San Sebastian and follows a route across northern Spain through Basque countryside and ancient villages - totaling approximately 95 miles & ending in Santiago de Compostela.
I've been averaging around 40 miles a week to prepare for the walk. (Dare I say that I’m in shape and ready to go!)
I'm excited to visit Bilbao, first, and see the stunning architecture of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. Then it’s on to San Sebastian, touted to be a foodies’ heaven & known for it’s fine local gastronomy and wines.
Superb way to start our journey!
Having hauled art supplies on countless trips and barely putting them to good use, my intentions for this trip are to document sites, sounds, vistas and who knows what via ART. Taking sketching materials, gouache , watercolors and ink markers. In reading about others’ journeys, I’ve made a list of phrases and thoughts that resonated with me.
Be prepared to let go of expectations.
Let your soul wander. Be quiet. See what comes to mind.
Seeing through the heart, not the vista.
Reverie: Imaginative daydreaming is the mental space where creativity often starts.
Revelation: Creativity as sudden insight or discovery.
I could go on and on, but shall end here with my bags packed and my feet ready to walk! Fingers and toes crossed! Stay tuned via Instagram and Facebook for posts of my experiences and art along the way. I will make a compilation of all art, writings and observations when I return.
For those who have asked me about accommodations and logistics, here is information about the tour group.
One of the gals going on the trip has been with them for 3 other Camino routes, so I know we are in good hands.
Am I walking with a backpack and staying in hostels? Hell NO! Too old for that! While this is not necessarily a luxury trip, all accommodations are arranged as well as transportation and we (our group of 13) are told to expect many surprises along the way. Our guides, Rui and Yoli, met on a Camino years ago and are extremely knowledgeable of history in the region.
Ciao, au revoir, adios!