I first heard about the Camino when I lived in Porto (in Portugal) but only decided to do the Spanish Camino (the 17-day section from Leon to Santiago) few years later. 

The Camino is known for the camaraderie on the trail as you meet and walk with other pilgrims. However, you can also take it slow and go at your own pace. Even though there are others around, it's like having time for yourself. That's why I saw the Camino as a spiritual walk. Letting your thoughts wander is a great way to clear your mind as you go—it's like taking your thoughts for a walk. And if you don't have a buddy to walk with, remember, you're never alone—you're always with yourself. 

 

 

I started preparing about 6 months before the walk with long walks during weekends, functional training, and stairs workout. Plus, I started walking to work instead of taking the subway. I reckon that it helped me a lot as I didn’t have any pain or sore feet along the way.  

Experiencing the beauty of a long walk can be hard if you are tired. That’s why I believe that preparing for the Santiago walk is important!

I joined a few info nights back in my hometown while I was planning and organizing my trip. It was great to catch up with experienced pilgrims as it was inspiring to listen and learn from their experiences. 

 

I just knew that I wanted to do the Camino and booked my annual leave in advance! I guess that you always find time for your priorities. Plan and book in advance if you are travelling during summer or high season in Europe. I travelled during the summer and I could see how busy it can be. Remember that you will be crossing and staying in remote areas and towns. Thus, accommodation can be limited. The closer you get to Santiago, the busier it gets. 

 

 

We took to starting before sunrise to avoid the heat of summer. Our mornings were misty, and it was beautiful to start with the fog and watch it slowly fade away.
 

 

The beauty of the Camino is to meet people from all ages, different backgrounds and motivations. I was really inspired by the fitness level of some of the older pilgrims and it was fascinating to learn of everyone's motivations.  

 

 

My manager (from my office at the time) had also walked the Camino. He did the popular last 100km section from Sarria to Santiago a few months before, so he was able to wish me a genuine buen camino! It was great to have someone to share tips, plus he lent me his trekking poles and maps. 

 

I'm a passionate food lover, always excited to explore and try new and local food. Personally, I love Spanish tapas. The concept of enjoying a beer with a tasty tapa is wonderful. A very popular Galician tapas includes pulpo a feira (octopus, onion, paprika and olive oil) but my favorite one was the pulpo a vinagreta (marinated octopus). 

 

Another of my favourites is the famous Galician tapas, the pimiento de padron (grilled green peppers).  

 

Food and drinks are not expensive as most of the restaurants will probably be serving their ‘specials’ –also known as ‘menu del peregrino’ (pilgrims menus). It is usually 10 euros or less and includes an entrée, main and wine.

 

 

I regret not doing the full Camino all the way from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. I felt that I finished my Camino too quickly!  

 

While I began my journey from Leon, I recommend everyone considering starting from even earlier sections as you can choose from various points such as Burgos or Logrono. The Santiago walk is really flexible. You have the freedom to tailor your journey to your schedule. Just choose a start point and take your time. 

 

Buen Camino!