Michelle in Finnesterre with bronzed Camino Boot
Dear Fellow Pilgrim Travelers,
Since my return from the Camino de Santiago, numerous people have approached me seeking assistance on how they can prepare for their Camino. They might not have the hours, weeks, months, or patience to research and read numerous forums. Because of my gifts in training (I am a corporate software analyst & trainer), making the complex seem simple, with a deep passion to help others, this web site was born for them… and for you. I found my calling in coaching pilgrims to walk their Camino, condensed into just what you need to know.
The Camino Chronicles is my Camino journal recollecting my daily walks during this month-long journey. The posts were originally written on an iPhone and published to Facebook once I checked into pilgrim hostels (alburgues) each day. Numerous friends forwarded my Facebook posts to their friends, family, and coworkers. Even a dear friend read my daily adventures to her father in the hospital. I was so touched by the outpouring of love and graciousness, and have since enhanced these posts to add more personal life lessons and Camino tips. I hope you enjoy the remembrance of my Camino journey – it is raw, honest and heartfelt.
A little bit about me and how I got to the Camino…
My love of travel and adventure began as a kid. Since I was five years old, I wanted to be a flight attendant (travel) and a teacher (train). Also, my gift of observation helped me become a worldwide traveler who sees beauty in all cultures and places around the world. I was once given stationery that stated, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.” – Saint Augustine. This is one of my mottos in life!
One item on my “Bucket List” was to walk the 500 miles (800 kilometers) trek across the Spanish northern Iberian peninsula, called the Camino de Santiago (Francés route). As the stars would align, I was between software projects (my day job), was reminded of the walk by watching the movie, “The Way,” read an excerpt of Andrew McCarthy’s book, “The Longest Way Home,” and knew this was something I should do NOW. I wanted to walk in October since I live in Arizona and know the challenges of hiking in the heat. Lastly, this was something I hoped to accomplish before I turned 50. The time was as good as it got! I guess the “Camino Gravity” pulled me in and I couldn’t resist.
I am more than grateful for walking the Camino, and more importantly, sharing this life-changing experience with all my friends and fellow travelers. You go into the Camino as one person and walk out as another. By the way, this is a good thing. 🙂
I hope you find great value in the information I provide, and that my advice will guide you and encourage you in your adventure of a lifetime!
Buen Camino,
Michelle & Your Camino Concierge Team