This cover has drawn some attention for various reasons. For starters you have this gangly, freakishly tall, middle-aged male posing in a quite chummy way with a strikingly attractive Caucasian girl. The mountainous backdrop is also arresting. “What nationality is that … Continue reading
http://francistapon.com/Travels/Spain-Trails/10-Reasons-Why-El-Camino-Santiago-Sucks Francis Tapon has written a provocative article entitled, (Ten Reasons Why El Camino Sucks). First, let me affirm that the article was well written; I applaud him for speaking exactly what was on his mind. Having said that, I strongly … Continue reading
Hey man, is there any way you can come hike with me on the Appalachian Trail?” I anxiously asked all my close friends. “No, I’ve gotta’ work,” was the response I invariably received. “Well, how bout’ just going for a … Continue reading
I’m often asked–what nationalities will you see the most of on the Camino de Santiago? It is a very good and interesting question. For starters, you will see absolutely every nation BUT ONE well represented on the Camino. That nation … Continue reading
“Believe it or not, 500,000 pilgrims per year used to walk the Camino de Santiago,” I tell people. “And that’s when Europe’s population was 10% of what it now is.” What I was describing was the medieval pilgrimage to Santiago … Continue reading
Two times I have zeroed in on Santiago de Compostela for the July 25th Holy Day celebrations. In both cases, the number of people rushing to get to this apostolic mecca was overwhelming. Those who have read my Camino narrative, … Continue reading
“Hey, I would actually like to try doing the pilgrimage (Haj) to Mecca.” “But they will not allow you?” a nearby priest said. “Why?” “You have to be Islamic,” he informed me. My 18 year-old nephew and I were zeroing … Continue reading
“You did the Camino?” I registered my surprise. “Yes, twice,” my Danish hiking partner said. “But you said religion is a silly American thing.” “Yes, but the Camino is really the European Divorcee Trail.” European Divorcee Trail! Is he kidding? … Continue reading
The business of drawing up a budget for something as extensive as the Camino de Santiago is necessarily a fraught enterprise. The stark thruth is that there are many variables. Nonetheless, it is a necessary task. “An American pilgrim can do … Continue reading
At a recent packed meeting of the western North Carolina Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino, the presenter asked for a show of hands as to how many pilgrims were walking the Camino in the spring, summer,a nd fall … Continue reading