“Hey, I would like to try the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca,” I said. “But I don’t think you are allowed to,” the priest informed me. “You have to be Muslim.” “Bummer.” My nephew Gavin and I were within a few … Continue reading
Category: Santiago de Compostela
“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
“Where is the best place to stay in Santiago?” That seems to be one of the perennial questions that pilgrims debate on their long sojourn to Santiago de Compostela. And it’s a good question. To be sure, pilgrims deal with … Continue reading
The Best Way–El Camino de Santiago, by Bill Walker, will be available for a free upload on Amazon Kindle both today and tomorrow, January 21, 22. This is the story of 6’11″ Bill Walker’s (Skywalker) pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in … Continue reading
Five hundred miles (800 kilometers) after beginning the principal Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims finally arrive at Plaza Obradoira in Santiago de Compostela. There they stare at the enormous Gothic Cathedral which is the end of the … Continue reading
“Is this your first time on the Camino?” is a frequently heard question that pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The other most common question is, “Why are you doing it?” Pilgrims are distinctly more fond of that first question. … Continue reading
The outdoor narrative, ‘The Best Way–El Camino de Santiago’ (2012), by Bill Walker, will be available for free upload on Amazon Kindle on Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23. This is a story of 6’11″ Bill Walker’s (‘Skywalker’) pilgrimage on … Continue reading
“What nationality can I expect to meet the most of on the Camino?” people often ask me. Good question. From medieval times, there have traditionally been more French than any other nationality on the Camino. This makes sense. “Catholicism in … Continue reading
Ryan Air, the mom and pop Irish airline, plays a key role in forming the inimitable culture of Camino de Santiago. Those of you fortunate enough to have trekked on the Camino know that it is the ultimate European activity. … Continue reading