For a very specific reason my motto became:
While you can see, you must look.
While you can walk, you must walk.
While you can run, you must run.
As time goes by, the ability to do these these things diminish, thus do it while you can.
Often we get asked this question: Why on earth do you want to walk the Camino?
Very often the ones that ask the question is a bit negative towards the idea, but let me hasten to say, I can totally associate with the feeling behind the question. Not so long ago I myself was in that state of mind, questioning the rationale behind going all the way to Spain for a hike.
So why do we want to walk the Camino?
- Because I can still walk and I can still see. The sights are for free, just for the taking, for those who will lift up their eyes and can see.
- Because, as our teacher preached, your life are shaped by other people. On the Camino you will meet other people. All in an environment that are conductive to hear what they see, to hear what they say, why they do it, what they feel (maybe), to take the good from what you hear and let it shape you.
- Because, at this stage of my life, it is still a doable adventure. Gone are the days of carrying a big backpack filled with all you need, for days on end. Now, a cappuccino in the next town will be just fine.
- Because I need something to look forward to, something to get exited about, something to do that are out of the ordinary daily routine.
- Because it is an environment geared to the needs of walkers, or pilgrims if you want.
- Because, for us on the wrong side of the exchange rate, it is an affordable way to experience a foreign country.
That is why.
To answer the opinion that you can do it here in our lovely country, my reaction is yes, there are some walks or trails here, but you must book long in advance and then it is a fixed itinerary that comes at a healthy price tag. Also to walk long distances on public roads in our lovely country is not that safe, especially if you carry stuff with you.
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