So, because this is the ‘meandering mouse’ blog, and having that title, it has something of a reputation to uphold…. and quite frankly everyone can see my failings at making my blog interesting (or updating it at all) while back at home and working….. And, let’s be honest, reading about meandering in Ottawa would lose its charm quite quickly… I’ve decided to spice it up a few notches. I’m going meandering again. In Europe. Yes, again… But wait! There is a twist…. I’m going only with one piece of carry-on luggage: a backpack. I’m flying to France, and walking. Yes, walking, over the Pyrenees and into Spain. I’m about to embark on an 800km (yup that’s right. 800) leg of an ancient pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago de Compostella, in northern Spain, from east to west. The section I will be walking is called the Camino Frances. Many pilgrims walk this path alone or with a buddy, and come from all over the world to experience this spiritual path….
Traditionally this is a Catholic Pilgrimage. Why am I going on a catholic pilgrimage? Not only do I have a Jewish heritage, I’m really not the slightest bit religious. So, I guess the short answer to that question is… I don’t know. Long answer: I’ve been wanting to do it since I first heard of it! I love the idea of the physical challenge of an 800km personal quest. A want to experience a simple life, with just the essentials on your back. None of these commodities we’ve become so dependent on… Just me, my shoes, my pack and my camino. To experience the words that have so often proven their truth in my life: We don’t need “things” to make us happy, we make our own fate, and the world is wild and beautiful when you follow your heart.
So lately my preoccupations have been figuring out the right balance of supplies and clothes to bring with me on this pilgrimage, walking all over the place as much as I can, and lastly, ironing out the next steps of my life once I complete the Compostella.
I’m hoping to post a log along the way, with photos or at least references to them so I can add them later on. I can also post a map so you can follow me along while I walk over the mountains and across Northern Spain.
Anyway, I’m excited and glad that my blog is once again going to suit its name, and once again get a little more interesting for you to read :)
Talk soon,
Mouse
