Last night I attended an author talk that I have been eagerly looking forward to, since I heard he was coming to town. The author was John Brierley the author of A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago: St. Jean *Roncesvalles* Santiago
This guide book was my bible when I walked the Camino in 2013. I walked alone, so needed a comprehensive guidebook. Each night I would check the guide for the next day and follow Brierley’s suggestions for suitable albergues and other suggestions for the next day’s route.
After six weeks of being scrunched up in my crowded pack, my copy came home looking very much worse for wear, so I was happy to get a copy at the event, of the latest edition and have it signed by the author.
I came home feeling proud of myself, once again, for completing the Camino, alone and without incident. But I was also feeling a little sad that I probably won’t be able to have this experience again. I rate the Camino as one of the highlights of my life.
i was expecting the talk to be about the practicalities of walking the Camino. But his talk was more focused on the spiritual aspect of the Camino. It wasn’t what I had expected but I enjoyed it all the same.
After the talk, we were told about a local Camino group, who meet monthly, which I hadn’t known about. I will probably attend one of their meetings. I have rarely talked about the Camino to anyone, other than here on the blog, so it would be great to meet up with people who have experienced it.
The attendees at the event were very excited to have the opportunity to listen to John Brierley as he is very well known to those with an interest in the Camino Pilgrimage Walk. Our city was very lucky to have him visit and speak to us on his very limited speaking tour of Australia.
Image: Pic Collage
*albergue – Type of accommodation, similar to use hostels, where pilgrims are able to stay for very low cost or a donation.
I love that there’s a Camino group. While each of your Camino’s will have been different, the experience is, I’m sure, one that anyone who hasn’t done it can’t really understand fully. #MLSTL
I’m looking forward to catching up with the local Camino group Jo. Thanks again for visiting
Hi, Jennifer – I must confess that I am more than a tad jealous. John’s book was my bible as well on my Caminos. I would love to meet him in person. Perhaps he would like to give a talk in Vancouver or Vancouver Island. If so, I will totally be there! 😀 #MLSTL
You would have loved listening to him Donna. Hope you get to do so one day
Hi Jennifer – this must have been a wonderful opportunity for you to remember all that the trail meant to you at the time you walked it. I think connecting with that Camino group sounds like a great idea.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
It was a great opportunity Leanne. Thanks for visiting once again
Such a great achievement Jen and I would love to do something like this. Also, it would be a great opportunity to hear others’ stories about their experience and also share your own. Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and have a great week. x
Thanks Sue. And thanks for visiting again
What a fascinating talk that must have been. So glad you had that experience and even better, found fellow Caminoites(?)
Caminoites? I love it.