We started our Camino on April 2023 in St. Jean Pied de Port, France. It was the start of a 800 km adventure. At the first albergue (hostel) we stayed there was a hospitalero (the person who runs the hostel) by the name of Eric. He gave us one of the best pieces of advice we could receive as new perigrinos (pilgrims). It was simple, "Remember, it's your Camino."
He went on to explain what this meant. You walk it at your own pace. You can go as fast or as slow as you desire. The book for the Camino Frances route that we chose list 33 stages, each stage possible to do in a day, each stage anywhere from 18-30 km approximate. Many people chose to do the Camino in these 33 stages. Many do not. You can complete the Camino all at once or take as many years as you like to complete it.
It's your Camino.
When you first start to walk it's possible to walk as long as you want and then search for an albergue to stay in. Others prefer to book a bed prior to that day. It's your Camino. You can stay in a albergue for as little as 6 - 15 euros a night. That may mean sleeping on a bunk bed with possibly 30 or 40 people around you. Or you can book private rooms for considerably more.
It's your Camino.
You can eat at many cafes along the way or often at the albergue for a pilgrim meal. Or you can purchase bread, meat, cheese, soup, vegetables or whatever and make your own meals. Many albergues have kitchens so the sky's the limit.
It's your Camino.
You can carry your backpack every day or you can have the backpack transported to the next albergue to pick up when you arrive.
It's your Camino.
You can walk with walking sticks or not.
It's your Camino.
It's your Camino is such a freeing notion. There is no competition. There is no right way or a wrong way. There is no race to be completed. There is no one to impress.
The only person you have to answer to is yourself.
It's your Camino.
- Tony
