(This post was written after I concluded my first Camino experience, May 2019)
I am including some pictures and descriptions here of resources that have been helpful to me along my Camino journey. Once you begin to explore the Camino de Santiago, you will see that there are loads of inspiring and practical resources written by pilgrims through the years. Buen Camino, mis peregrinos!
1. I bought two small notebooks that were small enough to fit into my waist pack. In one, I wrote or taped in lyrics to songs, Scripture, and meaningful quotes that had been important to me in the preparing months before my Camino. I wanted to have them available on the Camino. The second notebook was my journal for the trip.
2. I read three books prior to my trip to Spain: Walk in a Relaxed Manner by Joyce Rupp. I could read this book over and over again. Fumbling: A Pilgrimage Tale of Love, Grief, and Spiritual Renewal Along the Camino de Santiago by Kerry Egan. Egan’s writing is brilliant. Wisdom Walking: Pilgrimage as a way of Life by Gil Stafford. Gil served as my spiritual director for a season, and he is the one who emphasizes life as pilgrimage.
3. The two guidebooks with maps and tips that I took with me in my backpack were A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés) by John Brierley and Sarria to Santiago Guide to Walking the Last 100 Km of the Camino Frances by M.J. McCarthy. After showering at my albergue each day, I would take some time to journal, look through photos, and read my guide books/maps to preview the following day.
4. TED Talk (18 min.): A man pushes his friend who is confined to a wheelchair the entire way of the Camino Francés.
5. “The Way” is a 2010 movie of one man’s journey along the Camino Francés. Starring Martin Sheen. Here’s the trailer.
6. Social Media: I joined two Facebook groups that I love: Central Iowa Chapter: American Pilgrims on the Camino (public group), and Pilgrimage in Place (public facebook group). Each of these pages offers so many more documentaries, interviews, books, personal stories, and Camino tips.
On my bookshelf “to read”: The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago by Russ Eanes and Returning from Camino by Alexander John Shaia
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