Heading out

I checked in online this morning and have just dropped off my suitcase at Sydney airport! The checked in baggage situation is a very stark contrast to my last pilgrimage - my backpack weighed in atRead more
Abu Dhabi

Just landed in Abu Dhabi. It was a good flight but long. It's around 11:30 pm here. The smoking room is at the back of a bar. Next stop Madrid!
Madrid

Just got to Madrid, caught a little tube train thing to the exit (Terminal 4), and have made my way to the bus to take me to Terminal 2 for my flight to Bilbao. I am having my first coffee (Cafe conRead more
Day -2 - Bilbao

I arrived in Bilbao around midday. I walked around quite a bit this afternoon and found the city to be very beautiful. I arrived with no preconceived ideas or knowledge as I was only interested in oneRead more
Day -1 - Bilbao

What a great day! I've walked 27kms as I made my way around the city and loved every minute of it. The map I used is threadbare. The Guggenheim exceeded expectations, and the day just got better fromRead more
Day 0 - Santiago to Sarria

I've just landed in Santiago airport and have hopped into the car that will take me to Sarria. I didn't see any pilgrims at the airport, but I did catch one sign.
Day 0 - Sarria

The drive from Santiago to Sarria was pleasant. It was mostly freeway at 120 klms an hour, and I recalled when I was driving in Montana and the speed limit on the freeway was 120 miles per hour! ItRead more
Day 1 - Sarria to Portomarin

I'm finally here. After all those years of thinking about and planning for a Camino; it's finally happening. There were so many of us pilgrims along the Way in the morning, and I have to be honest, itRead more
Day 2 - Portomarin to Eirexe

We headed out just before 8 a.m. in the dark into a very thick fog. The climb out of Portomarin was lovely, and we seemed to climb for the rest of the day (exhausting). The fog stayed around for ages,Read more
Day 3 - Eirexe to Porto de Bois

We left our accommodation very late this morning and did not start on our way until 9:45. It was quite a hot day, and I really appreciated the wood lined pathways. Not only are they beautiful, butRead more
Day 4 - O'Coto to Arzua

Our 3rd day, and the hottest, where we have had to walk in over 30 degree heat. Staff at the hotel said it wasn't even this hot in July! All the same, and even though I'm never good in the heat, theRead more
Day 5 - Arzua to Salceda

A very short walk today and in much cooler conditions 😄. Again, the Way was beautiful, with many tree lined pathways. We had a lovely foggy morning; always a nice way to start. My post yesterdayRead more
Day 6 - Salceda to Lavacolla

We left nice and early this morning before the sunrise and under a misty rain. The day overall was perfect walking weather, and I felt a sense of joy and excitement all day. Just outside of Brea, weRead more
Day 7 - Lavacolla to Santiago

I made it! What an adventure! Another dream has come true. There are so many things about today that were wonderful and incredible. Top of the list was attending the pilgrim mass in the Cathedral,Read more
Day 8 - Santiago

A very full day. Our group had an all day bus tour to Muxia, Finisterre, and a few other places. That was followed by our last communal mass, in a Franciscan chapel, our final dinner, and ending withRead more
Days 9 - 12 - Santiago (post Camino)

What a whirlwind! My time in Santiago was amazing, and, to be honest, a little overwhelming. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have made it to Santiago and to have completed my first Camino! TheRead more
Day 13 - Santiago to Barcelona (post Cam

I arrived in Barcelona this afternoon safe and sound having taken my fifth flight on this trip. My hotel is fabulous. I am on the top floor, and I can see the Sagrada Familia from my private balcony!Read more
Day 14 - Barcelona (post Camino)

What a day! Today, I experienced La Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) and Casa Mila, locally known as 'La Pedrera' (literally 'the stone' but named as such because the locals thought it looked like aRead more
Day 15 - Barcelona (post Camino)

Another lovely day in Barcelona. Today, I walked just over 25 km. My first stop was Park Guell (I was there for hours with masses of people), then, after chancing upon another of Gaudi's houses (CasaRead more
Day 16 - Montserrat (post Camino)

It is a public holiday in Spain today; they are celebrating both the Day of the Virgin of El Pilar and the day America was discovered. Today, I took a bus trip to Montserrat. We got to ride on theRead more
Day 17 - Girona and Figueres (post Cami

I took a very long bus trip today. We went to Girona to see a medieval township and to Figueres to experience the Theatre Museu Dali. We could also see the Pryenees from Figueres and therefore France.Read more
Day 18 - Barcelona (post Camino)

I've run myself ragged over the past five days, trying to fit everything in. So, today, I took it a lot easier. I visited the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Cathedral, and ended my evening at CasaRead more
On the way home: Heathrow

I woke this morning to a cloudy sky and experienced my first real rain in Spain - as I was taking one last walk around the streets. The flight from Barcelona to Heathrow was uneventful. Next stopRead more
On the way home: Singapore

I survived the 14 hour flight from London to Singapore. Qantas has less leg room than either Qatar or Etihad (and, just quietly, the man next to me had no boundry issues). We are getting off for aRead more
TravelerSafe travels, Carmel, looking forward to being a part of your amazing adventures
Carmel CarlsenThanks Sue 😊
TravelerSafe travels. Buen Camino. See you in Santiago.🤗
Carmel CarlsenSame here and thanks Ann.