Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A Modern Day Pilgrimage - Camino de Santiago

Santiago de Compostela

In Spain we have a very famous saying “ Con pan y vino se anda el camino,” -  “With bread and wine, you can walk your path.” – which means that all you need to keep moving forward is bread and wine. This saying makes reference to the Camino de Santiago, “Way of St. James”, which is a very famous pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia (northwestern Spain), where apostle Saint James is believed to be buried.

During medieval times, the Way of St. James was considered one of the three most important Christian pilgrimages. Still today, thousands of Christian pilgrims and travelers from all over the world, make their way down this route either on foot, bicycle, and even on horseback.

On the way to Santiago

According to tradition, it is said that completing the pilgrimage is the beginning of the next journey, which leads to eternal life. But many people view the Camino as a way to get in shape, enjoy the outdoors, and travel without spending more than 14 Euros a day – including lodging! No matter what your reason for completing this long and challenging route, you can find meaning in the experience and enjoy the community and solidarity that you can only find along the Camino.

If you have a few weeks to become a modern day pilgrim, I highly recommend it. And when you arrive in Galicia, don’t forget to celebrate with a nice, refreshing glass of Montecillo “Verdemar” Albariño from Rias Baixas!

Buen Camino, happy journey!

- Rocio.

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