Turistas Manden, Peregrinos Agradecen: A North of Spain Walking Journal

By Cristina Florentina Braia

As I have always sought for new adventures, in April 2013 I did my first pilgrimage in Spain, Camino Frances, walked approximately 550 km in 19 days, starting from Burgos, and finishing it in Finisterre,Galicia.
Besides the physical challenge, it was an interesting life experience as well, which helped me grow and getting to know myself better; but due to the “fiesta” atmosphere I was surrounded by, I then said that one day I’ll come back and do it differently.
So here I was, six years later, at a crossroad of my life, a good time of introspection and important decisions, when I chose to go on the Camino del Norte: a walk on the Atlantic coast of Spain, harder than Camino Frances due to change in elevation and high altitudes, but sending its pilgrims in the middle of the most magnificent nature, cities rich of history and breath-taking landscapes.
What is “Camino”?
For you to understand the meaning of “El Camino de Santiago” or “The Way of Saint James”, we have to go back in time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cristina Florentina Braia
• Release date: Oct 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9789730305456

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Turistas Manden, Peregrinos Agradecen: A North of Spain Walking Journal

Turistas Manden, Peregrinos Agradecen

A North of Spain Walking Journal

Bucharest, 2019

Copyright © 2019 by Cristina Florentina Braia

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

First Printing: October 2019

ISBN 978-973-0-30545-6

Felicia Racovita Street, no 14

Bucharest, Romania, 050497

[e-mail]

August 2019

To Colin, for our spiritual journey together.

INTRODUCTION

As I have always sought for new adventures, in April 2013 I did my first pilgrimage in Spain, walked approximately 550 km in 19 days, starting from the city of Burgos, and finishing it in Finisterre, Galicia, said to be the westernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula.

Besides the physical challenge, it was an interesting life experience as well, which helped me grow and getting to know myself better; but due to the fiesta, party atmosphere I was surrounded by, I then said that one day I’ll come back and do it differently.

So here I was, six years later, at a crossroad of my life, a good time of introspection and important decisions, when I suddenly remembered the sound of my steps while walking through centuries old villages and farms, on early quiet mornings that had the scent of rain and hope. Camino Frances gave me one of the most serene feelings I have ever experienced before.

It was the perfect moment to go back, and this time I chose Camino del Norte: a walk on the Atlantic coast of Spain, harder than Camino Frances due to change in elevation and high altitudes, but sending its pilgrims in the middle of the most magnificent nature, cities rich of history and breath-taking landscapes.

What is Camino?

For you to understand the meaning of El Camino de Santiago or The Way of Saint James, we have to go back in time.

ANNO DOMINI 33 AND SAINT APOSTLE JAMES

According to the Bible, after the death of Jesus Christ, with their initial instructions to heal the sick and drive out the demons, His closest followers, the Apostles, started preaching the Gospel to all the Nations.

There were 12 Original Apostles + Matthias (replacement to Judas) + Paul + Mary Magdalene. Out of 15, 1 was lost forever (Judas), 9 were foreign missionaries and church planters who became martyrs, 4 were local missionaries in Jerusalem/Judea, and 1 was allegedly put into a boat without sails or oars, by the Jews, but ended evangelizing south of France.

From the Greek word apóstolos, literally being translated with I send/depart from, the Apostles Paul, Andrew, Peter, Bartholomew, James son of Alphaeus, James son of Zebedee or Jacob, John, Matthew, Philip, Simon the Canaanite, Judas, Thomas, Matthias and Mary Magdalene, were known as messengers of God, who during the 1st Century, each spread His word on different lands.

Saint James the Greater (with Great meaning older or taller, rather than more important) or Saint Jacob, son of Zebedee, together with his brother John, are described as the first disciples of Jesus Christ.

It is said that James, with his fiery temper for which he and his brother earned the nickname Sons of Thunder, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, started preaching the gospel in Spain, where he eventually became its patron saint.

According to ancient local tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to James on the 2nd