YOU on the Camino de Santiago

TURNING TRIALS INTO BLESSINGS Nidia from Utah, USA, shares her story of turning incredible trials into blessings, plus how and why she is preparing to walk the Camino Francés in 2024. Faith is a choice, she says, and life itself is a pilgrimage. Find out about the "power of gathering" and how religion can bring you peace. You will also hear another approach to visiting the Cruz de Ferro, or Cross of Iron on the Way. And when I asked for Nidia's questions about the Camino, she turned the tables and asked me how hosting the podcast has impacted my life. What a delight it was for me to explore that question!   WANT MORE TIPS ABOUT WALKING THE CAMINO? Get on my email list and you will be the first to know about the special holiday offer coming soon on my ultimate getting-started Camino programs. Plus, I will be in your inbox every Friday with more good stuff!  Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and look for the pop-up sign-up form (on computer) or scroll down the home page to find the sign-up form (on smartphone). Be sure to open the email I send and click on the button to get your Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists) and confirm your subscription.   READY FOR A WINTER WRITING RETREAT? Reserve your time at The Stone Boat guesthouse in Rabanal del Camino, directly on the Camino Francés path. Just you, your creative projects, the wood burning stove, and pilgrims walking past your window throughout the day. Find out more at: https://www.thestoneboat.com/ , menu tab "Writing Retreats." Or email Kim at hola@thestoneboat.com   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE?!?!? This is a question I frequently ask first-time pilgrims on the Camino Francés, as we walk together on this ancient pilgrimage path. Beebe Bahrami, author of the Moon Camino de Santiago guidebook knows the answer, and she shares the history, culture, and context of the Camino Francés in her beautiful guide to sacred sites, historic villages, and local food and wine. In this episode: What is the real history of the Cruz de Ferro, or Iron Cross? What's this about a stone boat? What does it mean when someone wishes a pilgrim "buen Camino"? Why did Beebe write this guidebook?   Discover Beebe's Bahrami's library of published books, available at your local bookstore and online:  >> Moon Camino de Santiago: Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine  >> The Way of the Wild Goose: Three Pilgrimages Following Geese, Stars, and Hunches on the Camino de Santiago  >> Spiritual Traveler Spain: A Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrim Routes And more . . . WANT MORE TIPS ABOUT WALKING THE CAMINO? Get on my email list and I will be in your inbox every Friday with more good stuff! Go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and look for the pop-up sign-up form (on computer) or scroll down the home page to find the sign-up form (on smartphone). Be sure to open the email I send and click on the button to get your Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists) and confirm your subscription.   FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY ON THE CAMINO FRANCÉS Here are the favorite places we talked about in this episode:  >> Albergue Acacio y Orietta, in Viloria de Rioja  >> El Puente Peregrino, in Trabadelo  >> Casa Susi, in Trabadelo   READY FOR A WINTER WRITING RETREAT? Reserve your time at The Stone Boat guesthouse in Rabanal del Camino, directly on the Camino Francés path. Just you, your creative projects, the wood burning stove, and pilgrims walking past your window throughout the day. Find out more at: https://www.thestoneboat.com/ , menu tab "Writing Retreats." Or email Kim at hola@thestoneboat.com   Related: Check out Beebe Bahrami's website for all her works: https://beebebahrami.weebly.com/   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

BECOMING A PILGRIM WHILE ON THE CAMINO After completing the Camino from Sarria to Santiago, Paul from Ireland is getting ready to do the Camino Primitivo the fast way. This isn't for everyone, and it brings up some good questions, like:  >> What is a pilgrim?  >> Do you have to be a pilgrim to "do" the Camino?  >> Is it possible to become a pilgrim?  >> Whose opinion matters here? We also talk about finding spirituality along the Way, what you need to know about the weather, and a few top experiences in Santiago.   WALK WITH ME IN 2024! Only four spots left in my May 2024 Camino Experience group! Find out more and grab your spot here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/   PLAN YOUR WINTER WRITING RETREAT ON THE CAMINO Tap into your creativity while staying at The Stone Boat guesthouse on Rabanal del Camino, with winter pilgrims passing right by your front door. Learn more at https://www.thestoneboat.com/   HOW TO "PRE-BOOK" YOUR COMPOSTELA In order to get your Compostela once you reach Santiago, complete the registration form on the website of the Pilgrim's Welcome Office. Once you submit your registration form, you will receive a QR code by email. Keep that email and show it to the person at the front door of the pilgrim's office when you arrive. They will then instruct you as to the next step. The most current Credenciales have a QR code that leads you to the registration webpage. If your Credencial doesn't have the code, follow this link: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/sigle-register/   Related: Learn more about the Celtic Camino in Ireland that we talked about in this episode: https://www.caminosociety.ie/celtic-camino-v1   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

HOLA FROM THE CAMINO FRANCÉS !!! Coming to you "live" from Sarria on the Francés route, where I am meeting up with pilgrim Maurice, who was my guest in episode 12 from season two. In this episode I share tips from the trail. Here is what we are going to be talking about:  >> How to stay safe when walking on the road  >> How to make sure you have the right size boots >> How to "condition" (not "train") for the Camino >> How to use trekking poles (?) correctly >> When to find food >> Another suggestion for a Camino guidebook   COACHING / MENTORING WITH NANCY Ready for some one-on-one, all about YOU on the Camino time? Now available: Camino Coaching with Nancy. Learn more on my website, https://thecaminoexperience.com/. Look for the COACHING menu tab. Or, send me an email to youonthecamino@gmail.com Can't wait to hear from YOU!   THE CAMINO FRANCÉS GETTING STARTED AUDIO GUIDE Is it time for you to make your Camino dream a reality? I can help you get from your front door to Saint Jean Pied de Port and on to Santiago de Compostela - without missing a step. The Camino Frances Getting Started Audio Guide takes you step by step, from where you are now to your dream of walking the Camino Francés.   ANOTHER FABULOUS CAMINO PODCAST Have you found Leigh Brennan's podcast, The Camino Cafe? Leigh started her podcast during the pandemic, to bring isolated pilgrims together in a time when we couldn't walk the Camino. Three years later, she has interviewed dozens of pilgrims, each with a unique and interesting story. I had the pleasure of being a guest on Leigh's podcast in February 2023. Here is the link for that. And here is the link for our fun 20 Camino questions episode.   BECOME A TREKKING POLE EXPERT Here are two videos to show you how to use the straps on your trekking poles to their best benefit. The second video also shows you other tips and tricks for getting the most out of your poles. Jayah Faye Paley of Adventure Buddies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOQFPL2lpMY Dr Guylene Gigi Tree, the Perpetual Pilgrim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzLF3_0550g   Related: Meet pilgrim Maurice, as he was getting ready for his first pilgrimage on the Camino Francés. . #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

BEST ALBERGUE EXPERIENCES ON THE CAMINO FRANCÉS! What makes an albergue the "best"? Find out what pilgrim Chad says about his top albergue experiences - and he names names! Here are the albergues and other places we mention in this episode: Hostel Suseia - The pilgrim's home, Zubiri Albergue de Peregrinos Parroquial, Grañon Casa de Peregrinos Emaús, Burgos Casa Susi, Trabadelo Albergue Camino y Leyenda, Trabadelo El Puente Peregrino, Trabadelo The Stone Boat, Rabanal del Camino Hotel O semáforo de Fisterra Also hear a (good) man's perspective on women's safety on the Camino and learn the meaning of "Ultreia et Suseia."   WANT MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR CAMINO? Get on my email list! (And get your free copy of my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up on my website (https://thecaminoexperience.com/) or follow this link to go to the sign up page: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips   READY TO MAKE YOUR CAMINO DREAM A REALITY IN 2024? Find out how I help first time pilgrims go from idea to their first steps on the trail. On my website: https://thecaminoexperience.com/ Or go directly to: Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide The DIY-plus Camino Planning Program Walk With Me - Camino Experience Groups Related: Listen to my first conversation with Chad, from when he was getting ready to walk the Camino Francés. (Season 2, episode 18)   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

HOW HARD WERE YOU HIT BY THE PANDEMIC? Georgina openly shares her inspiring story of experiencing severe depression, how she found her way out, and how it led her to walk the Camino de Santiago - with just two weeks lead time! Join me for this courageous journey from the dark to the light, and up and over the mountain. And find out why you would include a visit to the pilgrims office when you are in Saint Jean Pied de Port.   GOT QUESTIONS? This podcast strives to answer many of your Camino questions, but how do you take the information here and apply it to your specific circumstances? Stop by my website to find out how I help pilgrims do that very thing. https://thecaminoexperience.com/   DID YOU SAY CAKE SHOP??? Here is the cake shop mentioned in this episode: Patiserrie Artizarra - Barbier Millox, 17 Rue d'Espagne, Saint Jean Pied de Port. Try their Chamontais cake. YUM. (Plus croissants, macarons, and other delicious French pastries.)   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast    

NOT "HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE", BUT . . . How long do you want to take? I keep coming back to this question as I help pilgrims get started on their first ever pilgrimages on the Camino Francés. My guest today is going to take what would be considered by many a very slow walk on the Camino, from Sarria to Santiago. But for Judith, she is making the pilgrimage that meets her needs and capabilities. Judith has booked her accommodations and luggage transport with The Natural Adventure. You can learn more about this company and what they offer with a simple internet search, or by following this link.   BOOKING BEDS AND ROOMS FOR 2024 When should you start making your own reservations for 2024? Find out in this episode, and then here are some websites for those walking the Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port.  >> Refuge Orisson: https://www.refuge-orisson.com/en  >> Auberge Borda: https://www.aubergeborda.com/en   LEARN HOW TO PLAN YOUR STAGES AND BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS With the Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide. Plus:  >> Highlights and cool places to stay on the Camino Francés  >> How to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port from your home  >> How to book flights, trains, buses, and taxis  >> How to use the guidebooks and apps to get the most out of your experience  >> How to pack for the trip you want to take  >>  . . . and so much more! Learn more at https://thecaminoexperience.com.   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

+ 2 REASONS NOT TO WALK THE ENTIRE FRANCÉS ROUTE Jamie and I have one unwanted thing in common: we both lost our Dad's recently. In this episode, Jamie shares why walking the Camino is the right thing for her to do during this time of grief. It is a story of love and friendship, as her best friend is joining her for the walk. We also cover a number of other topics. For example: >> Have you ever wondered how many people are on the Camino at any one time? (Hint: thousands) And of those, how many will you meet? >> What is the difference between an albergue and a pensión? >> Why am I having trouble finding available accommodations? >> Is it really best to walk the Camino alone? >> Do I really need to schedule rest days?   GET ON MY EMAIL LIST! Why? 1) To get your copy of my Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). 2) So I can let you know about upcoming FREE webinars 3) So you can vote on when I should hold those webinars 4) So you will be the first to know when I have new programs and offers just for you, the first-time pilgrim The sign up form is on my webpage:  https://thecaminoexperience.com/ (You might have to scroll down the page a bit.) Be sure to confirm your subscription by opening the email with the Tips and downloading the PDF, or you won't get any other emails from me. While you are on my website . . . Be sure to check out all the ways I help first-time pilgrims just like you!   BE A GUEST ON THIS PODCAST Let me know you're interested and share with me a bit about your story on this webpage: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/   Related: Here is the podcast episode I mentioned in this episode, the one on selecting your boots and socks and caring for your feet.   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

IS IT SAFE FOR A WOMAN TO WALK THE CAMINO ALONE? Have you thought about this, if it's safe for a woman to walk the Camino alone? Kathy wasn't wondering before she walked, but she sure found out about safety for female pilgrims on her walk across Spain on the del Norte route. Pro-tip: Download the "AlertCops" app to your smartphone. (https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/publico/alertcops/en/) Here is a question Kathy probably was wondering about: What, exactly, does "the Camino provides" mean? Have you heard that phrase? Kathy found out pretty quickly what that means. She'll tell you all about it in this episode. We also talk at length about what albergues are really like and if you need to bring along a sleeping bag. Plus a couple more things - you'll see!   FREE WEBINAR! Coming up on Friday, September 15, 5pm, and Saturday, September 16, 9am (both California times). Topic: How long does it take to walk the Camino? Or, how long will YOU take to walk the Camino? Not in the US pacific time zone? No problem, here are some others: 5pm Friday in California is:  >> 8 PM US Eastern time zone  >> Saturday:  >> 1 AM in London and Dublin (sorry!)  >> 2 AM in Madrid (sorry!)  >> 8 AM in Taipei  >> 10 AM in Sydney  >> Noon in Auckland 9 AM Saturday in California is:  >> Noon PM US Eastern time zone  >> 5 PM in London and Dublin  >> 6 PM in Madrid  >> Sunday:  >> Midnight in Taipei (sorry!)  >> 2 AM in Sydney (sorry!)  >> 4 AM in Auckland (sorry!) The webinars will be held on Zoom. The only way to get the Zoom link is to join my email list. (Don't worry, I send only Camino-themed emails, and you may Unsubscribe at any time.) To join my email list, go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and scroll down to the sign up form for Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). You can also click here to sign up for my email list and get the Top 10 Camino Tips. Be sure to confirm your subscription by opening the email with the Tips and downloading the PDF, or you won't get any other emails from me.   ARE YOU WALKING THE CAMINO FRANCÉS? Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide. Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com   GOT QUESTIONS? I answer them all for my Camino Experience groups. Join me in Saint Jean Pied de Port and be one of the most confident pilgrims on the trail. Learn more at https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/.   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast  

THIS SEASONED TRAVELER EXPECTS TO GET LOST ON THE CAMINO! In fact, getting lost is all part of the experience and adventure for Sean from Leeds in the United Kingdom. It takes the fear right out of wandering the wrong way. Sean shares why he is taking just a week to walk the Camino, and why he chose the Inglés route instead of the final 100 kilometers of one of the longer routes. GOT QUESTIONS? I answer them all for my Camino Experience groups. Join me in Saint Jean Pied de Port and be one of the most confident pilgrims on the trail. Learn more at https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/. SAVE THE DATE! Free webinar coming up on Friday, September 15, 5pm, and Saturday, September 16, 9am (both California times). Topic: How long does it take to walk the Camino? Or, how long will YOU take to walk the Camino? Not in the US pacific time zone? No problem, here are some others: 5pm Friday in California is:  >> 8 PM US Eastern time zone  >> Saturday:  >> 1 AM in London and Dublin (sorry!)  >> 2 AM in Madrid (sorry!)  >> 8 AM in Taipei  >> 10 AM in Sydney  >> Noon in Auckland 9 AM Saturday in California is:  >> Noon PM US Eastern time zone  >> 5 PM in London and Dublin  >> 6 PM in Madrid  >> Sunday:  >> Midnight in Taipei (sorry!)  >> 2 AM in Sydney (sorry!)  >> 4 AM in Auckland (sorry!) The webinars will be held on Zoom. The only way to get the Zoom link is to join my email list. (Don't worry, I send only Camino-themed emails, and you may Unsubscribe at any time.) To join my email list, go to https://thecaminoexperience.com/ and scroll down to the sign up form for Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Be sure to confirm your subscription by downloading the Tips or you won't get any other emails from me. ARE YOU WALKING THE CAMINO FRANCÉS? Here is everything you need to get started, all in one place: The Camino Francés Getting Started Audio Guide. Or email Nancy for more information: youonthecamino@gmail.com   #youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast