The start of the NYC Camino Community

I recently realized that of all the places, New York City doesn't have a community group dedicated to connecting past and future Camino de Santiago pilgrims together.  Someone may occasionally do a presentation at REI on the story of their camino, but that's the extent of a Camino Community in NYC.   So while I was stuck home with a cold this weekend, I've decided to start a local MeetUp group dedicated to connecting fellow Camino travelers.  Three days after going live, we have about 40 members who have showed interest in joining our group and sharing their Camino stories with fellow travelers, and have two scheduled events coming up in April (6 & 13).  

If you life in the New York (or the Tri-State area), and are interested in learning more, have traveled along the Camino before or planning to walk sometime in the future, than come join our community.   This will be a place where we can share our stories, listen to advice from those who have walked, and keep the spirit of the Camino alive in New York. 

Here is the link to our group - http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Pilgrims-of-the-Camino-de-Santiago/

Buen Camino!

Nina

A brilliant idea for a Donation Button

During my recent visit to see the lovely LeSauvage family, not only did I get to spend the day with Melissa & little Avery, I also got some free tech support for this blog. 

Jeff had a brilliant idea to set up a donation fund on the blog, and even volunteered to help me with all the set up and the design of the button. 

Thanks a million Jeff, not only for spending your free time and figuring out how to do this, but also for being the first one to donate to the fund and for the unlocked phone so that I can save some money and stay connected while in Spain!  It was such a pleasure to spend the day with the three of you. 

So for all my friends out there who were thinking of getting me a birthday present this year, I'm going to make it easy for you... Instead of asking me what I want or need, just click on the "Donate to My Camino Fund" button on the side of the blog, and donate to my Camino Survival Fund :-)

For the Tired Little Piggies

Since my feet are  always cold, they will now stay nice and toasty at night on the Camino.  How adorable are these ;-)

Thanks for the fluffy socks Paul! I am sure my tired piggies will be very thankful to you after a long day's walk.

The first letter for my Camino

The first letter for my Camino arrived in the mail today from my dear friend Michelle.  

Dear Michelle,  

First let me say Thank You! for taking the time to write me a letter.  I can not wait to read what you have wrote.  To honor you being the first person to send me a letter, yours will be the first one to be opened on the day I wake up in Leon and start my journey.  I look forward to sharing that first day's journey with you.

Hugs & Kisses,
- Nina   

The Pilgrim Credentials have Arrived

What a nice surprise to come home on a Friday night, open my mailbox and discover that my Credencial del Peregrino has arrived.  The back of this little book remind you what the spirit of the Camino is all about. 

Spirit of the Camino

"Live in the moment. Welcome each day - its pleasures and its challangers.  Make others feel welcome.  Share. Feel the spirit of those who have gone before you. Imagine those who will follow you.  Appreciate those who walk with you today."

With aech passing day, I am becoming more and more excited about this journey. 

-Nina

The day I turn 30

As I was reading about the stages of the Camino that I will be walking, I realized that on the day of my big 3-0 I'll be walking between Rabanal del Camino and Molinaseca.  Aside from having the rolling hills ahead of you with what I hear (or reather read) is an amazing scenery that aids in the contemplation of ultimate life questions, there is also this cross with the rocks there, that for many is a big deal while walking the Camino.   I am not quite sure whether I will take a rock with me from home to leave here, or pick one up along the way, but I guess one way or another that decision will be reached by June 12th.   Here is a brief summary on the significance of the cross and the rocks.  

  

Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca

Total distance: 25 km  

As you leave the village you pass what remains of the church and hospital built by Gaucelmo. After a short while, approximately 1 km, you come to the road again where you turn left and about 300 metres later you come to the top of Monte Irago and the Cruz de Ferro (iron cross).

Where the cross is now located is thought to have originally been an altar built to the Roman god Mercury, whereas some stories say that it is where the Celts worshiped, either way the origins were pagan. The cross is believed to have been placed here in the 11th century by Gaucelmo.

Traditionally pilgrims have left a rock here, whether picked up along their journey or brought all the way from their homeland. Some of the rocks that have been left here contain little messages to loved ones or the name of the pilgrim’s home town. In the holy year of 1982 the little Ermita de Santiago, that you see close by, was built. There is also now a huge sundial on the floor where you provide the shadow in order to tell the time.

Source: http://www.galiciaguide.com/Stage-25.html