As I embark as a pilgrim on the famous Camino de Santiago, I have the privilege of returning to Pamplona, Spain. 3 years ago, on July 13, 2013, I came to Pamplona for the Festival de San Fermin & to Complete Bucket List Item #13 Running of the Bulls. It was a great adventure filled with 1st time experiences like going to Spain, meeting people from Australia & New Zealand, Running of the Bulls, travelling Solo, and many others. Though this time…
The scallop shell (in Spanish: concha de Vieira) has, over the past centuries become the recognized official symbol of the famed Camino de Santiago. It can be seen throughout the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Sometimes it is engraved on posts, sometimes painted on signs, and through some of the more populated areas, as part of their official street signs or emblazed into the road. This has been done throughout most of the Camino in order to guide pilgrims along the way. Not only is the scallop a…
A pilgrimage is when a traveler, typically on foot, journeys to a holy place of special significance, usually to a particular religious belief. As they walk to this church, shrine, or location of importance, the pilgrim will often find that the route in itself becomes a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth. So, where does the 490 mile walk of the Camino de Santiago take a pilgrim? What shrine or location of importance is found through this experience? Does the pilgrim have to pray and…
For the last several months, I have often been asked, “Where is your next adventure?” My reply has been, “I am going on Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago!” This is then always followed up with, “Why are you going on Pilgrimage? Are you a Pilgrim?” My Answer: “Am I a Pilgrim? I don’t know!” “Why am I walking the Camino? I am not sure.” According to Wikipedia a pilgrim (from the Latin peregrinus) “is a traveler (literally one who has come from afar)…
“What would be your walk up to bat music?” This was the question posed to me and several others at a New Orleans Zephyrs minor league baseball game on a beautiful mid June night at the Shrine on Airline. Most of the others came up with interesting or fun song titles but I suddenly went blank! I sat there pondering this question for the rest of the game while critiquing the current batters choices as they came up to bat wondering why on…
Have you ever dreamed of going on a wild African Safari? Hell Yeah! Oxford Dictionary defines a Safari as “an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa.” Growing up reading Zoo Books has inspired many to follow in the footsteps Hemingway or President Roosevelt and fulfill their dream of going on safari. Who wouldn’t want to take such an epic adventure? What prevents people from doing so? Well, usually it is the cost and time to travel to Africa…
I think I need to take a little walk! Every year around mid January, I sit around and contemplate about what I want to accomplish in the coming year, especially with the Bucket List Project. I compare what I have been wanting to do versus what is going on in my life. Then I make out a very raw outline (as seen at My Hopes & Goals of 2016) and share it with everyone. Personally, I love it when I finally…