I was looking at some old photos this morning
and thought it might be fun
to write a bit about my very first Camino
in 2006.
Joe and I had traveled through Spain
a few years earlier during Semana Santa
and I remember the train ride
from Barcelona to southern Spain,
thinking,
"I'd love to walk this beautiful country!"
Then when I was diagnosed with MCS
and long distance walking was one option
for my therapy,
I began looking for walking trails in Spain
and found the Camino.
After much study and planning,
I decided to walk!
I asked my friend Joe
(we were partners at that time)
if he would be interested in walking with me,
and the trip was on!
We bought our gear, paid for our tickets,
and got ready to go.
We decided to visit Amsterdam, Wales, and Ireland, as well as Spain.
Once you're in Europe, the rest isn't so expensive.
Our family was concerned because of the Iraq crisis, but we weren't afraid.
I cut off all of my hair
so I wouldn't have to deal with it,
and off we went!
Our overloaded packs! |
Annie |
Joe |
Waiting for our plane |
We began our trip by flying to Amsterdam,
where we spent about a week exploring.
We stayed at The Shelter Hostal |
A very large dinner! |
One of our favorite sandwich spots near the train station |
The canal boats were so pretty |
One reason for our visit is the Ritman Hermetic Library |
Then there was this, which I'd never seen before in my life. |
After a few days in Amsterdam,
we carried on to visit friends in Wales.
Our friend, Jodye, picked us up in London
and drove us to Wales.
But first, we spent a night with her in London.
Jodye cooked us a lovely dinner
and was a sweet hostess.
Do NOT come into the kitchen! |
A lovely dinner! |
In Wales, we touristed about.
One of the highlights was our visit to a Holy Well.
The other was a surprise birthday party
for ME!
YAY!
And let me tell you something,
those Welsh girls can drink you under the table!
After our visit to Wales,
we returned with some of the ladies
to the Ritman Library in Amsterdam
to do a bit more study.
After a couple of days at the library,
we said our farewells,
and Joe and I took a little bike trip.
The Camino was getting closer...
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