General

How lessons from a pilgrimage can help us with the COVID 19 pandemic

Facebook Twitter We are currently in the midst of one of the greatest upheavals our world has recently witnessed. In just a few short weeks the Coronavirus went from something that was causing ructions in parts of China to a pandemic that has shut our schools, businesses and turned all our lives upside down. Many of us are now without work or a daily routine, the economy is collapsing all around us, and we don't have any real idea of when we'll ever get back to normal, or even what normal will be when this all ends. And this is…

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What you find on the Camino

Many people walk the Camino looking for answers. They may be looking for guidance about the next stage in their life, they may be grieving the loss of a loved one, they may be trying to resolve a dilemma in their relationship, or they may be looking for a profound spiritual or religious experience. Or they may just want the head space that a long walk offers. Walking 800 KM to Santiago may or may not solve all your problems. It may give you insights that will help you along your journey in life, and it may assist you in…

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Thoughts on Starting a New Camino

Facebook The Cathedral in Santiago Deciding to walk the Camino de Santiago can be quite a daunting challenge. Although a veteran of four caminos, opting to go on another still raises many concerns and anxieties, which no amount of preparation can allay. I am about to embark on the Via de la Plata, a 1000 KM trek from Sevilla, in Spain's southern province of Andalucia, to the city of Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern region of Galicia. This is the longest of the caminos, which leads through some of the most isolated parts of the Iberian peninsula, where the…

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The Centre of the Universe

A bend in the road I've viewed New York from the top of the Empire State Building, and Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. I've walked along the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, seen the sunrise over Cappadocia from a hot air balloon, looked up in wonder at the Hollywood Sign, and jostled through the crowds at the Taj Mahal. I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel far and wide, and to brush up against locations that have come to symbolise the world's collective sense of hope, awe, beauty and wonder. NYC is the…

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Rules For Life

Look both ways when crossing the road Everyone is producing their rules for life these days. Each set of prescriptions provides guidance and direction to one group of people, while generating major outrage and excoriation from others. I don't need to mention any names here. Anyway, these are my rules for life. You may find some of them useful, some of them difficult to follow, others utterly pointless and bizarre. Take what you want from them, or ignore them altogether. Your comments and feedback are welcome, within reason.  1. GET UP AT THE SAME TIME EVERY MORNING The most productive…

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The Spanish Steps

Facebook Night time in the city of Barcelona It was a warm Friday evening in Barcelona, and a sultry air swept in from the Mediterranean. The Catalan capital was psyching itself up for another exuberant weekend. All the way up and down the Ramblas bars and cafes were starting to fill with revellers and socialites. Passeig de Gracia, the city's most elegant thoroughfare, was teeming with locals and tourists, all pounding the pavement of this exciting metropolis in search of fun and festivity. The residents of this town worked hard all week. Every morning at 8am the Metro was thronged…

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