Telling our stories is such an important part of the Camino experience, and it starts long before we take our first steps on the trail.

My guest this week, Eden, does an amazing job of showing just how important the pre-Camino story is. And she shows us that pilgrimage isn’t just about the pilgrim; rather, it touches the lives of everyone who knows you are going to make this journey. You’ll see.

There’s more to it, too. Eden reminds us that walking the Camino is so much more than the physical walk. So getting ready to walk the Camino can’t be all about packing and getting the right backpack and boots and other gear. It also has to be about getting ready mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

This is a story of courage, on several fronts. I hope you enjoy it!

I am always looking for compelling stories to share on this podcast. Right now I am looking to talk with people who have walked more than one Camino and who can share about their experiences bringing the Camino home.

Let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Life can be challenging at times, but what do you do when those tough times come at you rapid fire, one thing right after the next?

You walk the Camino.

Life: no small feat

The Camino: no small feat

Pilgrim Kristen will be walking with one of her best friends, and they intend to walk an "entire Camino." Find out why, along with some solid inspiration to make this journey your own.

Here are the shows Kristen talked about in the interview:

Rick Steves' Europe on YouTube

Alex Polizzi's Secret Spain on YouTube

Alex Polizzi's Spectacular Spain on YouTube

Here is the poem she shared:

I Will Leave This House, by Joseph Auslander

The Camino Experience has some exciting things coming your way soon. If you would like to be the first to know about them, join my email list and grab your free copy of my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast

Today I have some updates on the pilgrim registration requirements and for the Francés route:

>> updates to the luggage transport services >> new places to buy gear, and >> where to find the best pizza

And then my favorite topic:

>> How do we deal with the hardest part of the entire Camino experience?

>> How do we fill our lives with what I call Camino-grade experiences?

To jump ahead to this part of the episode, when I talk about bringing home the Camino experience, go to the 14:20 minute mark.

Here are the places mentioned in this episode:

>> Caminoteca pilgrim shop: https://caminoteca.com/

>> Rock N Roll Pizza: https://rockandrollpizza.es/

>> Jacotrans, use discount code DAG: https://www.jacotrans.es/en/

In 2025 and beyond, accommodation hosts are required to collect additional data on their guests.

For a list of albergues currently using the Pilgrim Pass system, go here: https://pilgrim-pass.web.app/#/lodgings

If you would like to get this taken care of before go, here is the website: https://cms-pilgrim-pass.web.app/preregistration

If you have walked at least two Caminos, I would love to have you as a guest on the podcast to answer this question:

What has been the secret of your success in bringing home your pilgrimage?

Or maybe you haven't been all that successful. Let's talk about that too! You can let me know you're interested in being a guest here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

#youonthecamino #caminodesantiago #firsttimepilgrim #thecaminoexperience #caminopodcast