27.5.24

so here we are, tomorrow I leave for Bilbao to meet my friend and guide John. On wednesday bus to Bayonne and then train to St. Jean Pied de Port, the traditional starting point of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. I would be lying if I didn't admit to some nerves but also great excitement to see all the wonderful sites along the way. I am really looking forward to the whole mysticism of the Camino, I'm sure this will be almost tangible because of the 10 centuries plus history of millions of pilgrims who went before. I hope to find the inner peace that they found. Please keep up with our story, I'm sure it's going to be an experience and a half !!!

The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino. It is carried by most pilgrims and signifies a renewal of faith and the grooves the various paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St.James in the magnificent cathedral.

The other significance of the shell for myself and Olivia is that Siobhan and I walked the last 100k of the camino 2 years ago and got our shells. During my darling Siobhan´s last few days in the hospice, it was always by her bedside especially on the night that she passed. I'm taking both shells with me tomorrow, I´m going to carry one and I´m going to let John carry the other. I've got a small portion of her ashes in my rucksack so both her spirit and her shell will visit Santiago one last time.