Even more exciting, if you choose to travel the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in 2010, you will be a part of its Holy Year – which doesn’t recur for another eleven years!
Camino Downunder offers comprehensive workshops for Kiwis contemplating travelling the awesome Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Western Europe.
Also known as the Way of St. James, since its inception in the 9th Century the Camino de Santiago has become one of the most iconic and famous long distance walking tracks in Europe today. Those on the pilgrimage begin their route in France and finish at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried.
Whenever St James's day (25 July) falls on a Sunday, the cathedral declares a Holy or Jubilee Year – marking an opportunity to embark on the pilgrimage in one of its most revered years.
Travellers from across the globe are unified in their belief that the pilgrimage represents a unifying and humanizing experience for all those who walk it – irrespective of their religion, motives or culture. On the track, your mind body and soul will be enriched with awe-inspiring sights that will stay with you for years to come.
To give Kiwis a taste of what to expect from this once-in-a-lifetime journey, French and Spanish language teacher Marc Grossman brought his passion for the Camino de Santiago downunder. His classes and workshops – aptly named Camino Downunder – aim to communicate all facets and aspects of the pilgrimage to Australian and Kiwi audiences.
“While travelling on the route myself, I observed fellow Australian and Kiwi compatriots struggling with many issues including language barriers and difficulties understanding the policies, protocols and procedures of being a 21st century pilgrim,” says Grossman.
“Our mission is to comprehensively prepare all participants irrespective of age to successfully and confidently undertake their greatest long distance walking journey, whilst armed with deep knowledge and insights about the Camino.”
The Camino Downunder workshops help potential travellers prepare, understand and appreciate the universal pull and attraction of the life-changing experience that is the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Workshop attendees learn how to navigate along the Camino, successfully move between and among cultures (including specialised Spanish vocabulary and verbal expressions), as well as learning the history and exquisite environment of the region. Workshops also help travellers to better understand how the registration system works including the $30-$50 -a-day living costs (accommodation, utilities, food and ablutions).
Grossman’s workshops will take place in Auckland and Queenstown. The Auckland workshop will be held on Saturday 3rd July 2010 at the Parnell Trust, Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell. The Queenstown workshop will be held on Saturday 10th July 2010 at Rydges Lakeland Resort, 38-54 Lake Esplanade. Workshops cost $175 per person, or $300 for couples. Registration begins at 8.30AM for a 9AM start and 5PM finish.
For more information visit www.caminodownunder.com
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