Guess Who's Back!

After a year hiatus, Tex and the City is blogging again. Hallelujah! I know you've missed me.

It seems about every two years, I need an adventure. See timeline below.

2007--My first Eurotrip
2009--Bicycling from Texas to Alaska
2010--Bicycling from New Hampshire to Michigan
2012--Backpacking SE Asia and Teach For America

It's about that time again where I can mark off another item from my bucket list. Introducing, the Camino de Susana!

2014--Pilgrimaging across Spain

So, what is this?
El Camino de Santiago* is "The Way of Saint James." It is a walk across Spain that was started over 1,000 years ago. The ending destination is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, which houses the remains of Jesus' apostle, James. 

How far is it?
The most popular route, the Camino Francés, aka the French Way, begins in St. Jean, France and ends in Santiago, Spain and is 490 miles. I am walking 388 miles of this route by starting in Logroño, Spain. 

I'm doing the YELLOW route. 

How long will it take?
It will take me 4 weeks walking about 15 miles/day. 

Who are you doing it with?
I'm walking the Camino by myself. I have found that it is easier to meet people when I'm alone, and I look forward to meeting other pilgrims and hearing their stories.

How do you know where to walk?
The route is well marked with Waymarks, yellow scallop shells and arrows, painted on the ground, walls, or signs. 

Why are you doing this?
From the moment I learned what the Camino de Santiago was six years ago, I wanted to do it. After spending the last two years teaching in inner-city Chicago, I want to allow myself time to process my Teach For America experience. I'm at a pivotal place in my mid-20s deciding what my next moves are personally and professionally, and I hope this pilgrimage will provide some clarity to those decisions. More than being a spiritual journey, it's a personal journey for me.

Stay tuned for more!

¡Buen Camino!