I should probably take some time to explain the Camino in more detail. Let’s start with a map…

Wait, no. Wrong map. Hold on…

(Source)

There we go. The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes through Europe. The map above covers a lot of ground, but the routes continue out even farther to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and beyond. They wind along and join and eventually converge on Santiago de Compostela, where it’s said the remains of Saint James are buried. Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, known by many as San Tiago (a name ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’akov/Jacob).

As far back as the 11th century, Christians from across Europe made pilgrimages along these routes. By the 12th century, the pilgrimage was well organized with lodging and protection to support peregrinos on their way. As you can imagine, I’m pretty relieved that I’m doing this post-12th-century. Continue reading →