So, In september 2021 I want to walk the Caminho Português da Costa. And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t want to prepare properly 
How do I start? When do I start preparing? And so many other question that I can only ask one person.
Inge Compen definitely is the most experienced walker of the Camino de Santiago I know.
I asked her to be the ‘godmother’ of my project and she said “yes”. How cool is that!
So, here we are! Last Wednesday was my ‘official kick-off’ in Esposende. A place with a special meaning for me to start walking.
And I raised a first question:
Inge, what makes people want to walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostella?
“Most people walk the camino from a spiritual inspiration. To pause and reflect. Or because they want to take a break. Others go for the challenge. And some do it from a Christian point fo view.
After all, Santiago de Compostella is the 3rd Christian place, after Rome and Jerusalem.
But it is mainly the energy of those millions of people, who have been walking the road for thousands of years. They all have their own story and their goal to find answers or enlightenment. You can feel the presence of that energy. Every camino brings you what you need. Anyone who has ever walked the camino will confirm that. But you need to experience for yourself to comprehend.
From my personal point of view, I can say that walking the camino is one of the most extraordinary and haunting experiences in my life. I am not particularly religious and certainly did not walk my first camino with that approach. Some say the camino changes your life. Or at least your outlook on life. And that is true.
I walked my first camino together with my father. Because I wanted to go on the road and to learn more about the connection with my father. The camino brought me so much more. Much more than I could ever have imagined. It changed my life. The camino got under my skin and runs through my veins. It connects my family of origin, even beyond death. The camino represents life, but with a magnifying glass on it. You encounter yourself and you are invited to look at it, to let go of what no longer serves you and to grow as a human being. It is the most precious gift you can give yourself.”
