Walking the Camino

[Blupiper]

Went to see a documentary last weekend of the above title. It refers to a 500 mile-long pilgrimage route across the north of Spain with a beginning bit in France. The Camino de Santiago de Campostela, (Translation: Road of Saint James of Campostela) as it is known, is a medieval pilgrimage route that ends at the cathedral that is the traditional final resting place of Saint James (Santo Iago.) What caught my attention was the appearance in two early scenes of a kilted pilgrim. He appeared twice, once in what appeared to be Black Watch and again in a Gordon. He then wasn't shown again or else had defaulted to shorts. The film focuses on four or five pilgrims and their physical and spiritual journey while making the walk. Weather, pace, injury, self-discovery and grace all are encountered and documented. The Camino, having been around for centuries, has an extensive system of hostels and guesthouses to help the pilgrims on their 30-40 day journey. Many of the people who work to support the pilgrims and the Camino are interviewed. The scenery is gorgeous and the subject very interesting. The last scenes of the Mass at the Cathedral for the pilgrims is amazing. The church officials swing an incense censer the size of a refrigerator up and down the central aisle like a wrecking ball. I would recommend you check it out if you see it at your local cinema. It brought to mind to me that old saying: "All who wander aren't lost."

JMB

[Tarheel]

CNN (news channel) did a segment with Anthony Bourdain (food related program) on that same pilgrimage. The show may have been developed because of the documentary you mentioned. I'll have to look for your mentioned program.

[Matty Ross]

The movie "The Way"
http://theway-themovie.com/
With Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez It an excellent movie about the Camino

[Andrew Breecher]

Blupiper,

Was the documentary you watched Wayfaring, by Scott "Squatch" Herriott? Great film, and great guy.

[Blupiper]

Blupiper,

Was the documentary you watched Wayfaring, by Scott "Squatch" Herriott? Great film, and great guy.

Haven't seen 'Wayfaring.' The documentary movie I saw was titled "Walking the Camino.' I shall look for the one you mentioned.

JMB

[marypenny]

We visited the Cathedral at Campostela and were there when Easter Mass was celebrated. It was an amazing experience (yes, the golden censer is enormous!), one of the highlights of the trip to Spain. Missed anyone kilted, mores the pity!