Walk of St. James

Several thousand of people from all over the world travel by foot, bike or horseback across Northern Spain to obtain a complete wash of their sins and to get the feeling back of the earth, spirit and love.
The walk has been continuing since the year 800. St. James has been credited with many miracles along the routes which makes the spiritual feeling much stronger.
In order to complete the pilgrim passage and obtain an official “passport” one must walk a minimum of 100 kilometers or bicycle or horseback 200 kilometers.
Several trails have the official “shell” symbol to mark directions. There is the Northern trail along the coast, the French trail and the silver trail. All pathways end up in Santiago Compostella where St. James is buried and the final prayer services are prepared.
Has anyone completed or experienced part of the “Walk of St. James”?

Train Travel In Switzerland

Traveling By Train in Switzerland

There were six of us traveling around Switzerland by train on a Swiss rail pass. We were in Basel site seeing and decided to split because some wanted to shop and others did not. We agreed to take the late after noon train and meet in Freiburg at the agreed hotel.
My partner and I studied the train schedule and realized we must take the train to Bern and then transfer to Freiburg. When we arrived, there were only four. Three of us were missing.
Much later that night, the hotel received a telephone call from the other three who were located in Freiburg, Germany. They had seen a “non-stop” train on the bulletin board to “Freiburg”. They were going to get there faster than the other group.
What a tangled mess they found themselves in. They had no Euros just Swiss Francs and a Swiss rail pass. The German train station fined them, plus they had to purchase a train ticket back. Fortunately, one lady had a good credit card.
Lesson learned: Be sure to check train routes before boarding.

Flamenco Dance in Southern Spain

Flamenco Dance in Andalusia (Southern Spain)

Flamenco is an art. Most believe it started in Southern Spain during Arabic Spain. Some believe it is a combination of Islamic chants, Jewish heritage and Spanish love of life with a touch of Gypsy music.

Flamenco was the dance of the poor years ago. Until recent years, it was neither well known nor publicized because of these traits. Now Andalucia Tourism is heavily promoting the dance of their heritage.

Seville is known for several Flamenco theaters, some very touristy. Just about every city and village has some type of flamenco. Some are popular with tourists and others are small and very unique. This writer suggests when you are in Andalucia, ask where there is a flamenco dance for the locals.

After visiting a great Flamenco show, one can feel the “beat” for several hours later. It “gets into your blood”. One aspect that took me by surprise is the loud “chanting”. Then after learning why, it made sense. The beauty of the art is something to admire. There is a basic collection of 12 “beats” and “taps”.

Andalucia has planned tours with the Flamenco as their key element.

When visiting Andalucia, you will find more than great cities, small villages, olive trees, historic buildings; you will find the roots of “Flamenco”