Camino Santiago trip

The Camino – How it began

June 17th, 2023

Touring Michigan

Caleb graduating from 8th grade

Backup 20 years. I wanted to do The Walk. Nothing happened until last summer.

I told my daughter that I’d decided it was time and thought Caleb (grandson) should go with me. She agreed. I don’t remember actually asking him if he wanted to go, he just said ok. Quite sure he had no idea what was coming. It’s 500 miles (790 kilometers) that we will walk in 34 days.🥴

For more info, I listed a link below.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago

There are plenty of routes, some longer than others. We are taking the longest cuz we are over achievers . The French Way begins in Saint Jean de Pied de Port.

June 19, 2023 —

Having done a bit of research prior to fully committing to this trip, the idea of sleeping in the outdoors after a long day of walking in the blazing sun was clearly madness. Further, looking for a hotel (no hostels for me!) every day, was an even worse idea.

Answer – find a tour. I found one that is self guided, so you’re on your own during the day. However, they book your hotel in each town and it includes breakfast and dinner, plus they move your one and only suitcase to the next hotel. Voila – we only have to walk each day with a small day pack and grab lunch somewhere. Walk at our own pace and arrive in time for dinner. I booked us each a room with private bath. How much better can it be, right?

I’ve started packing. Actually started about a month ago gathering the few clothes and shoes needed. There’s so much I think I should be taking, but I’m sure I’ve got more than I need. Guess we’ll buy whatever is missing.

The trail is apparently clearly marked with the Camino yellow seashell, plus the trek is done by hundreds of thousands of people every year from around the world. Looking forward to meeting lots of people.
June 22

June 23rd, 2026

If you want to get to The Prado, there’s plenty of methods. We cleverly chose the half hour walk which turned into about 45 minutes. However, it led us through a number of exciting neighborhoods, some lovely and some not so lovely. That’s the beauty of a big city.

Covered walkway

Only place that allowed photos

They are very strict about no photos. There is staff in every room and plenty of security cameras. Hence, no photos of paintings or statues. Take my word for it, the collection is amazing. the Rubens were my favorite. El Greco, while a Spanish favorite, leaves me feeling a bit sad. The lack of color is a style that’s just not for me.

We nearly left without seeing the main exhibits. We started in the temporary section and when we were done there, nearly missed the entrance to the main hall.

Full to the brim with culture, we headed to the shop for a quick purchase, then on our way back to the apartment.

We wandered at a snail pace, stopping at a football store to look at team jerseys. Sadly, not an Everton shirt in sight.

This little guy out on his own outside the Prado

Don’t know how this guy snuck into photo

Near the Mexican embassy

The window reflection!

Building looking very French

Outside the Prado entrance

Still plenty of shops to walk in and out of. We soaked in as much of the city as we could knowing it was our last day.

Last stop before getting to the apartment was for tapas and a beer. I was more hungry than Caleb for a change. On the menu – croquettes, patatas bravas and sesame covered chicken skewers. Delicious.

Our plan was to have a nap (as you do in Spain) then head back to the plaza San Miguel for snacky dinner.

By the time we woke up, we were too tired (lazy) to walk the 35 minutes to the plaza, so we opted for Chinese take away in the next block. It was the right choice.

We tried to get to bed early since we needed to head out at 6:30 am to get to the airport. Neither of us slept well – the anticipation of navigating our way back to the airport weighed heavy on my mind.

Would I come back to Madrid? Absolutely.

Florence- of course.

Do the Camino again? That remains to be seen.

Update on luggage – tried electrical tape and made it back to the airport. It’s hanging by a thread but still there.

Thanks for checking in on us. I’m so happy that you’ve shared a little bit of this adventure with us. it’s has been one of the best times of my life.

Always remember – Buen Camino!

The Camino – How it began

June 22