It felt good to spend the day talking about the Camino!
Yesterday I hosted my first Camino Planning Workshop since COVID. I’ll be honest I was a little nervous because it feels like such a long time since I walked the Camino. But, as France opens up and life returns to some kind of normal it felt like the right time to bring the workshop out of hibernation.
These dates fill so quickly and I knew it would be popular but I’e restricted the number of places to just six, inline with the COVID guidance. And as it’s summer in France we can all happily sit in the shade under the terrace outside. I have been asked to host a few other events elsewhere and I’ve even had a request for a Zoom workshop so I’ll perhaps plan that for the future.
I woke early and gathered all my Camino ‘props’ and set about decorating our terrace. I gathered shoes and clothes and coats and socks and rucksacks and sleeping bags and walking poles… indeed everything a pilgrim would need before embarking on this life changing journey. I’ve created lots of handouts already for folks that come walking with me and I’d rehearsed and planned the day. I made notes but in the end I didn’t them. The nerves quickly dispersed. I’m talking about the Camino and the words just tumble out!
One of my would-be pilgrims celebrated a birthday and as a surprise from her walking buddy she had a special cake to share with the group… and wow! it was amazing! Yellow arrows, pilgrim shells and even a tiny pair of walking shoes with even tinier laces!
The day flew by; it was such a wonderful feeling to chat with like minded people and to feel the enthusiasm of pilgrims again. I’ve missed this. All too soon time was up and we said our goodbyes and parted as friends. I do love the company of pilgrims. I think we possibly all dreamt of following yellow arrows last night! I had these messages this morning in my inbox… which has made me smile all day!
Reviews from my Camino Planning Workshop
Hello Colleen, I just wanted to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart for the workshop day we spent with you yesterday. You taught us everything we would ever need to know about walking the Camino. You gave us so much information help and advice that I know we will have a far better experience on our walk than we ever would have before. Your presentation was so professional and all of the handouts are invaluable. Thank you again for everything, I’m really looking forward to walking with you in September.
Thank you for a Great workshop! We learned so much and had fun too! It was a ton of info but all important and we have homework to do. We talked about you and your kind nature and generosity at dinner tonight. Wonderful day!
I can definitely recommend Colleen’s workshops on the subject of the Camino. For anybody interested in the Camino both the beginner and the experienced there is much to learn and discuss. Colleen not only has great presentational skills, her enthusiasm for the subject is overwhelming and her depth of knowledge is very impressive. For me a day very well spent. Thanks Colleen
It was a great day and executed extremely well throughout. Especially the attention to detail. Your extensive info on the use of various products etc was very interesting. It took me by surprise as to how much could be involved on a walk! Keep me in mind if a space becomes available on your trips this year!
I say CONGRATULATIONS on your Camino workshop. Not too long, not at all boring. So well-organized and structured! Your experience is so rich and your motivation so strong that you have this capability to pass on your motivation to other. Everything is so well prepared and thought through. It’s so pleasant to listen to you and your feedback on your many caminos.
