El Camino: Becoming a Pilgrim

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - Le Puy-En-Velay, France

I’m finally getting the hang of this travel Thing. I’m not terrified to walk around the city now. Thank you Google Maps / Translate. And the people! They have all been so gracious and patient, especially with me trying to speak French. Tomorrow’s a big day.

A pilgrim’s passport. I am walking where 1,000’s of pilgrims have walked over the last 1,000 years.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Le Puy-En-Velay, France

Well it’s official. I am a Camino Pilgrim. I got my first stamp on my Camino Pilgrim Passport. Before I got my first stamp in the pilgrim office of the Cathedrale Notre-Dame du Puy, I took the opportunity to just sit and absorb the history, art, and sacredness of the space. Even though I am not a Catholic or Christian, I was still able to appreciate the cathedral’s beauty and sacredness of the space. I believe it is a palpable presence because of the people who have transversed its length with their prayers. It is pretty awe-inspiring when you think about the many historical events that have occurred since the cathedral’s completion. I am walking where 1000’s of pilgrims have walked over the last 1000 years. It is a bit daunting to truly grasp that concept. I will return tomorrow to receive the pilgrim blessing. It is open to all faiths and beliefs. That’s pretty fabulous.