To undertake the Saint James’ Way or Camino de Santiago is a big experience and it is a way to undertake an intensive course during the pilgrimage time until the Santiago de Compostela cathedral, for students who have decided to learn Spanish in Spain.
There are many reasons why you should undertake the Camino (religious, personal challenge, adventure, etc), but it is without a doubt a different and unique way to do tourism, to meet people and to learn more about the Spanish culture.
Statue in honor of the peregrine
When the Camino de Santiago is finalised, all pilgrims get the “Compostela”, which is the certification that is given to recognise that the pilgrimage was accomplished. To achieve it you need a series of requirements in order to be allowed in the shelter and hostels on the Camino. You need to be accredited with a credential you can get from brotherhoods, churches, associations or shelters along the Camino. This credential is essential not only to be allowed for shelters and hostels, but also because it is where the stamps are put on, giving credit for the points on the road passed from.
Students studying Spanish in Spain who decide to undertake the Camino can cover the hundreds of kilometres of routes by foot, but it is also possible to do it by bike or horse. There are also some prerequisites you need regarding distances you have to cover to consider the Camino as fulfilled: a minimum of100 Km. By foot and200 Km. by horse or bike.
It is also important to follow some practical advice to be able to enjoy this experience without problems: organise the routes to follow beforehand, take a backpack under 5 Kg. weight, always have water and isotonic drinks provisions, comfortable footwear (boots), peaked cap or hat, sunglasses, raincoat, a wooden stick and reflecting clothes.
Now you are prepared to undertake the Camino de Santiago and learn Spanish in Spain in a totally different way, while you enjoy an adventure where you cover paths, mountains, forests and small villages until reaching the Santiago cathedral.
Image statue. Darthkao. http://bit.ly/PGzgvA
Image pilgrims. Freecat. http://bit.ly/ORONgj
Tags: Idiomatic tourism, learning spanish in spain, spanish sport