Guess Where I'm Writing From

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Guess Where I'm Writing From

A page of our travel and food adventures www.guesswhereimwritingfrom.com ***Update: All photos are our own unless stated otherwise.

If you want to use our photos please get in touch with us.***

The Big K and I love to travel. We love seeing new places, sometimes re-visiting favorites. We always look forward to trying out different local cuisines, even if it means not eating for a month before and after a trip to compensate for the weight we definitely will be gaining. We love meeting new people and making friends. We love learning different cultures and how they make the people we meet so much interesting. We started this blog to share our travel and food adventures. And for us to reminisce all the wonderful memories when we're old and gray.......

02/11/2026

It’s so lovely to be spending time with my sister Noelle again! ❤️ After travelling all the way from the Philippines, I was more than ready for some fresh air and a chance to shake off that jet lag (although I think my body is still somewhere over the Pacific, trying to figure out what day it is! 😂).

We enjoyed a lovely, invigorating walk around Brunswick Lake Park, taking in the gorgeous colours of fall and breathing in that crisp, cool air. Just what the doctor ordered! And of course, a walk with your sister is never short of conversation, laughter and planning our next adventure together! 🤣❤️

Then it was time for coffee! My café con leche was just like the ones we enjoyed on the Camino in Spain. One sip and I was transported back to those wonderful walking days. If only the coffee could transport me back to Spain too! ☕😂

A pretty perfect day — sister time, fall colours and a little Camino magic! 🍂💕

31/10/2026

🥾🇪🇸🇯🇵 FROM THE CAMINO TO THE KUMANO KODO – BECOMING DUAL PILGRIMS!

It all started with a chance meeting on one of our Camino walks in Spain. A fellow pilgrim told Chip and me about an ancient pilgrimage in Japan called the Kumano Kodo. His stories really caught our imagination, and we thought it would be wonderful to walk it one day.

Little did we know that one casual conversation on a Camino trail would eventually take us to the mountains of Japan!

The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes winding through the mountains of Japan’s Wakayama region. Pilgrims have been walking these trails for more than a thousand years.

We also discovered the Dual Pilgrim Program. The Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Kumano Kodo in Japan have a special sister-pilgrimage relationship. Complete both and you can register as a Dual Pilgrim and receive special recognition.

Having already walked the Camino, that was another good reason to dust off the walking boots! Not that we needed much persuading! 😂

Japan has always held a special place in our hearts, and we visit regularly. This time, though, we wanted to explore a different side of the country, away from the usual tourist spots.

So earlier this year, off we went to Wakayama to walk the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo.

And what a walk it was!

Forget gentle country paths. We were climbing steep mountain trails, tackling endless steps and negotiating more exposed tree roots than you could imagine. Sometimes it felt as though those roots were deliberately lying in wait to trip us up! 😂

The forests were absolutely beautiful. Huge trees towered above us, with moss-covered rocks and tangled roots everywhere. It was cool, damp and incredibly peaceful. At times, we walked for ages with nothing but birdsong, the sound of water and our own footsteps for company.

And just when we thought we’d conquered one mountain, another climb appeared around the corner. Clearly, we hadn’t quite had enough hills on the Camino!

THE CAMINO VERSUS THE KUMANO KODO

Although both are pilgrimages, they’re very different experiences.

The Camino has such a lovely social atmosphere, with little villages, cafés, restaurants and plenty of other pilgrims along the way. You can stop for a café con leche, chat with people from all over the world, share stories and enjoy the whole Camino experience.

And there’s usually a café just when you need one! 😂

The Kumano Kodo was much quieter and more remote. We often walked for hours through forests and mountains without seeing another person.

It was lovely in its own way, giving us time to enjoy the scenery, history and peaceful atmosphere of these ancient trails.

Both are special, but they certainly offer very different walking experiences!

Accommodation was another big difference.

On the Camino, we’ve always been completely DIY, planning our own stages and booking our own accommodation. We love having that freedom.

The Kumano Kodo needed a bit more organising. Accommodation is limited, with many small, family-run guesthouses and traditional Japanese inns called minshuku. It’s definitely not a case of arriving in a village and hoping to find somewhere to stay!

Thankfully, Kumano Travel made things much easier. We planned our own walking stages and decided where we wanted to stop, while they helped arrange our accommodation.

It was also a lovely way to support local families and small businesses along the route.

The hospitality was wonderful, and after a long day walking, it was great to arrive at a welcoming guesthouse and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. We certainly looked forward to those meals!

AND THEN CAME THE REALLY SPECIAL PART – BECOMING DUAL PILGRIMS! 🎉

At the beautiful Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, we took part in a special drum ceremony to celebrate completing both pilgrimages.

We took turns striking the huge ceremonial drum, and it was such a memorable moment.

Standing there in the Japanese mountains, we couldn’t help thinking about how it had all started – with a chance meeting on a Camino trail in Spain.

Who would have thought that one conversation all those miles away would eventually bring us here?

From the friendly camaraderie of the Camino to the quiet forests and mountain trails of Japan, we’d completed two very different but equally wonderful pilgrimages.

And now Chip and I can proudly call ourselves DUAL PILGRIMS! 🎉

Two countries, two ancient trails, countless steps, a few aching muscles and memories we’ll treasure forever.

Some people collect souvenirs when they travel. We seem to collect pilgrimages and sore feet! 😂❤️

Would we do it all again? Absolutely! Although I think our legs deserve a little rest first! 😁

27/10/2026

How hard is it to walk the Camino de Santiago? 🥾❤️ Harder than you think—or more doable than you imagine?

This is a question I get asked quite often, and I can understand why! Walking 20–25 kilometers a day for several days sounds pretty intimidating. And then there’s the backpack! 🎒😅

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to walk that far every day, carry all your belongings, or keep up with anyone else. You can pack light, arrange luggage transfers, and choose shorter stages.

It’s YOUR Camino, after all! ❤️

When Chip, my sister Noelle, and I did our first Camino, we walked the final 100 kilometers of the Camino Portugués without any prior training.

Yes, you read that right! 😂 We pretty much trained while walking. Our legs had to learn on the job, and those hills introduced us to muscles we never knew existed! Some of them made their presence VERY clear!

Despite the aching legs and challenging stretches, the beautiful scenery, wonderful people we met, and the whole experience made every kilometer worthwhile. ❤️

And just when we thought we’d had enough adventure, our final push to Santiago gave us one more challenge: several hours of walking in pouring rain at 5–6°C! 🥶🌧️

Chip and I, coming from the tropics, were absolutely FREEZING! We’re the kind of people who already think 12–18°C is cold. 😂 Noelle, having lived in the States, seemed to handle it a little better. Apparently, our tropical genes were not designed for this kind of adventure! 🤣

Looking back, though, the Camino taught me so much more than physical endurance.

When your legs are tired, you’re cold and wet, and Santiago still seems so far away, you learn to take things one step at a time.

And I’m especially grateful to God for His grace and strength throughout our journey. 🙏❤️ Despite our lack of preparation and the challenges we faced, He helped us keep going.

The Camino reminded me that I don’t always need to know how I’ll manage what lies ahead. Sometimes, I just need to trust God, take the next step, and have faith that He will see me through.

And isn’t that true of life, too? ❤️

Of course, while we somehow managed without training, I’d still recommend preparing beforehand! Gradually build up your walking distance, break in your footwear, and practice with your backpack. Trust me, your feet will thank you! 😂

The Camino isn’t a race. It’s about meeting people, discovering new places, embracing the unexpected, and learning a little more about yourself along the way.

So don’t let the distance, hills, or backpack put you off. Prepare well, choose stages that suit you, and take it one step at a time.

As for us? Despite the aching legs, the hills, and that freezing, rain-soaked walk into Santiago, we fell in love with the Camino and went back for more! 😂❤️

Who would have thought that an adventure that challenged us so much would leave us wanting to do it all over again?

Maybe that’s the magic of the Camino. You arrive wondering if you can do it, and leave wondering when you can come back! 🥾❤️

Buen Camino! 🙏❤️

25/10/2026

THE CAMINO DE INVIERNO — THE PEOPLE WHO MADE OUR JOURNEY UNFORGETTABLE 🥾❤️🙏

Our Camino de Invierno certainly gave us plenty of stories to tell!

In Part 1, I shared the breathtaking scenery, our detour to Las Médulas, those brutal hills, and our never-ending quest for coffee. ☕️😂

But as beautiful as the scenery was, it was the people we met and the little moments we shared that made this Camino truly special.

Sometimes, the places we visit take our breath away, but it’s the people we meet who leave the deepest footprints on our hearts.

And this Camino gave us plenty of both! ❤️

🇩🇪🐕 A GERMAN PILGRIM, A DOG, AND TWO SLOW WALKERS

One of the lovely things about walking a quieter Camino is that you often see the same pilgrims several times. Familiar faces gradually become part of your journey, even when you barely know one another.

That certainly happened with a German pilgrim we kept bumping into. One particular encounter gave us a story we’ll be telling for years!

OUR FIRST MEETING — TORAL DE MERAYO

We first met as we were leaving Toral de Merayo. She was walking towards us, and we exchanged greetings before going our separate ways.

In those early stages, the yellow arrows weren’t always easy to spot, so Chip and I often relied on our trusty Camino Ninja and Wise Pilgrim apps to keep us on track. 😂📱

Little did we know we’d be seeing her again!

A CROSSROADS OUTSIDE BORRENES

The very next day, as we were leaving Borrenes, we spotted her standing at a crossroads, looking a little lost.

Oh, how well we understood that feeling!

You reach a junction, search for a yellow arrow, look around again, and eventually wonder whether you’ve somehow managed to walk in the wrong direction. Again! 😂🥾

After exchanging greetings, we continued along the trail, unaware that our next encounter would involve a dog, a delay, and our special talent for walking slowly.

THE DOG, THE DELAY, AND THE TWO SLOW WALKERS 🐕

This was probably our most memorable encounter.

After exchanging our usual Buen Camino, we carried on walking. Chip and I aren’t exactly speed demons. We’re more the leisurely-stroll-and-enjoy-the-view type of pilgrims!

Within minutes, we’d lost sight of her.

Imagine our surprise when, about an hour later, we spotted her waiting for us!

It turned out she was terrified of dogs, and there was one just ahead on the trail. She had decided to wait until another pilgrim came along who could accompany her safely past it.

And guess who eventually appeared?

Two slow walkers! 😂😂

Of course, we were happy to keep her company until we’d safely passed our furry obstacle.

Who knew our leisurely pace would come in handy? Sometimes, there’s a reason we’re not in a hurry! 🤣

A FAMILIAR FACE IN QUIROGA

We saw her again during our rest day in Quiroga, and it was lovely to exchange greetings once more.

That’s one of the charms of a quieter Camino. You may not walk together, but familiar faces keep reappearing, making the trail feel a little more like home.

And in our case, one of those encounters came with a dog story we’ll never forget! 🐕❤️

🍽️ SOBRADELO — PENSIÓN CAMINO DEL SIL: A DINNER FOR TWO, A FEAST FOR FOUR!

After a long day on the trail, there’s nothing quite like looking forward to a good meal.

At Pensión Camino del Sil, our lovely host asked whether we’d like dinner, so Chip and I ordered a meal for two.

Apparently, we had very different ideas about what constituted a serving for two! 😂

When the food arrived, we wondered whether we’d accidentally ordered dinner for an entire walking group.

There was enough food on that table to feed four!

Needless to say, we couldn’t finish everything. But the generous portions came with a bonus: enough leftovers to put together a little breakfast picnic for the following morning. 🥪🍎🥾

One dinner for two. A feast for four. And breakfast sorted!

Now THAT’S Camino hospitality! ❤️

For two pilgrims forever searching for coffee and something to eat, it was a real treat. We went to bed well-fed, with breakfast already taken care of. ☕️😂

And speaking of memorable people we met in Sobradelo, here’s someone who reminded us that adventure doesn’t come with an age limit.

🇦🇹 81 YEARS OLD — AND STILL WALKING THE CAMINO!

While in Sobradelo, we met an 81-year-old pilgrim from Austria who was already on his nth Camino!

He’d started walking in his 50s and was still embracing the adventure decades later.

Even better, he hoped to walk another Camino the following year with his son, who would be making his first pilgrimage. ❤️🙏

A father and son sharing the Camino. How special is that?

Chip and I looked at each other and thought, We hope we’re still walking the Camino when we reach his age!

Although we might need a few extra rest days and a generous supply of Bangkok balm. 😂🥾

What inspired me most was that he wasn’t simply looking back at the adventures he’d already had. He was looking forward to the next one.

May we always keep that spirit of adventure alive, whatever our age! ❤️

🚛 A LITTLE CHAT JUST OUTSIDE O BARCO DE VALDEORRAS

Just outside O Barco de Valdeorras, we had a lovely encounter with a local garbage collector who paused his work to chat with us for a few minutes.

It was such a simple, unexpected moment, but it left us smiling.

Amid the long walks and tired legs, it was lovely to connect with someone from the local community. Just a friendly conversation between a local worker and two pilgrims passing through.

Nothing extraordinary, perhaps, but another reminder that some of the Camino’s loveliest moments happen when we least expect them.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest encounters that leave the biggest smiles. 😊❤️

🤗 THE WARMTH OF THE CAMINO — A WELCOME WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER

As we approached the final stages of our journey, I found myself remembering my previous Camino Inglés with my sister, Noelle.

The sisters at Casa Avelina had shown us such wonderful hospitality, and their kindness remains a treasured memory.

On this Camino de Invierno, Chip and I experienced that same warmth at Albergue Reina Lupa in Deseiro.

Carmen, the owner, greeted us with the warmest hugs, as though we were old friends or members of her own family.

After days of walking, with tired legs and weary bodies, that kind of welcome means so much.

We arrived as guests but were made to feel as though we belonged.

From the sisters at Casa Avelina to our generous host in Sobradelo and Carmen’s heartfelt welcome in Deseiro, we were blessed to meet people whose kindness made us feel at home, even when we were far from home.

For all these blessings, we give thanks to God. ❤️🙏

❤️ WALKING TOGETHER — THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

As wonderful as the scenery, history, and unexpected encounters were, the most precious part of this journey was sharing it with Chip.

After all these years and adventures, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to have him by my side.

He makes me laugh when the hills seem endless, understands when I’m tired, and keeps walking with me through the difficult stretches — even when he’s probably just as exhausted! 😂🥾

There are steep climbs, unexpected detours, wrong turns, and days when we wonder how much farther we have to go.

But having someone beside you to share the challenges, the laughter, and the little victories makes all the difference.

Thank you, Chip, for being my walking partner on the Camino and my partner in this beautiful life we share. ❤️🙏

Here’s to many more adventures together — hopefully with gentler hills and coffee stops conveniently located along the way! 😂☕️

🥾 WOULD WE WALK THE CAMINO DE INVIERNO AGAIN?

Without a doubt!

🌄 The spectacular scenery? Absolutely!

🏰 The fascinating history? Definitely!

🥾 The peaceful trails and beautiful villages? In a heartbeat!

😍 The detour to Las Médulas? Worth every kilometre!

❤️ The people we met and the memories we made? PRICELESS!

⛰️ Those brutal climbs, though — and our depleted supply of Bangkok balm?

We might need a little recovery time before signing up for another round! 😂😂

We returned home with tired legs, wonderful memories, and grateful hearts.

From a fellow pilgrim’s canine dilemma to a feast fit for four, an inspiring octogenarian, a friendly local worker, and the warmest of welcomes, our Camino de Invierno was filled with moments we’ll treasure for years to come.

And through it all, I was reminded how fortunate I am to share these adventures with Chip. ❤️

Because the Camino is so much more than the kilometres we walk, the places we visit, or the hills we conquer.

It’s the people who cross our paths, the kindness we receive, the laughter we share, and the memories we carry home.

Our Camino de Invierno left footprints on both the trail and our hearts. ❤️🙏🥾

To all our fellow pilgrims, wherever your Camino may take you:

Buen Camino! 🥾❤️

May your paths be beautiful, your fellow pilgrims kind, your hills manageable, and your café con leche never too far away! 😂☕️

And may you always remember that sometimes, the most unforgettable part of the journey isn’t the destination — it’s the people you meet along the way. ❤️🙏

🥾🙏❤️

22/10/2026

TWENTY PILGRIMS. INCREDIBLE SCENERY. BRUTAL HILLS. AND ENOUGH BANGKOK BALM TO START A PHARMACY! 😂🥾🤣

Chip and I have just completed the Camino de Invierno, and what an adventure it was! ❤️🙏

We discovered that sometimes the quietest journeys leave the biggest footprints on your heart.

With so few pilgrims on the trail, we experienced a wonderfully peaceful Camino filled with breathtaking landscapes, beautiful villages, fascinating history, and long stretches where it felt as though we had the path almost entirely to ourselves.

Of course, those hills tested our legs, lungs, and determination, while finding our morning coffee occasionally tested our patience… and possibly our marriage!

But what a privilege it was to experience this extraordinary journey together.

🌿 THE BEAUTY OF A QUIETER CAMINO

There was something truly special about walking without crowds or the pressure to keep up with anyone.

Just the two of us, the sound of our footsteps, birds singing, the wind whispering through the trees, and the freedom to enjoy the journey at our own pace. ❤️

We had time to breathe, reflect, pray, and appreciate God’s beautiful creation. We could savour the little moments that are so easily missed when life moves too quickly.

A breathtaking view. A charming village where time seemed to stand still. A tiny church inviting us to pause for prayer. A friendly smile from someone along the way.

These simple moments reminded us that the Camino is about so much more than reaching Santiago. It’s about the experiences, the challenges, the unexpected blessings, and the memories we create along the way. ❤️🙏

🌄 LAS MÉDULAS — WOW! 😍 WORTH EVERY EXTRA KILOMETRE!

When Chip and I were planning our Camino de Invierno, we discovered Las Médulas, an extraordinary Roman gold-mining landscape with a fascinating history. The more we read about it, the more determined we became to see it for ourselves!

There was just ONE little problem…

LAS MÉDULAS WAS OFF OUR PLANNED ROUTE! 😂🤣

But when something captures your imagination like that, sometimes you just have to make a little detour!

We decided to leave the main Camino route and spend the night in Orellán, giving us the opportunity to visit the spectacular Mirador de Orellán and take in the magnificent views over Las Médulas.

It meant adding extra kilometres to our walk, but honestly?

IT WAS WORTH EVERY SINGLE STEP! ❤️🥾

Those magnificent red-orange hills, dramatic rock formations, and extraordinary landscapes were simply breathtaking!

Standing there, surrounded by so much natural beauty and history, we could hardly believe what we were seeing. Knowing that this remarkable landscape had been shaped by Roman gold mining nearly 2,000 years ago made the experience even more fascinating.

We couldn’t help imagining the generations of people who had lived and worked here centuries ago.

It’s one thing to admire photographs of a place, but experiencing it in person is something else entirely. No photograph can fully capture the feeling of standing there and taking it all in.

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences on the Camino are the ones that require us to go a little further, take a different path, or step away from the original plan.

SOME DETOURS AREN’T DISTRACTIONS FROM THE JOURNEY — THEY’RE THE VERY REASON THE JOURNEY BECOMES UNFORGETTABLE. ❤️🙏

Would we do it again? ABSOLUTELY!

Although, after all those extra kilometres, we might need to pack a little more Bangkok balm next time! 😂🤣

🌄 RIBEIRA SACRA — BEAUTY WORTH THE CLIMB!

Then came Ribeira Sacra, with the spectacular Sil River winding through deep canyons and vineyards clinging impossibly to steep hillsides.

The views were breathtaking, and we stopped repeatedly to admire the scenery and take photographs.

Although, let’s be honest… some of those stops had absolutely NOTHING to do with admiring the view.

WE NEEDED TO CATCH OUR BREATH! 😂😂😂

One minute, you’re marvelling at God’s beautiful creation, and the next, you’re staring up at yet another climb, wondering:

“LORD, ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE THIS IS THE WAY?” 🙏⛰️

The Camino de Invierno certainly tested our determination. Some climbs seemed endless, while the descents had our knees questioning our life choices!

But the Camino teaches you something important: you don’t always need to see the whole way ahead. Sometimes, you simply need to take the next step, then another, and another.

Chip and I encouraged each other, laughed through the difficult moments, and kept going.

And when we finally reached the top, our first thought wasn’t necessarily profound or spiritual.

It was more along the lines of…

“PLEASE TELL US THERE ISN’T ANOTHER ONE!” 😂😂😂⛰️

☕️ THE CAMINO RULE WE REFUSE TO COMPROMISE ON: THERE MUST BE COFFEE!

If you know us, you’ll know that breakfast is serious business!

Our ideal Camino morning begins with a lovely café con leche and tostada con aceite y tomate — coffee and toast with olive oil and tomato.

SIMPLE SPANISH PERFECTION! ☕️🍅❤️

However, cafés and shops can be few and far between on the Camino de Invierno, so planning our daily stages and booking accommodation in advance were essential.

Even then, some mornings required a few extra kilometres before we could find an open café.

A FEW EXTRA KILOMETRES! As if we hadn’t already done enough walking! 🤣🥾

And climbing before coffee? That’s a test of faith, perseverance, and possibly marital harmony!

But eventually, that beautiful cup of café con leche arrives. You take the first sip, and suddenly, all is right with the world again.

Sometimes, happiness really is that simple! ❤️☕️

❤️🙏 AND THAT’S PART 1 OF OUR CAMINO ADVENTURE! 🥾😂

Breathtaking scenery, brutal climbs, an unforgettable detour to Las Médulas, and the never-ending search for coffee! ☕️🤣 The Camino de Invierno certainly gave Chip and me plenty of memories to treasure.

But the most beautiful moments weren’t just about the places we visited. They were about the people we met, the kindness we experienced, and the unexpected blessings God placed in our path. ❤️🙏

AND THAT’S WHERE THE STORY GETS REALLY SPECIAL! ❤️

In Part 2, I’ll share the encounters and unforgettable welcome that touched our hearts and reminded us that sometimes, the greatest gifts of a pilgrimage aren’t the places we visit, but the people we meet along the way.

STAY TUNED… THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO THIS CAMINO STORY! 🥾❤️🙏

20/10/2026

WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED TO WALK THE CAMINO? 🥾❤️

Comfortable shoes, a little determination, and the ability to question ALL your life choices around kilometer 25! 😂👣

When you dream about walking the Camino de Santiago, you imagine beautiful scenery, charming Spanish villages, cozy cafés, and meaningful moments of reflection. ❤️🇪🇸

And yes, you get ALL of that!

But you also get tired legs, a backpack that somehow gets heavier every day, and LOTS of time to wonder why walking hundreds of kilometers seemed like such a brilliant idea! 😂🎒

And yet… you keep going.

One step at a time.
One village at a time.
One café con leche at a time! ☕❤️

But jokes aside, there’s one little item you definitely shouldn’t forget:

📘 YOUR CREDENCIAL DEL PEREGRINO — YOUR PILGRIM’S PASSPORT! 💛

This little booklet might not look like much, but it plays an important role in your Camino adventure. Here’s why! 👇

✨ 1. COLLECT THOSE SELLOS! 📘

Every stamp tells a little story about where your feet have taken you.

You can often collect sellos at:

⛪ Churches and pilgrim offices
☕ Cafés and restaurants
🏡 Pilgrim albergues
🏨 Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses

CAMINO TIP: Ask for a stamp when you check in or before you leave your accommodation. And don’t forget to collect them along the way!

Your future, tired self will thank you.

✨ 2. DREAMING OF YOUR COMPOSTELA? 🥹❤️

If receiving the official Compostela certificate in Santiago de Compostela is on your Camino bucket list, here’s what you need to know:

🚶 On foot: At least 100 km
🚴 By bicycle: At least 200 km
🐎 On horseback: At least 100 km

But there’s a little more to it than simply counting kilometers!

You must follow the applicable route and documentation requirements, and the Compostela is associated with a pilgrimage undertaken for religious or spiritual reasons.

Walking the final 100 km? The Pilgrim’s Office requires at least two stamps per day for that qualifying stretch.

So don’t forget those sellos! You don’t want to arrive in Santiago celebrating your achievement only to discover that your credencial is looking a little TOO empty! 😅

✨ 3. YOUR CREDENCIAL MAY BE NEEDED AT PILGRIM ALBERGUES! 🏡

Many traditional pilgrim hostels ask to see your credencial before accepting guests, particularly public pilgrim albergues.

Keep it somewhere easy to reach.

After walking 25 km, the last thing you need is to unpack your ENTIRE backpack at reception just to find one little booklet!

Of course, accommodation policies vary, so check before you arrive.

✨ 4. IT BECOMES ONE OF YOUR MOST PRECIOUS CAMINO SOUVENIRS! 🥹❤️

And THIS is my favorite part.

Years later, you can open your credencial and suddenly remember:

❤️ The beautiful village where you stopped for coffee
☕ The café where you met fellow pilgrims
🤝 The kindness of a complete stranger
🌄 The scenery that took your breath away
👣 The difficult day when you wondered if your legs would EVER forgive you!

And let’s be honest… some days, your greatest spiritual achievement is simply reaching your destination, taking your boots off, and wondering how on earth you’re going to put them back on tomorrow! 😂🥾

Because the Camino isn’t just about the kilometers you walk.

It’s about the people you meet, the unexpected friendships, the little victories, and the moments that stay with you long after your feet have recovered.

And sometimes, it’s about discovering just how much you’re capable of when you take things one step at a time.

📍 WHERE CAN YOU GET YOUR PILGRIM’S PASSPORT?

You can obtain a credencial from the Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago or from an organization specifically authorized to issue it on behalf of the Cathedral. Some pilgrim associations, churches, and albergues can also help.

Availability varies, so it’s a good idea to arrange yours before departure whenever possible.

💛 AND HERE’S THE BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT THE CAMINO…

When you finally arrive in Santiago, you remember the long walks, the unexpected friendships, the laughter, the little victories, and all those moments when you wondered whether your feet would cooperate the next morning. 🥹❤️

You might even remember the moments when you seriously considered taking a taxi! 😂

And then, somehow, your feet start recovering… and your brain begins planning ANOTHER CAMINO!

Funny how that works, isn’t it? 🤣🥾

✨ YOUR CREDENCIAL IS MORE THAN A BOOK OF STAMPS.

It’s a record of your pilgrimage — one step, one sello, one encounter, and one unforgettable memory at a time.

And perhaps, years from now, when you look through those stamps, you’ll realize that the journey changed you in ways you didn’t even notice while you were walking.

🇪🇸 BUEN CAMINO, EVERYONE! 🥾❤️