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Location: New Zealand

Member Since: Dec. 21, 2012

Esther Vallance

Smashwords book reviews by Esther Vallance

The Kiwi Sisters' Camino de Santiago on Feb. 24, 2013

I felt both inspired and grounded as I read Sue's Kiwi Sister's Camino de Santiago rendition. I had heard much of the trip when the sisters were planning their journey. Months of preparation and excitement, then I’d heard of their experiences after the pilgrimage had been completed. What a pleasure to now read of their trek as experienced on a day-by-day basis. I was amazed at the spiritual, personal and physical challenges of the trip. A desire to leave the fast pace of life, put on a pack, clasp a set of trekking poles, put on a pair of tramping boots and go …, go …, go … for 800kms across the top of Spain was inspiring. Wow - what a incredible accomplishment. Sue introduces the touchstones discovered and learnt throughout the trip ‘Get over yourself’, ‘Self Care’, ‘Let Go’, ‘Be in the Present’, ‘Receive Gracefully’, and ‘Ask for Help’. These Sue uses as chapter headings. She describes the beautiful scenery, takes you into cafes, historical sites, bunkhouses, bustleing villages, on and upward into wide open spaces. I felt inspired that a month of walking could be so lifechanging. Many say, including Sue, that one returns to their life different and that the discovery of one’s inner and outer strength stays with you long term. Even settling back into normal life takes time, so strong has been the impact of the journey. Sue points out that the changes to her life were hard to articulate, but it was clear that her internal compass had shifted, permanently. As I read, I felt grounded as I heard and felt the physical challenges that the journey demanded. It seemed hard. Both sisters experienced physical ills during the trip, and needed to take time out to rest, and receive treatment too. Sue goes on to outline essential equipment to take, and shows the process of having to discard 'stuff' from one's pack that may have been important at home, but could be done without on 'The Way'. I loved Sue's explanations of the merino underwear. I can't imagine wearing it. But I shall when I walk the trail with my son in 2014. Thank you Sue and Catherine for sharing your stories, and walking me through the Camino in your shoes.