Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago

Having done the Camino in 2019 and now suffered FOMO due to the Covid pandemic of 2020 , it has been a time to reflect on many things, including and especially how fortunate I was to have done the Camino just prior to a global lockdown.

My understanding is that the 6 people selected were chosen at the time of filming and not limited to just the 6 and the others are on a bonus DVD if you but this documovie.

But certainly a great, and diverse selection of people who really bring the experience to life. Beautifully edited with some sublime videography, you will truly appreciate this if you have done the Camino OR, even better, if you are going to still experience it. I would then recommend you watch this a few times so images can crystalize in your mind. It will not spoil the actual experience as the journey will always be personal to you.

Definitely worth the watch.

Greetings again from the darkness. There aren't many traditions that span more than 1200 years, and only one of those involves walking 500 miles … the Camino de Santiago. Its origin is as a religious trek to Santiago de Compostela where tradition holds that the magnificent cathedral contains the remains of St. James the Apostle. These days, the Camino is no longer limited to those with Christian beliefs, and in fact many modern day pilgrims take it on as a personal quest rather than a spiritual journey.

Director Lydia B Smith and her camera allow us to travel along with a group of (six) pilgrims, each with their own story, background and motivation. The journey involves both physical and emotional challenges, and results in varying degrees of self-awareness. One obvious difference in today's pilgrims versus those of medieval times is the experience is much more communal these days. Not only do the walkers eat and sleep in the same hostels along the route, they also freely share their emotions and thoughts with each other (and the camera). This contrasts greatly with the tradition of solitude and quiet introspection. Call it a lesson in generational differences.

The elements rotate between favorable and challenging. The pilgrims must face cold, hot, rain, and wind. These obstacles of nature are magnified with foot blisters, sore knees and other bodily ailments. However, for most of these people, the mental challenge is every bit as steep. For 6 plus hours each day over approximately 35 days, they focus on the incredible scenery as well as their own thoughts. It's impossible to hide from one's self, even though friendship … and even relationships … form along the path.

Each of those who complete the journey realizes it's not about the destination, but rather the inspiration and spiritual enlightenment – even if it wasn't their original goal. There is talk about the "internal Camino" and how you walk with your heart. Reflection on this spectacular path leads to harmony with nature and self. A lovely Spanish guitar accompanies our viewing pleasure, and it's impossible not to imagine ourselves on this journey. If inspiration strikes, just be aware that spending that much time with one's self is an activity far removed from our generation's typical day.

This is a very pleasant viewing experience! I bought the DVD and there are some excellent extras to go with the film, including an interview with the film's creator Lydia Smith. On watching this you realize the long journey and great effort in bringing this film into existence. Inspired by a Camino undertaken by the director in April and May 2008, it was filmed the following April and May 2009, but took until 2013 before it was released. I have the Camino on my 'to do' list but you don't have to be a walker to enjoy it, it contains much human interest. As a potential Camino walker I must admit there are some good tips here, travel light (dump the sleeping bag, and perhaps take a bivvi bag for emergencies), and take care of your feet! Highly recommended viewing.

Loved this film before my Camino, but seeing it afterwards is even better. The many philosophical comments are now more meaningful and spot on. It captures the essence of the experience.

This film is AWESOME in so many ways. For those that have walked the Camino, this is a fantastic film for reminiscing and inspiring a second Camino. For those that are considering the Camino for an adventure of a lifetime, this is an absolute rendition of what walking the Camino is like. Yet, each person experiences their own camino; Prospective Camino walkers will experience their own Camino too! And for everyone, those that walked, those that aspire to walk, and those merely curious, the film touches every range of emotion, fear, tear, excitement, and laughter, and captures the spirit of walking the Camino! More info about the Camino (and the various routes for walking) is available at americanpilgrims.com or APOC. Buen Camino