Historical background:

The Way of Saint James has been a popular pilgrimage since the 9th century A.D. and has many routes, all of which eventually converge on Santiago de Compostela, an enchanting city in northwestern Spain. As pilgrims from all over Europe began traveling to Santiago as an act of penitence and spiritual cleansing, the road became one of the first settings for Europeans to forge a common sense of community and thus, the birth of European identity took place. Nowadays, pilgrims’ motives for undertaking the route are perhaps more varied than their ancestors, though all profess a desire for a spiritual journey. Over the past 35 years, popularity has resurged among Europeans and other Westerners, with thousands making the journey. The Camino de Santiago is traveled by some 200,000 people each year. The busiest months are July and August, though spring and fall also see large numbers of travelers along the route.

Objective:

Suffolk University is sponsoring this trip to make this journey possible for all who want to discover the fascinating pilgrimage that so many others have completed for over a thousand years. All who have undertaken the quest have their own personal reasons for doing so. But one thing on which everyone can agree is that it is a life-changing experience.

Participation:

Participants must be at least18 years of age and must be a Suffolk employee, current student, or alumnus. Each participant is allowed to bring ONE GUEST. The guest does not have to be directly associated with Suffolk.

Lodging:

While in Madrid, participants will stay in Suffolk University Madrid Campus residences or apartments. While in Galicia, participants will stay in 3- or 4-star hotels. Participants will be placed in double-occupancy accommodations. In Galicia, participants may request a single room for a $20 surcharge per night.

Health insurance:

Local medical insurance while on the Camino de Santiago is included in the comprehensive fee. However, the insurance will not cover days in Madrid nor travel days to and from Spain. Participants should check with his or her primary health care and dental insurance for health care options.

Cell phones:

As part of the comprehensive fee, each participant will be provided a basic cell phone to use during the trip. Calls will be limited to other phones within the Suffolk Madrid network, and text messages up to 20€.

Physical considerations:

The walking path along the Camino de Santiago includes uneven terrain with hills and slopes and is not handicap accessible. Participants will cover an average distance of 14 miles per day for 7 consecutive days (total distance of approximately 100 miles) in summer weather conditions. A support vehicle will be available along the Camino. This support vehicle will transport luggage deemed too heavy to carry by the individual (making it easier to walk!). In addition, if a participant needs to take a break from walking or needs medical attention, the support vehicle can pick them up along the route. Please note that participants must be up to the physical challenge of this trip and should consult with their primary care physician before agreeing to participate. This trip is not recommended for those with existing or recurring medical conditions. Several months of preparatory walking to build up overall stamina, along with carrying a 2-3 kg backpack is recommended in order to be best prepared. Participants should bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Most importantly, sturdy footwear is a must! The primary medical conditions that arise along the route are those related to feet (for example, blisters).

Resources:

• Movie “The Way”
• Various blogs and YouTube videos
• Numerous books have been written about the Camino de Santiago and the special significance that this journey means to each pilgrim.