"If the idea of exploring Europe is met by a "been there, done that" response, think again. There’s a unique option whose concept started long before the advent of those whirlwind package tours. You can walk all or part of the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain for an intimate, at-your-own-pace exploration of a country steeped in natural beauty, art, history and faith…" (cont'd.)

"In the entire world, reportedly, there were three roads to Paradise in early Christendom. The first is the Camino de Santiago that meanders 500 miles across northern Spain. This has been trekked by millions of faithful for centuries on their way to pay homage to the remains of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela. But in second position and gaining in popularity is the Via Francigena (The Frankish Route) from Canterbury to Rome…" (cont'd)

"I couldn't believe what confronted me as I crested the rise. Two moose, a mother and her calf, blocked my pathway. Slowly I lowered my pack and attempted to free my camera. But before I could capture them on film, they set off on an ethereal lope into the surrounding pine forest. Surprising, yes? But that incident was typical of the adventure and super-natural surprises I discovered on my recent 400-mile (643-kilometer) trek along the St. Olav's Way in Norway…" (cont'd)

"A pilgrimage is the act of deliberate travel; traveling outside while traveling within..."

Walking gives you time for silent contemplation and may even reveal a bit of wisdom – if only we listen.

A reflection on the hardships faced by everyday Tibetans – and the horror of cultural genocide.

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