Arriving in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Only 8 miles from the Spanish Border, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. The town was founded in the 12th century and today is probably most known for being one of the traditional starting points of The Camino de Santiago, Frances, The Way of St. James, the French Route. This is my starting point and as I prepare to walk to Santiago de Compostela, I take time to enjoy the beauty of this small town as I contemplate in wonder the the magnitude of the journey I am about to embark on.
Upon arrival in St. Jean, I needed to find a place to stay. Giving a wink & a nod to the way pilgrimages were done back in the day, where one would carry all your belongings on your back and spend the night wherever the opportunity presents itself, I decided I would not book any of my rooms in advance of my arrival. Therefore I had no idea where to go, or even which direction to start walking. The good news is there were enough pilgrims on the bus it was easy to follow them into town. Once there, I found a lovely inn and checked into a room for my 1 night.
Now it’s time to find the pilgrims office and to officially sign up for the Camino and receive my Pilgrims Passport. This passport is required to stay in any of the albergues (pilgrim’s hostels) along the Camino, including the privately owned ones. At every albergue and cafe along the way you will receive a stamp, and these stamps will prove you’ve walked the Camino and earn you your Compostela in Santiago. Luckily the queue outside the office was an indicator I’d found the right place to check in.
AND this is what a pilgrims passport looks like before you start your journey…
My room and my passport all sorted, it’s time to explore this beautiful walled town, the old capital of the traditional Basque province of Lower Navarre. It sits on the River Nive and essentially has one main street and several gateways out of the walled part of the city.
Time to eat, relax, and prepare myself for my day tomorrow. I can’t believe I am finally here. I can’t believe I about to start walking this pilgrimage that has been walked before me for over 1,000 years. To follow in so many footsteps that have some before me, even to imagine it is beyond my ability. I do not know what this adventure will entail, yet the word that comes to mind is Miracles. I am taking a very deep dive into the Mystery…therefore it’s definitely time for wine!
