Walking the Camino: A Modern Pilgrimage to Santiago by Tony Kevin
Filled with fascinating observations and anecdotes about the nature of contemporary Spain, this intriguing account tells the story of Tony Kevin, an overweight 63-year-old former diplomat who set off on an eight-week trek across the country armed only with a small rucksack and a staff. Rich with the history, politics, and culture of the region, this travel narrative follows two of the many pilgrim trails that crisscross Spain and Portugal and lead to the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela, Europe's most famous center of pilgrimage. By retelling Kevin's journey, it delves into what drives tens of thousands of people of all nationalities and creeds to make long, exhausting walks across the cold mountains and hot tablelands of Spain. Beautifully capturing the flavor of both the past and present experiences of walking the camino, this chronicle depicts the concept of pilgrimage as not only having the potential to unlock hidden memory and conscience but also as a profound meditation on the nature of modern life. In addition to cultural and spiritual discussions, this diverse exploration also offers practical advice for would-be pilgrims-from packing and training to walking techniques and navigation. By addressing all of these aspects of the pilgrimage, this is the perfect book for religious pilgrims and armchair travelers alike. n nEditorial Reviews n nReview n''In this lovely book about an inspiring journey, this 'rather overweight and sedentary 63-year-old man' writes about the enormous challenges of walking across Spain and the rewards he found in contemplation, reflection, and the spirit of fellowship he shared with his fellow travellers. This memoir is a deeply personal journey, but Kevin also ponders the old-fashioned notion of pilgrimage in the frenetic 21st century.'' --Sunday Telegraph n n''Walking the Camino is like a cold Spanish beer . . . . [Kevin] takes the less travelled trail from south to north; longer, but a lot more interesting.'' -- Barry Oakley, Weekend Australian n n''Its strength . . . is its observant, informed, humane reflectiveness. Kevin's excursions into practical advice alone make the book worthwhile.'' --Sydney Morning Herald n nAbout the Author nTony Kevin is a former member of the Australian Foreign Service, in which he served in the foreign affairs and prime minister's departments, and was Australia's ambassador to Poland and Cambodia. He is an honorary visiting fellow at the Australian National University's Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies. He is the author of A Certain Maritime Incident.'
Publication Details
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Author(s):
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Binding: Paperback
Published by: Scribe Publications Pty Ltd.: , 2009
Edition:
ISBN: 9781921372339 | 1921372338
320 pages.
Book Condition: Good
Cover worn. Text tanned
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