I learn so much from super clever people who are kind enough to come and share their knowledge, and this episode is no exception. Rachel Koopmans and Sheila Sweetinburgh are exceptional in their interpretations of medieval life here in Canterbury and the pilgrim legacy attached to Canterbury Cathedral. It's a hearty hour of good conversation so sit back and enjoy.

Especially recorded and published for July 7th Becket Translation Day at Canterbury Cathedral.

On this episode I have the pleasure of talking to Victoria Field, author and poetry therapist to talk about her work, experience, and recent pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome on the Via Francigena.

I also report from a Semana Santa procession at a remote village in the Sierras of Andalusia. A seriously wonderful experience of a mini pilgrimage following the Easter procession through the narrow streets of a mountain village.

Starting with a little personal thought on what defines a pilgrim or pilgrimage, based on my research and data and then on to a little walk to Patrixbourne, the first village outside of Canterbury on the Via Francigena.

Note to self: windsock for mic next time.

But hey, how do you define a pilgrim?

What does pilgrimage mean to you?

Let me know.

Buen Camino.

In this, my first episode, I am talking with Sandy Brown.

Sandy is the author of 7 Cicerone pilgrimage guide books and is one of the most respected experts on pilgrimage in Europe and America. He has walked 20,000 kms of pilgrim paths since 2008 and is a major and much loved influencer in the pilgrim world. It is a real pleasure to chat with him and learn from his insight and knowledge. Whether you know Sandy or not, you will love this episode and find it of truly great value.

Search Caminoist on the web to find more about Sandy.

Owing to a minor motor neurone condition, Sandy uses an ai programme called ElevenLabs to speak.

You can hear him at the very end though, where he has a few words to say about this.