My Camino de Santiago - St. James Way

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Bordeaux train station (France)

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"Off I go!" Did I say to myself. Or as the German comedian Hape Kerkeling says in his bestseller with the same title "Ich bin dann mal weg!", which also grew the popularity of the St. James Way pilgrimage among his fellow countrymen (the movie is on its way too).

The most popular way is the French one and it starts from Saint Jean Pied de Port and finishes in the end of all St. James Ways: Santiago de Compostela on the North West of Spain, Galicia. It's a 800 km pilgrimage that can be done either by foot, bike or on a horse (check it here for more info).  

So this is how I start my pilgrimage back to my hometown: I was born in Switzerland and lived there until age 12, then I went to Negreira (15 min car drive from Santiago de Compostela) and spent there my high school and early university years.

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That's a lot! Don't worry, half of it stayed home.

Long story short, I always promised myself to do at least once the Camino de Santiago and there I was, having a 3 months leave when at the middle of it I took the decision to simply "Off I go!"... Not so easy thou, I want to do it on a bike starting at St. Jean Pied de Port, but wait, I live in Nice and my bike is in Negreira!

First recommendation for the Camino: don't worry, almost everything in life has a solution.

The plan finally was, think of some photo projects (I love photography), ship my bike to St. Jean Pied de Port from Negreira, book an "Auberge" (hostel), get a flight to Bordeaux, from there arrange a BlaBlaCar to Bayonne (I always wanted to visit this place) and I even was lucky enough to find a very kind Couchsurfer who hosts me the first night. Day after that, I catch the train+bus to St. Jean Pied de Port: "L'Auberge du Pelerin" I'm coming! (I hope my bike too!)

Stay tuned for updates, pictures and stories of my first ever pilgrimage!

27th Pantin Classic in Valdoviño

The 27th Pantin Classic just finished little less than a week ago!

Taking place usually by the end of August, this yearly competition gathers World Surfing champions, some great ones like Gabriel Medina, John John Florence, Alejo Muniz or Julian Wilson already had their take on Valdoviño's coastal town Pantin. It peaks year by year, more and more, the interest in the Surf community and already saw 6 World champions battling its waves. 

Although starting with the typical Galician rain, by the end of the weekend the sun came to see how the best surfers shined. For the women's competition Silvana Lima won the first place after having to fight for the waves with some friendly fellows who wanted to take part too, see here. For the men, Leonardo Fioravanti, of Roman origin, reached the 1st position after one amazing performance for the spectators' delight.

Are you tempted? Then don't miss next year's edition, Pantin's waves and energy will not deceive you!

Enjoy now the Highlights video too!

Water Party in Vilagarcia de Arousa

You want good food, good wines and lots of fun?

Then note this down, every August 16th, people from all over Galicia gather in the town of Vilagarcía de Arousa to celebrate the festivity of "San Roque". After the typical religious procession, at exactly 12 pm, the "Festa da Auga" begins (the Water Party) and the centre of the town becomes literally a water park. The firefighters start hosing everyone they come across and they're not the only ones splashing you, even on a blue sky summer day some "heavy rain" might bring you back to winter. Tradition says that this water celebration started back in 1970, when after one of the hottest days in Vilagarcia's history, people asked their neighbours to refresh them by throwing water from their balconies, since then, this party became one of the main attractions of the town's 10 days festivities.

Finally, don't bring your lunch box (it would get wet anyway), because the southern region of Galicia is know for its great food, specially seafood, and its unique Albariño white wine (Designation of Origin: DO Rías Baixas) refreshingly fruity and acid, perfect for the warm summer days.

PS: you may have guessed that you better don't bring your best garments, unless you need to wash them. Enjoy the pictures!