Hello, I'm Randall St. Germain, author of Camino de Santiago In 20 Days. I'm a middle-aged Canadian Boy who is passionate about nature, photography, hiking, music, and self-improvement. After the death of my mother in February 2010, I felt I needed to get away, and clear my mind. I chose to walk the famous pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, across the north of Spain, despite knowing little about it. I certainly didn't plan to write a book until the latter days of my Camino. Even then, I wasn't sure. It seemed so difficult, and a lot of work. One of my chapters is entitled, "I Can Write Good English, Can't I?" and that was my thought at the time. Similar to walking the Camino, writing and publishing a book was a learning experience. It was also very rewarding, and part of my ongoing journey.
Camino de Santiago In 20 Days tells of my journey on the 500 mile, or 800 kilometer, French Way from St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. My walk was not only one of personal enlightenment, but it was also a challenge--I walked an average of 26 miles, or 40 kilometers, for 20 days straight. I also carried a backpack that weighed about 30 pounds or 14 kilograms. I don't get too preachy in my book about spirituality or religion. This is a book about really walking the Camino de Santiago, unlike anything presently out there. It's edgy, and I must say, there are a few "bad" words. Most of all, I hope you find Camino de Santiago In 20 Days funny and entertaining. I tried to show my sense of humor, and I hope you have a good laugh, even if it's at my expense. Since I was alone most of the time, all kinds of thoughts went through my head, and I wrote about most of them. If you feel uncomfortable, I'd recommend you skip Chapter 9.
If you find Camino de Santiago In 20 Days inspiring, that would be great. I wrote about how I pushed myself outside of my personal comfort zone. My comfort zone wasn't climbing Mount Everest, but at a lower level that didn't include sleeping in hostels, and walking up to 30 miles, or 50 kilometers, every day; often in the rain and cold. My writing also had to be honest, and I take pride in that. One of my tweets on Twitter is "This Is NOT Creative Nonfiction!" Sure, I could have thrown in a car chase or other "misadventures," but one of the rewarding aspects of walking the Camino, was the lack of drama. It was actually quite peaceful.
My Camino, and Camino de Santiago In 20 Days are dedicated to my late mother. She was very important to me, especially as we grew closer in her later years.
I welcome you to visit my website, http://www.caminomyway.com where I have my blog, and hundreds of photos from the Camino de Santiago and my other journeys. I hope you can join me, and I can inspire you to go on your own journey one day. My journey continues...
All the best,
Randall St. Germain
Vancouver, Canada
