The Turning Around Point
Alexander John Shaia refers to the arrival at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela as the turning around point of the pilgrimage. What does he mean? In earlier times that indeed was the case. Arrival at the cathedral meant turning around and walking home! He is referring to the Inner Journey which has been happening simultaneously. On the Camino pilgrims might awaken, the transformation though, could take place once home. Shaia arrived home completely unaware of the effect the pilgrimage was to have on his life, and he found there was no support. He experienced great difficulty synthesizing material and adjusting over the following twelve months. He set about writing the book, ‘Returning From Camino,’ which he wished he had been able to refer. I read reviews and decided this volume was quite a departure from the usual memoirs which outlined transformation issues experienced by pilgrims.
I purchased a Kindle copy and found it surpassed expectations. There were valuable suggestions for pre and post Camino. I consider it essential reading, and in the top 5 Camino books I had read. I arranged for Christchurch City Libraries to purchase a hardback copy.
Unfortunately this book spends most of its time languishing on the library shelves.
Ultreia Suseia Philip
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