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The Way of Saint James
One special kind of journey is called a “pilgrimage.”
A pilgrimage is a long walk, but it is also spiritual.
Many religions have pilgrimages, including Buddhism. This buddhist pilgrimage is in India.
Muslims have a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, in which they travel to Mecca and walk around the obelisk.
Another famous pilgrimage is from the Hindu religion. In this pilgrimage, pilgrims travel to the River Ganges.
When the pilgrims arrive at the River Ganges, they clean themselves in the water.
A Christian pilgrimage in Spain is called “El Camino de Santiago,” which means, “The Way of Saint James.”
El Camino de Santiago, or “The Way,” as many call it, starts in the small town of “San Jean Pied du Port” in France.
It travels west all the way across the country about 800 kilometers or 500 miles!
The path is marked by yellow shells all along the way.
There are also yellow arrows that point in the correct direction. It is important to always stay on the path.
It is also important for pilgrims to bring a map and compass with them as they travel. It is easy to get lost.
As pilgrims walk, they wear shells on their backpacks to show that they are on The Way.
The Way goes across a lot of different terrain. It goes over mountains.
The Way also goes through very old towns and cities.
The Way also goes into big cities like this one. This city is called Burgos.
The Way also goes along country roads for miles and miles. There are always beautiful sights to see on The Way.
Some people ride bicycles along the way, but most walk.
While pilgrims walk, they can find little cafes where they can order coffee and breakfast or lunch.
And then for dinner, people can order many types of Spanish dishes from the local restaurants.
Every night as pilgrims stop from walking, they can stay in “albergues” or “hostels.” These are the types of beds pilgrims can stay in.
Finally, after Pilgrims have walked 800 kilometers, they arrive in the city of Santiago de la Compostela.
They are very happy to arrive at the church. It is not easy to walk so far.
Many pilgrims, though, continue on to the coastal city of Fisterra.
Millions of people have walked on this pilgrimage, and the ocean is a great place to end.
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