Holy Blisters-The Camino Journey from Burgos to Santiago de Compostela
About
Welcome to Holy Blisters, My name is Cynthia Piper and I live in Matamata, Aotearoa New Zealand, with two crazy cats and three geriatric hens.
​
In April and May 2019, I walked the Portuguese Camino with five ladies, a journey of 667 kilometres. The problem with the Camino is that it gets into your spiritual and physical heart and mind. It keeps calling you back.
​
​In 2023, my granddaughter Jay, then 13 years old, decided to accompany me, and we chose to walk the Portuguese Camino, taking a few different routes on our way to Santiago. You can read about our adventures on our blog page. I had always wanted to do the Via de la Plata from Seville, but in March 2024, I had a heart attack. Now, a year later, with two stents, determination, and a pack load of motivation, I plan to walk from Burgos on the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela - 500 kms. The Via de la Plata will have to wait!
​
This Camino is different - I will walk Vicaire Pro, on behalf of my great niece, Georgia, who took her own life in 2024. The aim is to raise money in memory of Georgia for I AM HOPE, a charitable trust supporting those with mental health issues. I will walk with Glenise who came on our 2019 Camino.
​
​​You are welcome to follow my journey as I train, prepare and travel.. Please comment on my posts. It would be wonderful if you could also support the wonderful work of I AM HOPE by making a donation.
Santiago de Compostela and St James
St James was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John. He was a fisherman, who along with John and Peter was called by Jesus to be one of his disciples. (Mark 5:1-11)
​
James is thought to have left Jerusalem to preach in the Iberian Peninsula. When he returned to the Holy Land he was killed by Herod Agrippa in CE44.
​
His body was returned to Spain by boat arriving near Padron and buried on Mt Libredon. Around 813-820, a hermit named Pelayo discovered the tomb after following stars shining down on a field. Pelayo reported his find to King Alfonso II, who ordered a church to be built on top of the tomb.
​
​
​
​
​
​
The reliquary holding the remains of St James
https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/342906959099943710/
The church was rebuilt in 1075 and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, as it is now known, was consecrated in 1211. It is a place of pilgrimage along with Jerusalem and Rome.
