A Picnic, Steamed Octopus, a Restored Farmhouse AND the Largest Eucalyptus Tree in Spain!

On my way to The Camino Documentary’s floating office this evening, I listened to an interview on NPR with Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez talking about The Way. It’s so exciting to hear them talk about their film for so many reasons…

A: The Way sounds so wonderful, and I just can’t wait to go see it. I’m hooked to the Camino now! Simple as that.

B: I really just love Martin Sheen. So much. I started watching The West Wing at the beginning of the summer (right when I started volunteering here!), and thanks to Netflix, I’ve become completely addicted to the show. Ironically enough, Season 3, disc 3 should have landed in my mailbox earlier today!

…and C: It makes me imagine what it will be like one day to hear Lydia talking about The Camino Documentary on the radio! And that is the best reason of all.

All of her hard work has been taking shape a lot lately since Beth the Editor has begun editing. She has mainly been reviewing footage and making plans for editing. Planning for the edit is just about as big of a job as editing itself. It’s all about the planning. My older brother is known to say, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I always make fun of him for sounding nerdy when he says that, but he’s usually right. Plan away, Beth!

Assistant editors Evan and Andrew have been busy transcoding footage for Beth and helping her acquaint herself with all of the footage and the pilgrims in it. I must commend the two of them for rearranging the office space for Beth. They made it nice and cozy for her!

Lydia has been putting finishing touches on the upcoming Camino tour with Spanish Steps. 17 people signed up & they are in for quite a treat! I got to take a peek at their itinerary and it sounds amazing. I think my favorite line from the itinerary is on October 23rd (which happens to be my birthday!). It says: “Before our group picnic in Casteneda, we suggest you stop in the town of Melide at the famous Pulporia to sample one of Galicias specialties–Pulpo Gallego–steamed octopus prepared by the locals and enjoyed by pilgrims!” and then later that same day they all arrive at their restored farmhouse near Arzua that has the largest eucalyptus tree in Spain! I just love that. A picnic, steamed octopus, a restored farmhouse AND the largest eucalyptus tree in Spain in one day?! OH, and they’re walking the Camino simultaneously? So amazing!

If you’re reading this from along the Camino, make sure you go to one of the screenings happening there in the next few weeks while Lydia is on the tour…

Oct. 18th in Astorga, Spain
Oct. 20th in Sarria, Spain
Oct. 24th Arzúa, Spain
…and last but definitely not least:
Oct. 26th @ Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This event is taking place at an amazing hotel in Santiago, the Palacio del Carmen. The Santiago tourist board has been in contact with us and the mayor of Santiago might even come!

Visit the website for more screening info.

It’s so neat that proceeds from this trip were donated to the film, and not only that but that so many of the hotels where they will be staying are owned by generous supporters of the film. I can’t wait to hear all about the tour, and don’t worry, I’ll post info on it here when they return!

Also, check back soon for info on Lydia’s upcoming trip to the International Pilgrim’s Conference in the Netherlands and about a PBS broadcast that is using some of our footage! Their show, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, will be discussing the Camino. We’re anticipating it to be posted online in the next couple of weeks and are quite excited to see it and share it with all of you. Until then, Buen Camino!