This question comes to mind as we start a new year and it's often asked by those who have never embarked on their own pilgrimage.
In the most basic sense, a pilgrimage is a prolonged journey where one looks to expand their understanding of themselves and the world around them. More often than not, your pilgrimage starts in unfamiliar territory with uncertainty facing you as you move forward. It could be said that life, in and of itself, is a pilgrimage. It is certainly a journey and we are often faced with uncertainty as we walk our own paths.
Humans have embarked on pilgrimages for centuries (millennia, perhaps) for a myriad of reasons. Most pilgrimages are rooted in spirituality and each one has its own set of challenges and expectations. Most people who consider themselves pilgrims feel a sense of duty and are drawn to it.
This year, my class is honoring a few notable pilgrimages around the world, each representing a different culture and cuisine. Students in the class are tasked with not only creating a delicious and healthful menu but also determining the sustainability, the hospitality, and nutritional aspects of the pilgrimage. Starting February 28, each week brings a new menu and pilgrimage. A video about the pilgrimage will be posted to the site for you to learn more about it.
We hope you enjoy the journey around the world from our small town, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Perhaps this sparks an interest in embarking in your own pilgrimage or taking new steps in an unknown direction.
¡Buen Camino!
Marcy
Peregrina - Camino de Santiago (Routes: Frances, 2016; Norte y Primitivo, 2019)
Photo: Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) on the Camino de Santiago. ©Marcy Gaston