Year 2006

Year 2006

CAMINO: ON GLORY ROADS 2006

Beyond your talent for sharing knowledge, beyond perfectly chosen accommodations and walking segments, beyond beautiful landscapes and great food, you offered something even more memorable and meaningful. Even though we weren’t at your house, I felt that you were sharing your home with me and the others – not just your family, your country, or your region, though those were all important elements, but (for lack of a better word) your world: yourselves, your spirits, your sensibilities.

The organization was excellent, my best overall tour experience. You’ve obviously given thought to every detail and allow enough flexibility to suit individual preferences. Thanks again for a fabulous trip. I will recommend it highly to anyone interested in this area.
S. Zolliker, San Diego, CA, USA

It was a pleasure to watch you both operate together as a team and as a married couple – an inspiration for all of us. You’ve done an excellent job with the hotels – quite spectacular. Your knowledge exceeded expectations. We learned so much about Spain – both historically and culturally. This was one of my best travel experiences to date. We enjoyed every moment and will reflect and savour the details. Loved it!!! Thank you very much.
G. & R. Lepage, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

With Nancy’s attention to detail, her expansive knowledge and passion for the Camino, supported by Jose’s wonderful meals, enthusiasm for the environment and sensitivity to all our needs, a superb experience for the body, mind and soul. With thanks,
E. Smyth, Toronto, ONT, Canada

This tour has exceeded my expectations. Jose and Nancy, your watchful care of us all, combined with knowledge, passion, a sound tour structure and ample people skills gave us more than any list of graces might capture. Your preparedness and passion was exceptional. Thank you for this experience.
M. Daley, East Malvern, VIC, Australia

The tour ran like clockwork without the feeling of being herded and badgered. Particularly impressive was the extent of concern for the well-being of guests and the manner in which Nancy & Jose undertook their responsibility in this regard. Nancy was very knowledgable, responded to questions with ease, admitted when didn’t know the answer and when possible undertook to find the information. Jose provided valuable insight into local history, politics, current events. Overall the tour was excellent – most appreciated the interweaving of social and political history into the development of the pilgrimage. Obviously great care and consideration has been put into the tour. It was well-balanced re spiritual, history, iconography, story telling, local customs, cheerfulness and patience. Jose and Nancy, thank you for sharing yourselves with us.
R. Drew, East Malvern, VIC, Australia

I was constantly impressed with your depth and breadth of knowledge. Achitecture, Christian folklore, Romanesque, medieval history and local culture and flowers all contribute brilliantly. You could get another PhD in this! The internet booking was exactly what I wanted. Email was good, efficient communication form. You made the whole tour look quite seamless despite some unexpected hiccups. I originally expected to not do the optional walking but the quantity was just right. Jose’s picnics were brilliant! I loved the local specialties and explanations of each item. I have thoroughly enjoyed the tour and will be recommending it to many people – Australia and America. Thank you for the thought you put into it and all the very best wishes for your future.
S. Tepe, East Malvern, VIC, Australia

The walking was beyond my expectations; the countryside we walked in was stunning. Nancy’s guiding and care were wonderful. The picnics were absolutely delicious. Jose is a star! I would certainly like to do another On Foot In Spain walk and will be recommending this one to friends. Everything went like clockwork. A truly memorable 11 days.
L. & T. Sherwood, South Yarra, VIC, Australia

The walking was great! I did not expect so much variety in the terrain. Nancy, we learned so much from you on this trip. It was exceptional. Jose, your knowledge of local practices and the current economy was great. Everything ran very smoothly and always on time. We knew very little about the Camino before starting and we feel we have gained so much from this tour. Thank you for a great experience!
S. & M. Brown, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

The tour met my expectations but went beyond it because of the family we travelled with. Nancy and Jose - your love for each other, the Camino and your guests was very special. I wish your family much joy with a new baby and many wonderful years along the Camino.
R. Gestier, Sydney, NSW, Australia

The pre-tour information was the best that I have encountered. It covered all that one needs to know without being over the top. Nancy is the BEST. The commentary, the stories, the historical perspectives make this the most enjoyable and unforgettable of tours. Excellent organization – we packed a lot into 11 days. Jose, the picnics set a new standard for picnic lunches. It was a most rewarding experience with beautiful walks, cultural education, gastronomic stimulation and an awakening of spirtuality. Thank you for hosting us so generously.
E. Neff, East Malvern, VIC, Australia

We are home and still reveling in the wonderful trip with On Foot In Spain along the Camino. We want to thank the two of you for an exceptional travel experience. Saying goodbye was very difficult because we felt like we were saying goodbye to two new friends. While we had high expectations for the trip with you, we both came home raving about how it had exceeded our expectations. From the beautiful scenery to the knowledge about art, architecture, history and culture to the wonderful food and drink to the delightful people and even the good weather, we found the trip to be the great experience we hoped for.

You do a wonderful job of anticipating issues and needs and then deftly handling any situation that arises. I should also mention that your tour is a very good value.

We wish you both well and hope to join you on a future trip in a year or two.
G. & J. Dixon, St. Louise Park, Minnesota, USA

The tour overall was a 5 with 5 being the best. Because of my age (73) and condition (a strong, experienced walker with arthritis), I didn`t expect to do the optional walks, but I did! I couldn`t resist them after I saw the perfect village on the optional walk the second day. The pacing throughout the days--walks, picnics, commodious bus rides to trailheads and hotels, and more walks--invited me to rise to each occasion, refreshed and ready to go. I feel more assured of facing whatever the future brings, with ultreia! Thank you, Nancy & Jose
E. Hope-McCarthy, Merrimac, Massachusetts, USA

COMPOSTELA TOUR 2006

Thank you for a life changing gift - the experience on the Camino. Due to your dedication and devotion to the Camino, you have made it possible for people like me to enjoy and learn from the Camino even on shortened pilgrimages. I am so grateful that you have made this possible through hardwork, good organization, great team work, but most importantly, your hospitality, friendship, and care.

As I told you, Nancy, it’s been a real treat for me to revisit art history and architecture of the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with someone so passionate about it as you are. Very fun! You have a very gracious yet firm way of managing group dynamics. Not a simple matter – attending to individual needs yet keeping the group moving forward. Very well executed: You both make a wonderful team in work and life.

A special thanks you to Jose for helping with suitcases, preparing and shopping for our lunches, watching for lost sheep, caring for us on other levels having to do with non-functioning poles, anything broken and blisters. A dear, dear man!

I hope our paths might cross again. And many blessings on this ministry and keeping the Camino alive.
K. McGray, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Thank you for an experience of a life time. This trip was truly was a grand experience for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the group and have many fond memories of our mutual experiences--which I shall have for many years to come. Your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated.
H. Flores, San Jose, CA, USA Sept 2006

We`ve been home a week--time to wash and put everything away, talk to all our family and friends about our experience, and reflect on it ourselves.

This was the most remarkable travel experience we have had. I was seeking a spiritual experience, and I was not disappointed. L. came along with some trepidation, fearful about her ability to make the walk and to survive between restrooms, and she was surprised to discover she had greater strength than she knew. (I knew, but she didn`t.)

I shall not forget the "lessons of the Camino" which I mentioned at our farewell dinner. {Travel light, but don`t scrimp on water. Pay attention to the yellow arrows. Slow down, but don`t stop, on the steep places, and take your time and enjoy the level places. Be cheerful--most folks along the way wish you well. There is more than one Way.}

We both appreciate your passion for sharing your enthusiasm and your profound scholarship regarding the Camino as well as the friendliness and hospitality you both demonstrate.
L. & L. Johnson, Monroe, Louisiana, USA

Thank you for this trip. For me it was a long overdue re-acquaintance with Spain and with Galicia in particular, both urban and rural. Among the many memorable parts of the journey were O Cebreiro, a village in the mountains with plenty of atmosphere and which represented a beautiful introduction to Galicia and the less remarkable Arzua which offered high standard accommodation and restaurants where you could eat heartily at such reasonable cost. I am grateful that you gave me the opportunity to see Galicia in greater detail this time.

I am confident that you are at the top of the tree in this sort of leisure pursuit. Jose is a masterchef in outdoor prandial preparation and you, Nancy, impart your extensive knowledge so well. Thank you both for the personal touch. I am considering another tour with you sometime in the future.
R. Burgin, Bath, UK

We loved it! Nancy and Jose – you are a wonderful team – taking care of all the details, adapting to your group. Thank you so much!
K. Baer and R. Wallace, Vashon Island, Washington, USA

What an unforgetable jouney we had to Santiago de Compostela. You and Jose have done a wonderful job of organizing and running this tour. I cannot think of anything that you could do to improve the quality of the tour. The information that we received from you was excellent. The planning seemed perfect. Your information regarding the spirituality, physical geographical areas, history, customs, food, (yes, especially food) were of great benefit. I learned much form you and am grateful for this. All of the Inns that we stayed at were quaint and comfortable. It was pleasant being in a "family" group throughout the walk. Little Ms. Boo was a delight. I especially enjoyed teasing her.

Consuelo and I are doing some very preliminary legwork on another tour through On Foot in Spain, perhaps from the Portugal area to Santiago. But this would be at least 2 years away.

Regarding suggestions for improvement of the tour, it is perfect the way it is. I would not change a thing.

However..... I still believe that Consuelo`s idea regarding Jose writing the official "On Foot in Spain" cookbook is a great idea. I am serious. The book does not have to be fancy. We really enjoyed the lunches that we had. If everybody bought a book of his recipes, then we would all bring back home a little more from the walk than memories. Every time that we used one of the recipes, we would remember this memorable event. If Jose does develop the book, we want to be one of the first to purchase one.
F. Yepiz, San Jose, California, USA

The Camino de Santiago was more than just a walk but more of a cultural experience for me regarding the ways of the Galician people, the regional foods and the beautiful architecture, but most of all, your personal family setting. So with this combination this made my trip to the Compostela so much more complete and satisfying.

I love your team effort and I appreciate all your hard work that you and Jose put into this endeavor. This is why your tours our so successful.

And now I’m only left with good memories that I will have forever! Thanks!
C. Yepiz, San Jose, California, USA

The amount of walking seemed just right and carefully thought out by you: a gradual build-up, not too demanding to start but a satisfying challenge. Nancy is extremely knowledgable and communicates effectively while still encompassing vast quantities of relevant facts in a limited time. I was never bored by what she said. I also enjoyed the music on the bus. I enjoyed the local specialties of the picnics as well as Jose’s delicious salads. The lunches were healthy which I appreciated. All the lodgings were clean and comfortable. I was surprised by the excellent quality in light of the cost of the holiday.
B. Sherlock, Stockton-on-Tees, Clevand, UK

This was a great experience for me. I enjoyed the walking and I appreciated Nancy’s knowledge and expertise about the Camino and Jose’s organization and helpfulness. Great job!
G. Thomas, Portland, Oregon, USA

Wow- Nancy you are a walking encyclopedia. Thank you for a memorable experience. My El Camino was rich and pleasurable. I was overwhelmed by the information and the care you took to provide such appreciated hospitality. I find myself filled with the urge to walk and to take every opportunity I can to satisfy my heart’s desire. I’ll recommend this tour to others with the confidence that they would have as wonderful time as I did. Thanks so much.
L. Forseth, Wayzata, Minnesota, USA

I want to thank you for the trip of a lifetime. In spite of or because of my injury, the pilgrimage turned into not only a wonderful hiking experience but also a spiritual journey. The kindness of the group made the inconveniences of travel manageable and helped me appreciate theCamino even more.

Thanks to your recommendation Ken,Christel, and I were able to experience the ceremony of theBotafumeiro from the North/south transept. It was absolutely amazing.It completed the journey.
L. Vitanza, San Jose, California, USA

Portugal: Camino Portugues 2006
Many, many thanks for all the planning and orchestrating of our tour. Every day was a marvelous adventure, replete with history and cultural sagas and topped off with gastronomic delights. I will be unpacking this story for years and it was my delight to be a part of this tour. You are excellent at what you created and whatever language one wants to use about you two discovering each other and developing this style of adventure for those who follow – it is awesome. I do look forward to how and when our paths will cross again.
C. Fulton, Calgary, Alberta, Canada


This was such an incredible experience. I want to thank you for everything you’ve both done to make this so much more than a tour of two beautiful countries. You’ve left an indelible mark on me to start experiencing other cultures and countries. Thank you also for your constant patience with my endless questions. You were a wonderful couple to share this adventure with.
J. Lane, Frisco, Colorado, USA

Your astounding presentation of Portugal and Spain – its terrain, history and cuisine – have left us sad to leave but fondly looking forward to a return trip. Thank you!
D. Ramadan & B. Gallup, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I’m now home in Oz after great time away – highlight was undoubtedly the Portuguese Camino. Thank your both so much for superb leadership. I particularly enjoyed Nancy’s fascinating presentation of culture & history, myths & legends along the route. Jose’s picnics will remain a wonderful memory forever. Hotels and evening meals were also very carefully selected.

Please include me on on future mail outs concerning your company.
M. Schweitzer, Tooronga, Australia

Another glorious adventure with you is now coming to an end. Thank you both so much for all your extra efforts and special touches on our behalf. It touched my heart and opened my heart again. Many blessings.
R. Enslin, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

We really enjoyed our On Foot In Spain experience on the Camino Portuguese. You are an excellent guide. Pat has been telling about the trip to the point that peoplehave asked herfor your website. Thanks for the effort that you and Jose obviously put into the organization of your tours.
F & P Slama, Montgomery, Illinois, USA

We loved Portugal and our walk was all we hoped it would be. I now have 1500 digital photos to deal with...Thank you both for looking after us so well and providing another memorable experience for us to cherish.
J & J Campbell, Canberra, Australia