My Little Pilgrim: 825 Kilometres and a Dream on the Camino de Santiago
A brief story of love and courage from this small Chilean-Argentine family who dared to chase their dreams beyond their borders and their fears, setting out on foot with their baby son on the exciting Camino Frances. They began this journey on 19 April 2018 from Saint Jean Pied de Port in the south of France, crossing the Pyrenees, and walked for 45 days across 825 kilometres to reach their destination in Santiago de Compostela on 3 June. Before setting out, a lot of people asked us why we thought it was a good idea to attempt this walk with Theo being so young, with so much physical and personal sacrifice involved, and the truth is we had many answers to give. Perhaps the one that best represented us at the time was the feeling that we were free to pursue a dream that would be good for all of us, and that no one could take that away from us. From the moment we decided, we felt great joy in our hearts, and that felt like more than enough reason to try. We also thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to spend time together as a family, and that Theo would make the most of every minute in contact with us, his parents, and with nature, in a very special way. We believed strongly in ourselves during those difficult moments of decision — in our own strength, in Theo, and in the idea that the Camino would look after us and give us whatever we needed to keep going. In some way we imagined that the Camino was choosing us, and that’s why we always say we hope we can give back, over the rest of life’s journey, everything we received. If this book finds its way into your hands, we’ll be very happy; but we’ll be even happier if one day you decide to walk your own path, whether this one or any other that calls to your heart. Thank you again for being here, and Buen Camino! Sole, Theo & Alex Theo A happy teller of stories and many songs. He turned 2 on the Camino; he has travelled through 15 countries, 3 seas, more than 300 playgrounds and many kilometres of nature. He likes painting, socialising and playing with his little cars. Sole Simon, Theo’s mother, born in Viña del Mar. Of Chilean-German nationality, a graduate in Psychology, specialised in Ayurvedic medicine and chiromassage. This is the second time she has walked the Camino de Santiago, and this is her second book. She is passionate about the study of educational practices and promoting people’s wellbeing. Alex Patzold Father of Theo, Tomi, Valen and Barbi. Born in Buenos Aires. Of Argentine-Austrian nationality, he studied military science, Law and Civil Affairs. He has published several books of poems and essays on motivational coaching and leadership. He currently divides his working time between hiking, abstract art and writing. Let yourself be inspired to walk with Theo, Sole and Alex along this magical, ancient path that has transformed the lives of so many people, just as it did for them. Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this simple story. We treasure it with all our hearts. It is our wish that you may come to know and feel a little of what we experienced on this beautiful journey along the Camino de Santiago
