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 How does a Slovak studying in Holland end up at the University of Navarra? 

I’m currently finishing my university studies, so I needed to find a final-year project to get the necessary credits to graduate. Kinesis offered me a project on the Camino de Santiago and, because I had studied Spanish back in Slovakia, I decided to take the project on. I had also heard about the Camino de Santiago before and was interested in the topic.  

I thought that it could be an interesting project to help people living in the villages the Camino passes through, while at the same time learning and reflecting on my life, my future and to have a think about my past. So it was something that both parties would benefit from. 

What activities have you taken part in with Kinesis? 

I arrived at the beginning of March and my first objective was to discover Pamplona. To get to know the city, understand its people etc. After that I made sure to get in touch with people at the University of Navarra who could help me with the project. This is how, for example, I got in touch with Juanjo Pons - a teacher at the university - who has been a great help during this period.  

Once I was settled in I set out to do field work. I began by doing the French Camino, because of its popularity and the push behind it. I wanted to see how it worked and what made it so popular. By the end of it I wanted to extrapolate my own conclusions about its popularity and understand how to apply these to the Aragonese Camino. In total, I walked 135 kilometres in seven days, 135 kilometres during which I could talk to pilgrims, hostal owners and people working in hospitality along the Camino. When I finished that, I returned to Pamplona and wrote down my experiences on this route of the Camino.  

Once this work on the French Camino was done I embarked on the Aragonese Camino. Around 170 kilometres. It was a very lonely experience, as there were far fewer pilgrims than on the previous route. Unfortunately, I could not do as many interviews as I would have liked, due to the lack of pilgrims. But I did do a poll on Facebook and other forums used by pilgrims. I also spoke to hostal owners and am now preparing a plan to promote this route and make it better known.  

What was the experience of doing the Camino like? 

Without a doubt it has been an experience that has changed my life in a very positive way. I had time to think, particularly on the Aragonese Camino. The fact of being around so few people means you take refuge in your own thoughts a lot. I also really enjoyed the wonderful landscapes on this Camino.  

Another thing to highlight is the fact you meet the same people every day. It strengthens bonds and this means the experience of the Camino is made more special each day.  

Do you think it’s worth promoting the Aragonese Camino?  

I think it’s necessary to promote the Aragonese Camino to help the people living in the villages along its way. The French Camino, for example, has a lot of tourism - this helps villages and creates opportunities for new businesses to open. The Aragonese Camino, however, is only chosen by 2% of pilgrims who in one way or another take part in this activity. The French Camino, on the other hand, is chosen by 60% of pilgrims. You can appreciate that this gap is pretty large and the promotion of an alternative route could help villages that are in the process of depopulation.  

To give you an example, I spoke to the owner of a bar on the Aragonese Camino and he told me that if the Camino didn’t exist he would have to close his business because locals do not consume enough to maintain it. Therefore I think it is vital to promote this route. 

How would you describe your experience in the ICS and the Kinesis project? 

I have to admit that at the beginning I did not want to come. I was in Holland and my life was very comfortable. I had never been to Spain and I was going to confront realities very different to what I usually see on a day-to-day basis. And I didn’t know anyone in Pamplona. However, after reflecting about it a lot, I realised I had nothing to lose. In the end I decided to come and, without a doubt, it has been one of the best decisions of my life. I have met people, I have learnt a lot and, without a doubt, I can say it has been an experience that has changed my life.