Thirty-seven hundred miles and 12 countries await Carlota Valenzuela. This woman left behind the routine and noise of her daily life in Spain and set out to walk from Finisterre to Jerusalem in only one year.
She began her walking pilgrimage on Jan. 2, 2022, carrying no more than a 13-pound pack and a map.
CARLOTA VALENZUELA
Pilgrim, Finisterre-Jerusalem
“I am already on my way, on the first day. The truth is that this morning I felt less prepared than ever, but I imagine that that's the way to start: with humility and knowing that I can't do it alone, that I need God's grace.”
For Carlota Valenzuela, this pilgrimage is also symbolic: going from a place that symbolizes the end, Finisterre, to the origin of everything, Jerusalem.
CARLOTA VALENZUELA
Pilgrim, Finisterre-Jerusalem
“Jerusalem, for me, represents the beginning of everything, and going there is also an interior journey, going toward my center. I am making a pilgrimage both externally and internally.”
Carlota is sharing her progress on social media, and she's asking her followers for help finding lodging along the way.
Her idea is to reach Italy in June and Israel in December. That way she'll connect three important pilgrimage destinations: Santiago, Rome and Jerusalem.
CARLOTA VALENZUELA
Pilgrim, Finisterre-Jerusalem
“I am doing a walking pilgrimage so that I can go step by step, so that I can start from smallness, from humility. It isn't a physical challenge. I want to enjoy the journey and leave room for things to happen.”
It's a journey full of uncertainty for Carlota Valenzuela, and an adventure of self-discovery made possible by her courage to take the first step.
BGA
TR: CT
