In May this year, Zara (who’s one of our marvellous concierge team, as anyone who’s booked a villa with us might know) is walking the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage that ends at Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain. Zara’s been kind enough to write us a quick blog detailing the reasons behind her decision to walk the route, which we hope will inspire people to contribute to the great cause she’s helping support. Donate now.
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
In his epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien includes a poem from which this is the second part of the first line. I am about to embark on the biggest wander of my life.
My big brother Jason passed away on Wednesday 12th May 2010, at home after an 18 month battle with cancer, during which he showed tremendous courage and determination. I still miss him more than I thought possible, in every thought and each breath. He was not only my brother, but a best friend through thick and thin. A part of my soul is missing and I feel cheated.
As Rose Kennedy aptly states “It has been said ‘Time heals all wounds’. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
Zara and Jason as kids
With this being said, the resolute and brave manner he displayed throughout his struggle serves as an example to those he leaves behind to never lose hope in the face of adversity. This year is the 5th year anniversary of his passing away – I am walking the Camino de Santiago starting on this date. I will be flying into North-East Spain to join the Camino Francés which I will walk all the way to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Jason has given me inspiration and strength to live each day with a greater meaning. Life is precious. He loved a challenge so I am walking in his honour (and for my own peace of mind.) I am so very fortunate to have such positive people who surround me, including those at Oliver’s Travels, without whom I would not have had the encouragement to get on with this!
The Route of the Camino de Santiago
Jason’s battle with cancer was treated at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and we hope with your support that others may be helped further. With your kind donations we hope through research they can get a better understanding of these diseases, staff training and more support can be given to those in need.
Thank you for the love, kindness and support on behalf of Jason. He was a unique individual, special to all who knew him, always generous, warm, loving and kind. His cheeky grin and outrageous sense of humour will be missed by us all, and we will cherish our memories with him forever.
Living the Good Life in France’s Exclusive Eco-Village
Next
The Local’s Guide to the Authentic Italian Lakes
Popular Articles
The 10 Best Beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus has beaches for almost every kind of holiday, from soft, pale sands and shallow family bays to turtle-nesting shores, watersports hubs, and quiet coves beneath cliffs. Better still, the island makes it easy to combine time beside the sea with ancient ruins, mountain villages, and lunches in coastal tavernas. The best beaches in Cyprus […]
The 10 Best Beaches in Mykonos
Mykonos may be known for its whitewashed lanes, late-night parties, and famous beach clubs, but its coastline has more range than the headlines suggest. Long sandy bays curve around the south of the island, while the north coast feels wilder, more exposed to the Aegean wind. The best beaches in Mykonos cover almost every mood. […]
10 Best Villas in Ibiza
The fabled ‘White Island’ is a place of many faces. On the one hand, Ibiza is renowned as a prime clubbing destination with a vibrant nightlife that’s a magnet for partygoers. But there’s more to the island than exclusive clubs and dancing ’til dawn! Further inland, you’ll find there’s a much more laid-back atmosphere among […]
The fabled ‘White Island’ is a place of many faces. On the one hand, Ibiza is renowned as a prime clubbing destination with a vibrant nightlife that’s a magnet for partygoers. But there’s more to the island than exclusive clubs and dancing ’til dawn! Further inland, you’ll find there’s a much more laid-back atmosphere among […]
10 Things To Do in Ibiza by Day
We want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your luxury villa holiday in Ibiza, so we’ve scoured the island and found 10 of the best things to do in Ibiza during the day. If clubbing is breadsticks, everything else on offer here is surely the rest of the meal… 1. Explore Hidden […]
The 10 Best Villas with Swimming Pools in Pollensa
The wonderfully sunny region of Pollensa is adored by Brits everywhere. Rich in culture and beauty, it has an abundance to offer. Those who know Mallorca or have been there before will know that it gets very hot; therefore, a place to cool off is essential. Because of this, we have put together our top […]
Top 10 Villas in Mallorca
It’s almost as if Mallorca was tailor-made as a holiday destination. Relatively easy to get to, small enough to be easily explored, but big enough to offer the full range of holiday experiences. It’s obviously got the benefit of enjoying the Mediterranean climate, and you even get a choice of the kind of beach you […]
Top 10 Villas for Family Holidays in Spain
The lush Mediterranean region offers a diverse range of family holiday destinations, but Spain is undoubtedly the crown jewel. It’s easy to get to, sunny, and has a unique character all its own, offering an experience that encompasses everything from architecture to mountainous olive groves. Our team of experts handpicks each of our luxury family […]
Best Cities to Visit in Spain
Guest post by Dakota Murphey With its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning architecture, and picture-perfect beaches, Spain has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers. From bustling metropolitan hubs to charming coastal towns, there are so many amazing cities to visit on your next sunny family holiday or out-of-season getaway. Here are some of our top recommendations […]
A Guide to the Spanish Costas
Spain’s spectacular coastline is every European traveller’s dream. It reaches all the way from the north to the south end of the country and is divided into different coasts known as the Spanish Costas. This area is as diverse as it is lovely. You’ll find yourself hiking clifftops on one Costa and picking oranges on the […]
Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is beautiful, brilliant and beguiling all at once, but it’s very often forgotten by British holidaymakers – well, no more. Running north from Barcelona to the Spanish-French border, the Costa Brava is bursting at the seams with hidden caves, thrilling (and exhausting) hiking trails, mesmerising dunes and some of the finest gastronomy in […]
Slow Travel: Train Holidays to Spain
Here at Oliver’s Travels, we’re always trying to do our bit to be more sustainable. ‘Slow travel’ is an ever-growing trend that’s all about appreciating your surroundings, getting to know a destination in-depth and taking your time with travel. Swapping planes for trains is one way of embracing it, and rail travel has myriad other […]
Top 10 Best Beaches Near Malaga to Explore
Guest post by Dakota Murphey Stretching along Spain’s Andalusian coast, Malaga sits on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, making it a top destination for beach lovers. This historic port city is ideally located near glamorous Marbella, Puerto Banus, and charming whitewashed villages like Mijas and Frigiliana. A magnet for families, couples, and solo travellers, Malaga offers […]
