One morning at 37, I quit my corporate job, packed a backpack, and walked the Camino Frances across Spain. Nobody dared to stop me – and honestly, I wouldn’t have listened anyway.
Hi, fellow pilgrim! I’m Elena.
I was born and raised in beautiful Odessa, Ukraine. When I was 19, my adventurous spirit brought me to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus for my MBA studies, and I’ve been living here ever since, balancing my professional life with a deep-seated passion for the world beyond. I have always loved traveling, exploring new places, meeting interesting people, trying new activities, and savoring local cuisines. So far, 50+ countries down, and the list keeps growing faster than my luggage allowance.
The Camino, much like life, is not a race. I had no interest in treating it like one. When planning my journey, I chose to resist the urge to rush and instead embraced every opportunity that this part of Spain had to offer. Why skip the hidden gems? Whether it’s museums with immersive VR experiences, peaceful parks, local restaurants frequented by residents rather than pilgrims, or even a spa to refresh your body after a long day on the trail – I made sure to experience it all.
I’m here to show you how to experience the Camino Frances not just as a pilgrim, but as an explorer who appreciates the comfort, culture, and hidden delights along the way. I’ll be covering everything you need to know, from smart packing and flight tips to the best places to stay, eat, and explore.
Curious about my personal journey?
Read the story about My Camino.