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"I can't
thank you enough for the way you organized our peregrinaje in Spain. For
me it was a deep personal experience. So much so that I was able to extend
it right here in my back yard by going back and forth to Harvard Square
on foot, walking past beautiful gardens, and chatting with neighbors walking
their dogs, gardening, and with shop keepers. One woman asked if I were
in the ministry. I chuckled, but I thought it was nice that she sensed the
spirituality I was experiencing. I even got a fresh blister from my new
Birkenstocks and felt amused that I avoided blisters walking the camino
only to get one in my home.
Lorraine
will always have a big place in my heart. Her many gifts as a human being
made it possible for me to experience the camino as expressed so beautifully
by the poem by Antonio Machado. Thank you for including it."
Betty, Boston, MA
"Our
return to Carolina yesterday went smoothly but was not as exciting as the
pilgrimage we made with you and Alex. Thanks again for the excellent leadership
you gave our group. We hope you and Alex also had safe returns to your homes.
I believe
all of us will remember the Camino and the respect we have for it and
for the pilgrims that walked the road. I learned a significant amount
about my faith, the history of the place, the meaning of my relationships
with long-time friends and new friends, and more about the mystery of
why I am here and what is expected of me."
Chuck
S., North Carolina
"We can't believe we've been home a month already. Sorry it's taken
us so long to write. We wanted to thank you so much for such a wonderful
and unforgettable experience. Every part of the Camino Long Walk was fantastic
and beyond our expectations. Each day's walk was so unique and beautiful;each
hotel had its own special charm; and, the meals and wines were wonderful
- wow!
We
really appreciate the special care and interest you took in each of us,
and the enthusiasm and knowledge of Spain and the Camino that you shared
with us.
We
are still in awe of the trip and are hoping to be able to travel with
you again. Seriously, we're hoping to try the Northern Route in 2004.
Think you could put up with us again? Thank
you so much for everything."
Bonnie and Krishna, San Diego and India
"I've
walked the Camino twice with Judy and her team - it's an outstanding experience;
one that you'll never forget. Both times we traveled with a dozen or so
high school kids - who also loved it. You need to know going in that this
is by no means a "typical" or "touristy" kind of trip.
You'll do a LOT of walking - and it can be steep and hot and rainy! The
towns you'll stay in are beautiful, but are off the beaten path. You'll
see things that the tourists never see. Judy picks wonderful little inns
in which to stay - they're not rugged by any means . but neither are they
plush - it's a different kind of "first class!" You'll have
plenty of opportunity to learn some Spanish.
Assuming
you'll end up in Santiago, it's breathtaking. So is the scenery along
the way to get there.
I'd do
it again in a moment - and I will one day! I can't speak highly enough
of Judy - she's a wonderful, thoughtful, caring host and she organizes
these trips beautifully."
Larry, Bloomfied Hill, MI
"Thanks
for reminding me of one of the most delightful trips of my life. Judy
is an incredibly alert and organized hostess. She is always looking for
the perfect touch. The camino itself is beautiful and inspiring. Every
day brought a new scene and experience. Every place we stayed at had its
unique charm--places that ordinary tourists never see. The food is super
and Judy and Lorraine are both lots of fun. I hope to go to Italy with
Judy's tour next summer--so that tells you everything. Buen Camino."
Penny, Florida
"Thanks for the recommendations on hotels. Both places worked out well.
Your books were very useful and we had a great time exploring beaches
and back roads of Asturias and Galicia, especially as we kept running
across “Camino de Santiago” signs.
Thanks again to you and Alex for a wonderful and memorable vacation in
Spain. Hope to walk with you again."
Eadaoin and Isable, Canada (Sept. 2003)
"I
am so glad to have another friend in Aspen. I am sure we will be going
on another trip with you in the future. You were great neighbor!"
Sandy and Marilyn M. Aspen, CO (April 2003)
"Thanks
for a wonderful week on the Camino! You and Barb certainly made this a
memorable time for me-----good food, beautiful places to rest our weary
bones, great weather(well almost), and lots of information about this
amazing pilgrimage. The fact that everything went so smoothly is a testimony
to your excellent planning! Thanks again and Buen Camino!"
Nancy B—Telluride, CO & Indianapolis
"This
has been everything I hoped for and more. You have been so great from
the very beginning of our e-mails and calls back and forth. I can’t
think of one thing I would have you do differently. You will continue
to have success, I know because of your wonderful spirit. I do appreciate
the gift of you. Hasta Luego."
Carolyn, IN (April 2003)
"It
is very rare that someone can provide experiences that create beautiful
and meaningful memories—but you two have done just that! Thank you
for giving me memories that I will cherish with a happy heart and an expanded
soul."
Kathy C. IN Group (April 2003)
"Muchas
gracias por el Camino guidance! Gracias por las botas that you let me
use and for the comidas that you prepared..yum yum. I feel renewed."
Su amiga—Elena, FL (April 2003)
" I harken
back in memory, mind and spirit almost every day to the wonderful days
on the Camino with new friends. Chris F. sent me a note and a photo of
the two of us which is on the fridge. My summer in Europe is highlighted
by the peace that enveloped and nurtured me on your tour and I just consider
it all a gift from God to have been plucked from my everyday life and
forced to unwind. I honestly can tell you that my week with you was the
best week of my vacation. Barcelona was okay but a shock of city after
the peace and simplicity of Galicia. I sorely missed the walking and the
company of you all. The only thing that still connected me to our time
was wandering into the old churches throughout Barcelona and feeling that
similar devotional spirit which marked those that we all crossed the threshold
of, with, I hope, reverence."
Linda O., Santa Fe
"Thank you (and thank Juan Carlos and his assistant) for obtaining such
wonderful seats for us at the opera. MJ and I felt very important, indeed,
and had a wonderful view of the proceedings both on and off stage. The
performance was delightful and it was a fine way to cap off our wonderful
experience in Spain. I hope you, Lorraine and Maria are now thoroughly
unwound! Please say hello to all and stay in touch!"
Jill
"Thank
you for a wonderful trip!. Alfonso and I enjoyed very much every bit of
it. You do an excellent job! We had such a great time we are looking forward
to the next one. Please, let us know about the schedule for 2003. We definitely
want to go in the spring/early summer to the Camino del Norte and would
like to combine it with the walk through France (Le Puy - Conque) which
you mentioned. Best wishes and regards to you and Nanette, also to Felix
the First, we hope he is recuperating nicely."
Rosamaria & Alfonso Weilbach
"After
looking at your web site again and seeing all the new stuff
you added, I so want to come back. In fact, despite all my pains
and blisters, I never wanted to leave Spain. The trip was so
amazing and the country so beautiful and inviting that I wanted
to stay forever. I'm ready to move there as soon as Craig says
the word! Who knows? Maybe we'll sign up again in the not-too-distant
future! I'm all for it!"
Stephanie
and Craig, New Jersey, Spring (2003)
"I hope
this note finds you well. Enclosed is an article that appeared in the
Boston Globe newspaper on Sunday, July 28 (2003). It was on the 2nd page
of the travel section (Boston Globe is New England's largest newspaper)
It also was published in the Worcester Telegram.
I was
pleased that it included your website. We think the article turned out
to be a fun and somewhat informative piece that "touched" on the experience.
It has
been fun putting together our photo albums, sharing pictures and stories.
I look forward to walking the whole Camino in 1-2 years! Just not on a
holy year. I may contact you for some tips.
Thanks
again for all you did for our group. We had a wonderful trip because of
you. Wishing
you a lot of good luck and Wonderful Adventures."
Shelley L.,Boston MA
"PS. Could
never say enough good things about Lorraine (Miller)--her compassion,
knowledge, spirit, humor and organization were over the top !!!"
"What
a wonderful adventure I had with you and Juan Carlos on the Camino. I
enjoyed Spain so much. You and Juan Carlos are tow of the greatest people
I have ever had the pleasure to meet. This experience will always be remembered
as a high in my life. Thanks so much for caring for us and the train tickets
to Madrid."
Pamela
P, Denver, Colorado
"Not
a day goes by that I don't remember my time in Spain. Thank you, thank
you, thank you, for a wonderful experience. I'm making good on my promise
- I'm coming back for your long walk in May, and I'm bringing my friends
with me. At least 2, and perhaps more. Would it be possible to have Lorraine
with us again to teach me more Spanish?? My experience after leaving Santiago
was great - my room at the Lighthouse at Finisterre was spartan, but comfortable
and inexpensive. I recommend it highly - I was treated to a stunning sunset
at the end of the earth. ...I realized what a great renewing experience
it was to be outdoors and to walk! I give you five stars for everything.
Thank you, truly, from my heart. Bright Blessings."
Mary
Ellen, Seattle,WA
"Again,
our deep thanks for a wonderful trip, one we will always cherish. From
our first email correspondence with you to the last days in Santiago we
were thrilled to be on this journey with you. We certainly hope to stay
in contact at least occasionally because we now feel closely linked with
Spain, the Camino, Spanish Steps, our group, and last but not least, the
Woman who Made it Possible!"
Peg and Bob, Minnesota
"I have walked
the camino with Judy for three years and each year has been a wonderful and
different experience. I have made life-long friends through the tours and count
Judy among them. I travel extensively and generally make my own arrangements
so I am very particular, but Judy excels in all aspects of tour management.
The tours are well run, efficient, and a bargain. You definitely get your money's
worth. Judy knows the camino and the many nuances of Spain. She is a wealth
of information and her trail guides are equally prepared. And the food! Well,
Judy is a fantastic cook and I have enjoyed all the wonderful meals she prepares
and arranges - including one of the most memorable birthday dinners I have ever
had. I love the camino and fully expect that I will walk again next year with
Judy. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
I hope to see you on the road to Santiago next year!"
Nanette, Edina
MN
"On our hike
over to Gothic Sam and I were talking about our trip with you, Judy, and Sam
mentioned again how it had surpassed all his expectations. He isn't here now
to include his own message, so you may be receiving a separate e-mail from him.
In many ways we are both still assimilating the trip. It will always stand in
our minds as this peaceful interlude, the way life is meant to be, in contrast
to the horror of Sept. 11. You are an extraordinary leader, Judy - We appreciate
all the efforts you made . Please do give us a call when you get back to Colorado
- and thank you again from two grateful pilgrims!!"
Sam and Ann Carbondale,
CO (2001)
"Since the J2A group has returned back to Michigan from Spain, we have had
many get together where we have exchanged pictures, stories and laughs. We talk
about you all the time! And we miss you! All of my pictures have turned out
great, and you are in a lot of them! I just wanted to once again say "Thank
You" for the best experience of my life! The eight days that we spent on the
Camino seem surreal now. They were wonderful times! And I am so glad that you
were our guide! I really hope that I hear back from you soon! I will look forward
to telling everyone in J2A that I heard from our "amazing Judy!""
Sean G., Michigan and the J2A Group Summer (2001)
"First of all we had a once in a lifetime trip with you and I thank you, what
a dream of a group really. I know we will stay in touch with you and all the
others. But most important today I hope you are clicked on to your computer,
I want you to go to this place www.washingtonpost.com
and then click on to sports and read Lenny's article today Thursday July 19
about Sergio Garcia, he has written it with a secret meaning just for you."
Vicky M, VA
"Thanks again
so much for the great trip and introduction to the Camino! It went beyond my
expectations!.., the culture, the people, the accommodations, the food, the
language, the history and the feelings of the Camino. You and Lorraine were
wonderful guides, teachers and friends to travel with. Muchicimas Gracias!"
Barb H., San Francisco, CA
"...but the
highlight of 2000 was definitely my trip to Spain. I traveled with 10 other
friends, old and new to northwestern Spain where we spent 12 days walking 160
kilometers on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The trip was arranged by
a tour guide who spends part of her year in Aspen working as a caterer and the
rest of the year in Spain and Italy running her Spanish Steps and Roman Roads
business. It was a fabulous experience, one I will never forget. We spent each
day walking 8-12 miles per day through the countryside on footpaths and country
which have been traveled by scores of pilgrims for more than 1200 years. Our
luggage was transported to our inn each day while we walked through the beautiful
countryside and small villages, attempting to converse with the locals, eating
and drinking regional favorites, and meeting people from all over the world
who were also pilgrims along the Camino. Our group of 10 also spent a few days
traveling in Spain to Toledo and Avila, and extended our stay in Santiago de
Compostela in order to visit Finisterre, the end of the earth, about 40 kilometer
beyond Santiago."
Pat Ch., Basalt, CO
"Loved the wonderful
Camino; I hope to do it again (but the longer version) in the not-too-distant
future -- maybe the year after next. I have a friend who's interested too. Someone
told me today that I looked "euphoric" last week -- not just rested but almost
out of body!!! Thanks for that too. Bye for now".
Katie NYC
"I just wanted
to let you know what a wonderful time we had on the Camino with you!!! I don't
think I can thank you enough or convey to you just how much fun we had and what
a wonderful family trip you organized and implemented for all of us. Thank you!!!
I really miss the great days we had walking and talking and getting to know
Northern Spain. Cully and I have been a little lonely since coming home.
It truly was a great trip and you handled us all SO well, there was NO fighting
which is a small miracle for the Torrance clan! I sure hope we can do your Spain
trip or something else with you in the future, we'll work on it with my parents!
You have really peaked my interest in the Camino and I really hope that one
day I will have the chance to do the whole thing. Maybe when Cully is old enough
to carry her own pack!
I hope all is well with you and that you have a great winter in Aspen. Please
do keep in touch and put me on you mailing list."
M+ M Galaher, Portland, OR.
"We really
loved our "walk" and think that one of the best aspects was the diversity
you gave us, in countryside and towns and cities. You also showed us how
much there is to learn."
E.S., California
"I'm
not sure that words are adequate to tell you what the trip to Santiago
meant to me. Suffice it to say that I shall be recommending it to other
special people for a long, long time..."
Marie T., San Francisco
"I want
to thank you for "El Camino." It was wonderful to have some solitude and
be removed of all the distractions of life. Our tour with Claudio of Santiago
was excellent- great guide. Now I'm ready to walk longer- three months..."
Connie K., San Francisco
"We had
such a wonderful pilgrimage in Spain and you Javier were the greater part
of the reason. I have recommended you to everyone.... I also want you
to know the impact you have had on us all. Angela and Amanda are going
back to walk the camino again sometime and Dick mentioned he would like
to walk the entire road sometime as well! We really appreciate that you
were so flexible with us and so supportive. Your positive attitude, your
energy, and your genuine interest in people not only make you an ideal
leader in what you are doing, but they make you a wonderful role model
for kids and adults alike... You gave us an experience we will never forget."
Sally B., Michigan
"My mother
has already read Iberia. You know, my Mom and I have taken several lovely
vacations together but I must tell you traveling with you and Cuqui and
becoming a Pilgrim was really a highlight and enabled me to share very
special times and memories with my Mom-something I will always have! Your
the best! "
Janet T., Indiana
"...super
trip!!! I greatly appreciated your consideration and going the extra kilometer.
You may use me as a reference if you have potential clients with questions."
Betty K., California
"You really
did a fabulous job of organizing, rallying and teaching. I enjoyed every
minute of being with you. Your Spanish is wonderful and your welcoming
spirit is a joy to behold. I know you spent an inordinate amount of time
arranging... Thanks for the walk of a lifetime. I feel blessed."
Janie R., Aspen and Michigan
"Thank
you again and again... we loved every minute of our journey. You are a
mighty fine woman to share this "secret" with us."
Meldie C., Florida and Utah
"We had
an outstanding time. When people ask us-how was the trip- we say that
it exceeded our expectations."
Bill and Kay L., Minnesota.
"I wanted
to let you know how once again our trip with you was great! Tuscany was
sooooo beautiful -- I have already found a source for Brunello! Seriously,
our Walks with you are some of my Moms and my best shared memories --
something we will always have. Thanks for everything."
Janet T., Indiana.
"Really
enjoyed the trip and in looking over my pictures plus reading my diary
Pat regrets(a little) that she wasn't along. Maybe we could join you on
a short walk next year--I'd like to do it again! Particularly with your
cooking! And the wine of course. Don't be surprised if we're along next
year. Keep us in mind--it's been great!!!"
Fran D., California Camino Long Walk 1998
"I've
meant to write for weeks but life keeps getting in the way. We loved your
trip; very special, very low key, easy sweet hotels, good food and wonderful
memories! We are having our reunion dinner and wish you could be part
of it. Please tell Ramiro and Susana how much they added to the trip -
delightful people. I hope our paths cross again."
N.T., Meno Park
"Just
a thank-you letter and letter of high praise. I had a marvelous time on
the Camino with you and the group--mass, vespers, rain, days walking alone,
extra sight-seeing excursions. As you know know, it was my first organized
tour trip anywhere--let alone on the Camino--and I am now convinced it
is the way to go! Thank you for making it all happen so smoothly. Thank
you for being there. I look forward to traveling with you again, maybe
with my son, Jesse, maybe in some way assisting you. Let's talk".
T.A., Colorado
"Thank
you for orchestrating such a wonderful experience for me on the camino.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing!!! And much appreciated all your
extra touches,ie resources, daily maps, catered meals and side outings.
Your thoughtfulness about my room assignments and including my son Brian
in Santiago was above and beyond. And finally, not to mention all your
TLC"
L. E. Denver, Colorado
"Well,
the kids are back in school and we've finally had the "dog and pony show"
to tell the whole parish about our pilgrimage to Santiago. They were all
green with envy. Roger has started drawing from the experience for his
sermons(something like, "follow the yellow arrows in life") and we have
shared many warm memories and laughs in the retelling. The story of Jorge's
"Tigre" has been especially appreciated. Thank you for all your enthusiasm
along the way. I know that we were difficult at times, but you handled
us like the professional tour leader that you are".
"It was
a life changing experience that we will remember till the end of our days.
Thank you".
M. C. and the J2A Gang, Bloomfield Hill, Michigan
"Enclosed
are some photos I took on the trip. The duplicates are for Sr. Felix when
next time you see him. I really had the best time on your wonderful tour.
I talked about it so much that the people at the next table asked me for
information. I gave her all your information, expect a call from....She’s
from Santa Fe, so who knows?"
J.S. Santa Fe, New Mexico
"Our trip
along the Camino was tremendous! It was awesome to walk along such an
ancient path,and I came home with such a sense of peace. Even with the
hectic life I have been leading since we got back, that peace remains.
You and Lorraine did a masterful job, and once again I thank you very,
very much. I hope your trips following ours were as magical. I keep thinking
about the Columbine we saw on the Camino-just like summer in Colorado".
A.P. Boulder, Colorado
"I’ve
thought about you and the trip so much these months since returning. But
two events in the last week in particular prompt this letter. The first
event took place at a meeting of University of Idaho alumni in San Francisco
where I met the wife of one of your former pilgrims, whom I had met previously
through the U of I events; she and her husband are avid walkers and hikers,
and last summer they walked 200 miles in Ireland. But her brother in law
was with you in 1998 on the Camino and just raved about you and the trip.
Then this weekend I directed a spiritual retreat in which I used the physical
pilgrimage as the metaphor for the spiritual pilgrimage, which I explain
and describe in terms that the Spanish mystics and other medieval and
Renaissance mystics employ. All the women in this retreat were fascinated,
several expressing a desire to go on the Camino. It occurs to me that
a beautiful camino would be to combine the two aspects, appealing to men
and women for whom the inner journey to God is foremost in their lives.
Much love to you, Judy. Thank you again for making the trip perfect. You
were unfailingly kind to everyone. I admire your patience and tact. Con
carino",
M.G. Somoma, California
"...and
yes, I have recovered. I am looking forward to another adventure with
you at some point. Let me know what your scouting in Italy revealed. I
thoroughly enjoyed your tour in Spain even though I had trouble with my
knee. The places we stayed were fine and the group was very congenial
but your planning and knowledge of the area was the best part of the trip".
Mark M. Clearwater, FL
"You
must be getting ready for Italy by now. I wanted you to know we had such
a great time on our trip. You were beyond any of our expectations. You
are an exceptional person and it was so special to take your trip. I received
your post card and think it is very classy. Hopefully we can do another
trip with you in the future".
Toba & Jack
"Just
a quick note to let you know that we all got home fine and that we, unanimously,
all think you did a super job of arranging and leading our pilgrimage.
You led us but also joined as part of our family, which we enjoyed. We
all really enjoyed our Camino and hope we can do another outing with you
in the future. Please keep/put us on your mailing list for all future
trips. Hope you had fun in Santiago and a few days rest before you started
off again. Hasta leugo, look forward to seeing you again".
Tony, Sally, et al. Tuscon, AZ
"I
thought I would pass this holiday newsletter on to you. It was sent to
me from Judy, the travel guide of the Italy/Tuscany hiking trip I took
with her in the spring of '99. If you are possibly thinking of taking
a trip abroad, as I am again, you might like to consider one of the tours
Judy is planning for 2001. Having traveled with her I can only say how
impressed I was with her travel experience, reasonable rates, language
and people skill, fun personality and ability to handle any situation
with ease. Besides that, she is a wonderful chef! The usual hassles of
Transportation, sightseeing, hotels, restaurants were all arranged by
Judy leaving us to relax and enjoy the adventure. Best part, the groups
were small and there was always the opportunity to break away and "do
your own thing". Meanwhile, I'm equally enchanted with several of the
upcoming trip options. If you are also tempted, let me know which one
and perhaps we'll end up on the same tour."
Kristin, Vail, Colorado
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