It is the Camino that brought me back to Spain. Since I finished my five-week pilgrimage last year, I have longed to return. Perhaps the contrast between the long, cold, and white Canadian winter and the colorful views of Spain in summer strengthened my desire to walk the way of Saint James again.
“When I worked at Yale University in 2014, I coined the phrase planetary security because I couldn't find a proper description for the security threats of our rapidly changing environment; climate security was too narrow.”
I salute your longtime commitment to the security of our planet and the extensive work you’ve done and continue doing. Voices who can back up their words with credible knowledge and experience are critical to furthering the many challenges to offset the increasing planetary crises. It seems each facet of your life and activities is interwoven with these goals.
I will enthusiastically look forward to each of your reports and writings along the way and the partnership with Swiss Re.
"I see the pilgrimage as an opportunity to reflect, let go, and gain clarity [...]" - this reminded me of the book Onderweg. The Camino de Santiago is not just a walking journey. I hope you do find what you're looking for.
Great pictures! Stunning clouds. Looking forward to more. My mind just made a weird jump to churches and security. Or maybe safety is a better word in English.
Loving the partnership with Swiss Re (no, I'm not biased) and looking forward to the content you're creating. Thank you for sharing it.
The path you embraced feels like a soul purpose/mission. You’re doing something that you love, walking, unwinding in nature, traveling and also serving the planet and us. You strike me like someone who is walking the path of his own soul. How perfect! Have fun!
Jun 27, 2023·edited Jun 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍
"In order to write about life, you must first live it." Wise words from Hemingway. I think your love affair with Spain was written in the stars. After all, you do an extremely good job of honoring the dead; saints and all.
And much like Spain it seems you thrive on cultural awakenings in a vibrant and warm country of dance, music, wine, beaches and sunshine. And Spanish Art from Velazquez to Picasso to Don Quixote. How do I sense this without having visited Spain. The Spanish colonization of Arizona began in 1539 and its roots run deep. From looking for the mythical cities of Cibola to Padre Kino's influence, I love the Spanish culture and the way it has shaped my home state. I was also privileged to live on a ranch in southeastern Arizona that was one of the largest private Spanish Land Grants. And I love churros!
So as Don Quixote said: Destiny guides our fortunes more favorably than we could have expected. Safe travels. Stay cool. Vive tu sueno.
"La diplomatie n'est pas une fin en soi mais un moyen de construire un monde meilleur." (Boutros Boutros-Ghali)
Repeatedly you share your views on the state of our planet with documents and quality photos and as you say:
“This year, I will focus on climate change's impact on the region and how communities adapt to maintain their resilience amidst the perils of droughts, wildfires, and heat waves”.
With Swiss Re as a partner focussing on climate risk from a business perspective while you focus on climate risk from a security perspective we will have a wider view over the situation and its impact on the region of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
The partnership with Swiss Re so interesting. Your investment in “planetary security” a lifetime commitment now as you embark once again in about -2 days on the Camino. I hope you find the solace, invigoration you are seeking. I’ll be traveling along each day, back to 2022 as well. Safe travels! By the way, the photos are indeed lovely.
Last year I felt your pilgrimage was the beginning of a new journey, a new chapter for you. I’m glad to now see you continuing to follow new adventures wherever it will lead. May you find new fulfillment, new inspirations and new insights daily.
Yes. You sure are a graceful walking inspiration. That is a beautiful photo where you're cruising down solo on the scenic country road.
Currently I'm in training to walk the Camino. At this moment I'm looking for the Modern-Day-Nomad in me(It always has been there), while my training pilgrimage runs through a maze of years worth of storage boxes which I moved out of the 'Storage Place', and is plugging up my abode for now.The storage cost went up 100% in the last 6 months.
(Storage is one of the fastest growing predatory industries. On average, a Western person has become responsible for 3000 lbs. today, and not very moveable.)
I love your little Red Backpack and the thought of a coffee shop around the corner waiting . . . My backpack is a green 'Osprey' , nudging, to spread my wings (-:
You will love the Camino! Yes, I plan to leave early tomorrow to cross the Pyrenees. Aiming to go beyond the usual first stops of either Orisson or Rocesvalles.
Looking forward to your sharing of your Camino pilgrimage and the new environmental security project. Good travels. Be safe and well 🌻
Thank you, Rena
“When I worked at Yale University in 2014, I coined the phrase planetary security because I couldn't find a proper description for the security threats of our rapidly changing environment; climate security was too narrow.”
I salute your longtime commitment to the security of our planet and the extensive work you’ve done and continue doing. Voices who can back up their words with credible knowledge and experience are critical to furthering the many challenges to offset the increasing planetary crises. It seems each facet of your life and activities is interwoven with these goals.
I will enthusiastically look forward to each of your reports and writings along the way and the partnership with Swiss Re.
Best wishes, travel safely.
Thanks, I hope to share many updates
"I see the pilgrimage as an opportunity to reflect, let go, and gain clarity [...]" - this reminded me of the book Onderweg. The Camino de Santiago is not just a walking journey. I hope you do find what you're looking for.
Great pictures! Stunning clouds. Looking forward to more. My mind just made a weird jump to churches and security. Or maybe safety is a better word in English.
Loving the partnership with Swiss Re (no, I'm not biased) and looking forward to the content you're creating. Thank you for sharing it.
You’re welcome ☺️
The path you embraced feels like a soul purpose/mission. You’re doing something that you love, walking, unwinding in nature, traveling and also serving the planet and us. You strike me like someone who is walking the path of his own soul. How perfect! Have fun!
I will. Thank you 😊
"In order to write about life, you must first live it." Wise words from Hemingway. I think your love affair with Spain was written in the stars. After all, you do an extremely good job of honoring the dead; saints and all.
And much like Spain it seems you thrive on cultural awakenings in a vibrant and warm country of dance, music, wine, beaches and sunshine. And Spanish Art from Velazquez to Picasso to Don Quixote. How do I sense this without having visited Spain. The Spanish colonization of Arizona began in 1539 and its roots run deep. From looking for the mythical cities of Cibola to Padre Kino's influence, I love the Spanish culture and the way it has shaped my home state. I was also privileged to live on a ranch in southeastern Arizona that was one of the largest private Spanish Land Grants. And I love churros!
So as Don Quixote said: Destiny guides our fortunes more favorably than we could have expected. Safe travels. Stay cool. Vive tu sueno.
I’ll send a churros update along the Way :-)
Buen camino! May your walk be good in the daily, pedestrian sense, as well as in the broader mission of your life walk-work on Earth.
Thanks Mischa!
"La diplomatie n'est pas une fin en soi mais un moyen de construire un monde meilleur." (Boutros Boutros-Ghali)
Repeatedly you share your views on the state of our planet with documents and quality photos and as you say:
“This year, I will focus on climate change's impact on the region and how communities adapt to maintain their resilience amidst the perils of droughts, wildfires, and heat waves”.
With Swiss Re as a partner focussing on climate risk from a business perspective while you focus on climate risk from a security perspective we will have a wider view over the situation and its impact on the region of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
I wish many will learn from you and see.
Thanks for all and “bon vent”!
Thank you, Aida
The partnership with Swiss Re so interesting. Your investment in “planetary security” a lifetime commitment now as you embark once again in about -2 days on the Camino. I hope you find the solace, invigoration you are seeking. I’ll be traveling along each day, back to 2022 as well. Safe travels! By the way, the photos are indeed lovely.
Enjoy the virtual travel!
Last year I felt your pilgrimage was the beginning of a new journey, a new chapter for you. I’m glad to now see you continuing to follow new adventures wherever it will lead. May you find new fulfillment, new inspirations and new insights daily.
Thank you Dawna. I hope so too and I’ll share my experiences in this newsletter and on YouTube
Yes. You sure are a graceful walking inspiration. That is a beautiful photo where you're cruising down solo on the scenic country road.
Currently I'm in training to walk the Camino. At this moment I'm looking for the Modern-Day-Nomad in me(It always has been there), while my training pilgrimage runs through a maze of years worth of storage boxes which I moved out of the 'Storage Place', and is plugging up my abode for now.The storage cost went up 100% in the last 6 months.
(Storage is one of the fastest growing predatory industries. On average, a Western person has become responsible for 3000 lbs. today, and not very moveable.)
I love your little Red Backpack and the thought of a coffee shop around the corner waiting . . . My backpack is a green 'Osprey' , nudging, to spread my wings (-:
Are you crossing the Pyrenees mountains?
You will love the Camino! Yes, I plan to leave early tomorrow to cross the Pyrenees. Aiming to go beyond the usual first stops of either Orisson or Rocesvalles.