As I sit here at my parents place in France, my father hounding me about finding a job, (of which I had already lined several offers up before starting my walk), I contemplate a change in direction. Several other opportunities are becoming available, but I mustn’t postpone working through my photographs to try and produce this book. The idea of having a book published and donating 75% of any profits to UNICEF is too great for me. But the old man is right, I do need to work, and finding a job is my priority. Despite being unsure of where I want to be. I also can’t escape my other fundraising ideas, they would be intense journeys for anyone. I will continue to make plans and come up with crazy fundraising ideas, I’ll just have to fit them around the reality of work. I will post ideas here as and when the plans become detailed enough. If anyone else has any ideas for raising money for charity, please feel free to share.
Since my return from Santiago, I’ve already had ups and downs. I’ve also been on a walk with my father that took nine hours, that’s a forty kilometre day to me or any of my Camino friends, I’m ashamed to say however we only managed about 15km, we did spot nearly 40 species of butterfly though so my dad wasn’t complaining…
A friend has also put some of his Camino pictures up on the internet, if anyone is interested these can be viewed at https://picasaweb.google.com/verderamedia/CaminoFrancis2011ThePilgrims?authkey=Gv1sRgCLXU3bHpqLKUFQ
I now fly home on the 7th July…
The Way to Santiago Blog 
Tom… don’t worry too much about Dad! I’m sure he’s very proud of you… I would be and, to be frank, this little escapade can only help your quest (for work or otherwise). It’s always funny how significant things happen when you do something as enormous as this. All the people you’ve met and connections you’ve made… and the grit – just sets you up for more opportunity in my view. Maybe I should try it! 🙂
I really look forward to catching up with you when you get back – I’ve really enjoyed your writing – have to say I haven’t got much in the way of sponduliks but I’ll have a look see what I can do… maybe there’s some other way I can help which’ll save you a few quid? And if you need a venue for a presentation/talk about your experience – there are a few down here – I’m sure we could sort something to raise a few more quid?
Good luck > Neil 01458 250284
…and if you’re still using a camera, let me know!
Well done mate we are all very proud of you (and some of us a little jealous) but I bet the whole experience has changed your outlook on life and people. Everything must seem very small after you have completed such an amazing journey for such a worthy cause.
Knowing you you will find a job pretty quick tell your dad not to worry, if you could bare sitting in an office all day working on a computer there are opportunities where I am. Alternatively I am sure such a great bar manager/photographer as yourself can find appropriate work until you find the job you really want (it is much easier to find the ‘right’ job when you already have ‘any’ job if you get my meaning).
So looking forward to catching up with you when you get back!