I'm Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago

When reading Hape's book, sometimes I found myself laughing out loud alone, some other moments reflecting about life and in some other occasion thinking about my relation with friends, and also God.I haven't seen Hape in tv but he seems to be a good comedian who really knows how to tell a good story.Thanks Hape for sharing your journey to Santiago.

Since it is unlikely that I will ever attempt something as bold as The Camino, I live vicariously by reading books by those who have.The first book I read on the topic was Shirley MacLaine's account. I love Shirley, but her recounting of her experience---hallucination?---was way too weird for my taste.Unlike some reviewers, I didn't find this book to be exceptionally humorous or a 'page-turner.' It is, however, a good account of one man's decision-making process about making the trek, coupled with his thoughts/experiences along the way. His style of building toward self-disclosure (and how this came about) was also nice.Like a lot of travel books, the author had a tendency to go into detail about mundane aspects of the trip. Still, I stayed with the book til the end. Similar to what others have portrayed, his experience of the Spanish locals wasn't always positive, which is sad.Because I read the book on Kindle, the picture quality was poor. I assume it's better in the print version. This was unfortunate, as it looked as though he included some nice shots in the book.Surprisingly, the book came to a sudden end. That is, he was (spoiler alert) at the end of the trek; he got his stamp; and then he was off to catch a flight. At least from the reader's perspective, it all happened too quickly, with little of the detail that was included in earlier parts of the book. I would have liked to read more retrospective analysis on his part, but perhaps that will be volume two.Tip: Have a map of Spain with you as you read the book. Many of the towns and villages aren't on most maps, but it still helps you to appreciate what an endeavor those who do The Camino embark upon.Read the book.

In “I’m Off Then,” Hape Kerkeling excels in describing the pilgrim experience on the Camino de Santiago. I read the book after I walked the Camino in May and June of this year. It brought back a plethora of memories—of a too heavy backpack, constantly aching feet, multiple rainy days of plodding through clay mud with boots that felt weighted with lead. And like Kerkeling, I eventually made two close friendships. We became inseparable, watching out for each other, sleeping in the same albergues, helping one another through the challenging times—and triumphantly walking together into the giant plaza in Santiago de Compostela. In August, 2015, the three of us plan to hike the Swiss Alps.There were moments when the pace of the book slowed, but that represents the reality of the pilgrimage for many people. Kerkeling didn’t have any life-changing spiritual epiphanies, and I dare say, many (perhaps most?) pilgrims today do not. He did have time to think deeply about some timeless topics (the meaning of Life and his own life, is there an afterlife, how he viewed God, etc.) and to journal about his experiences and thoughts. Again, typical of Camino pilgrims. He writes well, although I suspect some of his wit and charm were obscured in translation. I appreciated that Kerkeling came across as more than a celebrity. He opened up and expressed his shortcomings (examples: nonathletic couch potato, impatient with loud, opinionated people).The biggest caveat I would give a reader considering the Camino is that it has been thirteen years since Kerkeling made his pilgrimage. While much is unchanged, the number of pilgrims has more or less doubled. There are many more albergues and other accommodations and places to eat and buy food. A common remark I heard from repeat pilgrims was that even a few years ago, it was rare to find wi-fi on the Camino. Not anymore.If you’re considering the Camino, I highly recommend reading “I’m Off Then” before you take off.

I am starting my Camino in 2 months. I have read several books about others accounts. All have encouraged and excited me about my upcoming trip. Al but this one. Written by a German comic who does nothing but judge, complain and look for the negative in almost all things. I’m happy that he finally did learn to see the beauty and learning, but the book was a real downer for me. I hope to see the good in every day, not just the last few as Hans did. Read at your own risk.

Kerkeling wrote a fabulous account of his adventure on the Camino! It was recommended by a social media site on a thread of those sharing books, some who have walked and some like me, who will walk. I was looking for humor, a bit of geography and something to keep me inspired until everything opens up again after COVID19. Kerkeling kept my attention, laughing and hoping he would eventually work his way past his hangups. He did. He seemed to be the kid who sits on the side of the kickball field, watching, studying, and then cautiously joining in on the full fun! Some of his descriptions of walking had me doubled over, laughing! And other adventures were described as if I could hear the sounds of the towns he stopped in or the rustle of the leaves in the woods. Very well written and an absolute must read if you like reading hiking stories from real life adventures!

Do Not buy this book if you intend to walk the Camino de Santiago,firstly the information in it is way out of date over 10 years old. The author use's a tractor a bus and train to miss walking the route, he is constantly complaining about the walk the hostels the hotels and the people on the walk and even the Spanish. I finished the book but I strugglied too,It was full of stories that had nothing to do with the walk or even Spain. I felt depressed about even thinking about doing the walk after reading this Rubbish.DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS BOOK.If possible I would give this book a ZERO rating. Plenty of good funny books out there with up to date information and all you need to know is on the Internet. Enjoy the walk and have fun, Good Luck.

Read a few books on the Camino now , intend to do it eventually, this is one of the best ones , doesn’t go into much detail of places , but I found it very poignant, it’s a personal odyssey and though he may not be ascetic enough for some , or suitably pious ,he comes through as a open minded, warm person and experiences some deeply spiritual incidents ,he describes these and personal encounters with insight, honesty and humour.

What a wonderful book I throughly enjoyed it. I bought this book after having seen the film 'The Way,' starring Martin Sheen and this book like the film captivated me. I like the way the book was also filled with amusing and witty anecdotes surrounding the author's life and how they related to certain parts of the Camino Trail that he travelled along especially as he was on a crossroads in his life when he walked it.If anyone wants to read a definitive book about the Camino De Santiago this book is definitely the one to read. I felt sad when I finished the book because I became so attached to the author and his trials and tribulations along the trek, the friends he made along the way and the rugged beauty of the Camino de Santiago. But all good things must come to an end and life is a constant journey.I definitely will walk the Camino De Santiago one day.

The book describes a Camino that was done many, many years ago and I found it not applicable to modern day. I am glad I bought this book second hand as it would have been a greater waste of money! Photos are ancient! I only read the first chapter and put the book away.

Hoping for greater depth on Camino adventures , I found this a bit self promoting by someone who has some media status in GermanyPerhaps a bit is lost in translation and by not knowing the writer in his alter-ego in his homeland