A single resident of Kostañaya bravely traversed a distance of 280 kilometers on foot, moving forward in solitude.
Olga Shekka of Kostanay completed a nine-day solo hike on the Portuguese Way of Santiago
In a remarkable feat, Olga Shekka from Kostanay, Kazakhstan, conquered the Portuguese Way of Santiago, traversing 280 kilometers, according to Liter.kz, citing Nash Kostanay. Currently residing in Germany, she strategically shortened her route to the starting point in Porto, Portugal.
The Way of St. James, an ancient pilgrimage route, welcomes hundreds of thousands of travelers each year. Olga embarked on her journey from Porto, opting for the picturesque coastal route before transitioning to the Central Way to ensure a timely completion.
Photo: Nash Kostanay
Preparatory measures for her expedition were swiftly completed, with a focus on efficiently packing her backpack, ensuring it weighed no more than 10% of her body weight. Despite her limited experience and language barriers, Olga felt undeterred. Along her journey, she encountered fellow pilgrims hailing from various countries, ranging from elderly Italian women to a Frenchman with 15 Camino completions under his belt.
"I yearned to capture every step of my journey; the entire route was breathtaking. I envision hanging all the photographs on my wall and relishing the memories of this extraordinary adventure. Portugal has captured my heart! Its beauty is truly unparalleled, despite its economic struggles or comparative wealth to other European nations. It boasts a remarkable atmosphere and warmth, with its people extending heartfelt welcomes in Portuguese—although I couldn't fully understand them, their goodwill was palpable," Olga reminisces.
During her travels, Olga lodged in albergues—hostels tailored for pilgrims—where a pilgrim's passport was essential for check-in. She collected daily stamps in her passport, documenting her progress. Her primary sustenance consisted of products from supermarkets, adhering to the fast, and preparing meals in hostel kitchens.
According to Olga, since 2006, roughly 200 Kazakhstan residents have embarked on the Way of Santiago. She emphasizes the spiritual and cultural significance of the route. Upon culminating her journey, Shekka received an official Compostela certificate and contemplates returning to the route in the future.
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Embarking on an adventure beyond her usual lifestyle, Olga Shekka, a resident of Kostanay now living in Germany, decided to combine travel with sports as she conquered the Portuguese Way of Santiago, a popular pilgrimage route known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Her journey, marked by encounters with fellow travelers, included a mix of adventure-travel and leisure, offering unique insights into the Portuguese way of life.
