Testimonials from Red Monkey Pilgrims
"Walking the Camino with Red Monkey changed my life. I've done a lot of spiritual work, but this pilgrimage changed how I live at home as well. I now have more space in my life and move with more ease and can't believe how grateful I feel for my life and my body."
- Dr. P. T., Business Owner, San Francisco
"I knew by the second day that coming was one of the best decisions I had made in my life. I would recommend it to everyone." - K, Analyst for Google, Seattle
"YESSSSS, I absolutely 1,000 times recommend [this trip]. This trip was the most authentic and beautiful way to get to know the walk and the history, food, people, culture, etc. There is nothing else like it." - K.B. Denver, CO Project Manager
"My favorite part of the walk? Oh my- where to start? My encounters with ME! The release from years of built up emotions I’ve held in my body for so long. The forgiveness, of self and others. And the fun of being on the journey-the feeling of accomplishing the hills and celebrating at the top with my new close friends. The new feeling of being ageless- a nice feeling for a senior lady. The timelessness of walking without concerns for much of anything (thanks to Rachel’s planning), with just the sounds of nature and the rhythm of my boots taking one step after another." - S.M. Atlanta, GA
"Rachael really does ‘walk the talk’. She is "the real deal." She understands that each of us has our own path of discovery, must walk at our personal pace, and requires unique support and the opportunity to meet our own divine set of challenges. I have done many spiritual odysseys and I can say with full confidence that as a guide, Rachael is one of the best I have ever worked with…an easy, humble, competent, supportive, evolved leader who innately gets how to both frame a journey and support an individual.
The delicious, healthy food, comfortable, creative lodging, and lovable, quirky hosts Rachael incorporated in her itinerary added so much texture, comfort, and joy to a journey that had enough of the more challenging aspects as a given in the actual walk and the daily meet and greet with self and nature. I would not have changed a detail. I feel lucky and humbled to have had this remarkable, enlightening and awakening experience. I feel so much love for the Camino, Rachael, and all the people I met, communed with or even shared a ‘Buen Camino’ greeting with during our time together.
Really, if I had to boil it down, love might really be the most significant thread in the tapestry of this ancient, mystical, magical trek."
--P.V., Consultant, Bay Area, CA
"Walking the Camino with Rachael was a beautiful, fun, profound and life-changing experience. The pilgrimage trail tested me on every level: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. But it changed my life. You WILL gain a sense of deep appreciation and deeper love for yourself, which will bring more ease, joy, and self-esteem to your life. You just need to show up, walk, and be ready for a life-changing experience."
--C.P., Business Consultant, San Francisco, CA
"I chose to walk the Camino with Red Monkey because I was in a depressed time in my life and knew I needed help to wake-up and reengage in my life. Walking the Camino did just that! Rachael was wonderfully resourceful, knowledgeable, patient, and most importantly knew how to weave the walking and history of the Camino to my own life and needs. She knew all the most beautiful places and their historic significance.
After I returned home, I found myself not only feeling a whole lot better, but I also started walking everywhere! After living in my home for 8 years, I’ve discovered the beauty in my own neighborhood!!
The trip was life changing on many levels, and I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to have fun, get deep, and have a powerful adventure for your soul."
- C.S., Marketing Director, San Francisco, CA
--C.P., Business Consultant, San Francisco, CA
"I chose to walk the Camino with Red Monkey because I was in a depressed time in my life and knew I needed help to wake-up and reengage in my life. Walking the Camino did just that! Rachael was wonderfully resourceful, knowledgeable, patient, and most importantly knew how to weave the walking and history of the Camino to my own life and needs. She knew all the most beautiful places and their historic significance.
After I returned home, I found myself not only feeling a whole lot better, but I also started walking everywhere! After living in my home for 8 years, I’ve discovered the beauty in my own neighborhood!!
The trip was life changing on many levels, and I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to have fun, get deep, and have a powerful adventure for your soul."
- C.S., Marketing Director, San Francisco, CA
"This trip was a greatly needed break from my daily hustle. I absolutely loved walking in nature, and getting the huge amount of time and space to do so over several days and loads of miles was a gift to my soul. I also loved getting to learn about the culture around the Camino and the places we visited. Overall, I'd highly recommend this trip as a gift to yourself if you are feeling called to it. It will challenge you, inspire you and leave you changed for the better."
- K., Graphic Designer, CA
"Traveling with Red Monkey on the Camino de Santiago was a life-changing experience. I am not personally much of a hiker, so the first few days were certainly challenging. However, within a few days, my understanding of and relationship with my body changed completely. This transformation has stayed with me ever since. It has increased my confidence and ability to connect on a deeper level. The tranquility of being with nature for days on end, of accepting what comes and embracing the unknown, and of meeting new people from all walks of life, has changed the way that I interact with people at home - in my family, friendships, and in my business. Rachael herself is genuinely down to earth and willing to share herself in a raw, truthful, refreshing way. She is committed to the journey of each person she hikes with, and that commitment shines through her actions. I am truly grateful for such a powerful experience. I will never forget it."
- A., Designer, Santa Cruz, CA
"In 2015 I walked the Camino with the intention to literally walk for my partner and to walk with my grief in order to transform it. The result was a palpable renewal and a sense of both inner and outer strength. I came away with so much joy and appreciation for life and was so grateful for the process, that I am now am now hooked on walking the Camino."
-B., Life Coach, Boulder, CO
"My life is settling into a "new" normal. Overall I feel more present and I have gained a new respect and appreciation for myself. I stretched myself out of my own comfort zone and was able to become aware of my strengths & weaknesses. I am learning to have more patience with myself, and truly love myself more. :) The group experience gave me a chance to get out of my head and share my experience with others. To rely on each other for support, encouragement, and friendship.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with us."
-I.W, Librarian from San Mateo, CA
"Loved the history of the countryside, the Basque culture, and walking the Roman roads. Crossing the Roman built bridges was exhilarating. Every day had a favorite part. There was not one thing that we wished would have been different. Having meals in the evening and sharing the day's events with the group was rewarding and insightful.
Sharing this trip with our Chinese comrades made the world a little bigger. Their perceived acceptance of us as a gay, married couple was way beyond expectation and humbled us."
-C. and P. B., Directors of a Health Care Organization, New Mexico
- K., Graphic Designer, CA
"Traveling with Red Monkey on the Camino de Santiago was a life-changing experience. I am not personally much of a hiker, so the first few days were certainly challenging. However, within a few days, my understanding of and relationship with my body changed completely. This transformation has stayed with me ever since. It has increased my confidence and ability to connect on a deeper level. The tranquility of being with nature for days on end, of accepting what comes and embracing the unknown, and of meeting new people from all walks of life, has changed the way that I interact with people at home - in my family, friendships, and in my business. Rachael herself is genuinely down to earth and willing to share herself in a raw, truthful, refreshing way. She is committed to the journey of each person she hikes with, and that commitment shines through her actions. I am truly grateful for such a powerful experience. I will never forget it."
- A., Designer, Santa Cruz, CA
"In 2015 I walked the Camino with the intention to literally walk for my partner and to walk with my grief in order to transform it. The result was a palpable renewal and a sense of both inner and outer strength. I came away with so much joy and appreciation for life and was so grateful for the process, that I am now am now hooked on walking the Camino."
-B., Life Coach, Boulder, CO
"My life is settling into a "new" normal. Overall I feel more present and I have gained a new respect and appreciation for myself. I stretched myself out of my own comfort zone and was able to become aware of my strengths & weaknesses. I am learning to have more patience with myself, and truly love myself more. :) The group experience gave me a chance to get out of my head and share my experience with others. To rely on each other for support, encouragement, and friendship.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with us."
-I.W, Librarian from San Mateo, CA
"Loved the history of the countryside, the Basque culture, and walking the Roman roads. Crossing the Roman built bridges was exhilarating. Every day had a favorite part. There was not one thing that we wished would have been different. Having meals in the evening and sharing the day's events with the group was rewarding and insightful.
Sharing this trip with our Chinese comrades made the world a little bigger. Their perceived acceptance of us as a gay, married couple was way beyond expectation and humbled us."
-C. and P. B., Directors of a Health Care Organization, New Mexico
