International Women’s Studies Institute

WOMEN’S PILGRIMAGE

In 2007, we are exploring a new country and culture – SPAIN! Inspired and invited by Professor Marta Sofia Lopez Rodriguez of the University of Leon to come to her world, we will stay at the beautiful inn and spa Chousa Verde in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains and make excursions to Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao and San Sebastian in the Basque country. As twenty-first century women we will experience the pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela established by Saint James in the early fourth century. Our workshops in literature, writing and women’s community embrace the theme of women’s pilgrimage. We will celebrate the summer solstice in a ritual on June 21.

WORKSHOPS

Pilgrimage to Nature: Women and the Garden

Women and gardens have been closely associated in Western imagery for many centuries. In this reading workshop the symbolism of the garden is considered from a diversity of perspectives, including feminism, green studies, and post-colonial theory. Works in which gardens are a central feature and often a place for pilgrimage will be considered from the perspective of such 20^th century women writers as Elizabeth von Arnim, H.D., Jamaica Kinkaid, Drusilla Modjeska and others. We will look at the different ways in which the garden is conceived in poems and novels, taking into account the author’s class, race, sexual orientation and geographical location.

Writing Pilgrimage: a Word-Walk Through our Experience in Spain

Using the pilgrimage theme, daily writing sessions will encourage a creative pilgrimage into the "gardens of our spirit and soul" and offer a way to express our daily journey, both inner and outer, through the Institute themes and our own experience. No writing experience is necessary; writers at all levels of experience will find stimulation and inspiration. Journals will be provided.

Sara Spaulding-Phillips, MFT, was a psychotherapist for 35 years and creative writing teacher for 15 years. She has written for and published five anthologies of women's writing and several chapters in professional textbooks. Now in retirement, Sara’s creativity and energy find outlet through her work as a spiritual leader and artist.

Women in Community: Sharing Our Pilgrimages

At every institute, participants share some aspect of their lives as women with each other in a ten- to fifteen-minute talk. This year, we will ask participants to share a pilgrimage on which they have been – spiritual, political, artistic, interpersonal, environmental, or other. Our goal is to acknowledge and celebrate our journeys to sacred places both in the world and spirit.

Chousa Verde

The Institute will take place at Chousa Verde, a country inn in hills close to Leon with beautiful stone buildings and all the comforts of home. Chousa Verde has a range of spa facilities, including pools, Jacuzzi, massage and yoga (one spa visit is free, others are at extra charge). We will take breakfast and one meal a day at the inn and will walk to the nearby village for other meals or to garner food for picnics. The nearby mountains have gorgeous hiking trails.

Chousa Verde has a limited number of accommodations. Participants will share double rooms, and admission will be on a first come, first served basis.

Excursions

Leon is located between several wonderful destinations. We will make an excursion west to Santiago de Compostela to visit the pilgrimage cathedral. Those  interested in doing so may choose to walk part of the way to the basilica.

We will also head north to Basque country to see the fabulous Guggenheim museum designed by Frank Gehry and to stay in the charming and lively resort town of San Sebastian on the Atlantic. From San Sebastian, participants can fly to other parts of Spain or visit southwestern France if they wish.

Cost

The cost is estimated at $1750, but could vary depending on the exchange rate of the dollar to Euro and the number of participants in the program. The cost includes the workshops, ten nights including breakfast, and lunch or dinner, and transportation for all the excursions. It does not include airfare.

Participants will book their own transportation to Leon and must arrive by early afternoon on June 14^th. Participants will depart from San Sebastian. IWSI will provide advice regarding transportation arrangements.

Reservation and Deposit

If you wish to join us, please register on our website, www.iwsi.org (click current program) and send a deposit of $500 (refundable up to March 1, 2007) by December 15, 2006, to the address below. Remember that places will be available on a first come, first served basis.

International Women’s Studies Institute

PO Box 1067, Palo Alto, CA 94302

650-327-2013, iwsi@aol.com, www.iwsi.org

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