Angela Merkel to walk the Camino

[Deleted member 3000]

It will be a short walk, but an historic one!

http://www.thelocal.es/20140818/merkel-to-walk-camino-de-santiago

 

[Tony Jansen]

5km is not a walk, it's a meagre warm-up ☺

 

[tyrrek]

If we see a thread called "I have one hour to walk the Camino - which part should I choose?" we'll know who it is.

 

[CaptBuddy]

Wonderful!!
I think other political leaders should do this, or similar.
What could be the down side? Almost nothing.
Lots of upside awareness for human spirituality.

My opinion; better than a state visit with the Pope.

 

[Olivares]

The article noted that Mrs. Merkel is an avid hiker with frequent hiking vacations in the Italian Alps.....OUCH!! Bad, bad marketing note for Germany's wonderful hiking trails.

 

[annakappa]

I sincerely hope they choose a nicer way into Santiago and not the Francés! The Sanabres or coming from Finesterre or Murxia for example. So much nicer than those last few Kms from Monte do Gozo! Anne

 

[annakappa]

The article noted that Mrs. Merkel is an avid hiker with frequent hiking vacations in the Italian Alps.....OUCH!! Bad, bad marketing note for Germany's wonderful hiking trails.

Maybe she likes the higher trails in the Alps! Anne

 

[jirit]

I wonder if she we also do a "very short" book called "I'm Off Then, But Back by Five"?

 

[tyrrek]

I wonder if she's done her research. Maybe she's looked to her political peers and predecessors to answer her concerns;

AM: Can we just rock up in SJPP without any reservations?
Barack Obama: Yes we can.

AM: What's Burgos like?
Winston Churchill: This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

AM: I hate communal showers. What should I do?
Napoleon: Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in.

Etc.

 

[pilgrim b]

Which albergue is she staying in, it will be full no doubt and will she get a bottom bunk or does she prefer to climb up to the top

 

[Arn]

I think other political leaders should do this, or similar.
What could be the down side? Almost nothing.
Lots of upside awareness for human spirituality.

What could be the downside...indeed! As a former Special Agent on the DOS Diplomatic Security Detail (actually we were attached as the Special Security Detail)...here's the downside: 1. Prior to the event a team will scope out the entire route (buildings, bridges, etc.) 2. During the event, all available lodging will be either set aside for the principal and staff, the press and security. You think the 1400 rush for a bed is bad. 3. Persons close to the principal will be restricted, frisked, or limited to pre-approved individuals. 4. Security can be identified their heavy packs, very dark sunglasses, ear pieces and Italian cut suits. There's more, but I don't want to spoil all the fun.

 

[Saint Mike II]

The manufacturers/distributors of Macabi Skirts should get one to her real quick. It would be an advertising bonanza!!
But yes definitely no Compostela for Angela - but maybe she can get a certificate from the Franciscans - to mark St Francis's Camino (800 years??)

 

[KinkyOne]

When in film industry we do "serious" thing we call it documentary, when not it is "mockumentary" - that's what it is, Angela's Camino.

 

[jirit]

One must assume she will also leave behind her Blackberry Q10 - it is the camino .....

Does the Blackberry Q10 have "Find Me" functionality - just in case....

 

[whariwharangi]

It is unfortunate that we cannot let Angela Merkel and other political leaders have enough personal space to walk the camino without being harassed.

 

[Arn]

It's not her desire to have personal space. It's the system that restricts one when in a position of prominence on the world stage.

 

[Arn]

Sadly, once one enters public office there is no personal space. I don 't believe your position is based on ignorance, then again you probably believe in unicorns and fairy god mothers.
I will now "warn" myself for being insensitive.
I apologize for my lapse in Forum decorum.

 

[Al the optimist]

Quite honestly I doubt them walking the Camino is for or will have spiritual rewards.

 

[JennyH94]

One must assume she will also leave behind her Blackberry Q10 - it is the camino .....

Does the Blackberry Q10 have "Find Me" functionality - just in case....

Hi Jirit - I don't think she'll be walking "sans device"! "The word" is that she loves her mobile phone to distraction! Perhaps it can be her one Luxury Item Has anyone checked the weather forecast for Santiago? We all might find they're walking in their Altus Ponchos! And I hope Buff is sponsoring them! Aah - the merchandising opportunities are endless ...
Cheers - Jenny

 

[bystander]

.......and Angela Merkel is apparently terrified of dogs (which is why Putin took one with him when he was in talks with her!!)........

 

[jirit]

I think we should reach out to Ms. Merkel and ask her to join the forum.

I sure she must have some questions about doing the camino.

 

[Wanderer64]

What, is it election time in Europe again?

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

Let us hope that she, or someone in her entourage, needs "to go" whilst walking. It might then become apparent to Spanish politicians that there is a real need to build public toilets on the Camino.

 

[jennie]

Wonderful!!
I think other political leaders should do this, or similar.
What could be the down side? Almost nothing.
Lots of upside awareness for human spirituality.

My opinion; better than a state visit with the Pope.

i agree i think we should round up as many polititions and "world leaders" give them a basic back pack and send them on the way,seeing as "normal working/retired people"from all over the world can mingle chat or smile and help each other all with the same goal ie to get to the next bed ,lessons could be learned !

 

[Rebekah Scott]

A German view of the camino (in English) from Der Spiegel: http://www.spiegel.de/international...ames-still-offers-enlightenment-a-983670.html

 

[CaptBuddy]

It is unfortunate that we cannot let Angela Merkel and other political leaders have enough personal space to walk the camino without being harassed.

AGREE!

 

[Arn]

Speaking in broad generalities...when political personalities do anything in public...their security (needed or not), the press corps (seldom needed) and their "photo opp" hangers on and horse holders...seriously harass the general public, not vice versa. A typical "political" visit to a populated area will tie up traffic and cause mayhem many hours before and after a sometimes short visit.

If they really wanted "personal space" make it a "personal" visit...not a public dog and pony show. Just saying!

 

[jirit]

This Sunday afternoon is the big day ....

http://www.europapress.es/galicia/n...oy-merkel-perfecto-estado-20140820145131.html

 

[JennyH94]

This Sunday afternoon is the big day ....

http://www.europapress.es/galicia/n...oy-merkel-perfecto-estado-20140820145131.html

Hi Jirit -
I've just checked the weather forecast for Sunday - partly cloudy 25 deg Celsius in Santiago. I wonder if they'll all adjourn to Café Casino for a refreshing beer afterwards!
Seriously though, I hope it all goes well for everyone involved and that some TV footage makes it to youtube so we can all share in their experience.
Buen Camino Angela!
Cheers - Jenny

 

[Diefenbaker]

I hope you long walkers aren't mocking her, we're always saying some people have less time than others and that we shouldn't judge where someone starts from. It's her Camino so let her do it her way and if she needs to catch a bus for the last 2 km's into the city then that's her choice .

 

[tyrrek]

I hope you long walkers aren't mocking her.....

Us? Never!
I will be interested to see how she does it because the poor woman can't win. If she doesn't wear any kind of pack she's a lightweight but if she does she's a fraud. Should she try to look like a pilgrim? Should she pressgang a few innocent passing pilgrims into being her Camino family? Is walking 5kms enough to merit wiping sweat from her brow or not? She's bravely walking a political tightrope Camino, and if she pulls it off she would get my vote. If I was German. Which I'm not.

 

[Houlet]

OK No compostela but she will qualify for a certificate of distance travelled, reduced to 4.75 km in line with current policy.

 

[Diefenbaker]

I will say in her defence though, when she tells other world leaders her Camino stories and shows them her photo's it may at least inspire another Prime Minister or President to give it a go and that can only be a good thing. Who knows, maybe in 10 years all talk in the EU parliament may be about pack weight, tents and boots versus shoes. Well I can dream can't I?

 

[AnnieY]

It is unfortunate that we cannot let Angela Merkel and other political leaders have enough personal space to walk the camino without being harassed.

Absolutely, she is a fantastic woman and a favourite with me and b.....to the maccabi skirts!

 

[fraluchi]

A German view of the camino (in English) from Der Spiegel: http://www.spiegel.de/international...ames-still-offers-enlightenment-a-983670.html

This article was exchanged amongst German speaking friends who had read Kerkeling's book and/or walked a Camino. It has some truths, but is also "polemico". We can debate about that.
As far as Angela's upcoming "Camino" is concerned, it may be a publicity stunt for readers, in various countries, who had heard/read about the "Camino to Santiago".
Rajoy could thus be harvesting on 2 issues. For one, strengthen political ties between Spain and Germany. Secondly, and considering he is at home in Santiago, promote tourism towards Galicia's Santiago.
Instead of being sarcastic about this announced meeting between Merkel and Rajoy, we should wish them to be able and agree upon improving issues which are of benefit to our citizens.
Each of our pilgrimages has been an invocation to Saint James for him to intercede at our Creator and consider help at the solution to a problem which was beyond our capabilities. Any effort, however small, can be the seed of a better world.

 

[annakappa]

I think there are far too many sarcastic comments on this thread, especially as they are all made behind her back! Anne

 

[Tony Jansen]

Not sure whether there's anything left one can do on the regular Internet that goes behind the virtual backs of worldleaders. Just sayin'...

 

[Arn]

"Arn, post: 34371, member: 2487"]Well, there you have two moderator responses to a thread dust up. One a slight nudge and the other a not so subtle push.

We are a community of pilgrims with ostensibly a common goal…to make our journey to Santiago enjoyable, meaningful and above all safe. The Forum is sort of a “safe house”. It’s a place that before, during and after your Camino you can return to and share your insights and discoveries, new hopes and desires. If it harbors divisive actors voicing rancor at ever increasing levels of volume, the casual visitor will depart.

Buen Camino,
Arn[/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE]

To put the above quote into context: in 2009, the Irish President Mary McAleese walked the Camino from Sarria to Santiago. The replies posted by several Forum members was, to be gracious, less than positive. And, in this case, the "political" personage completed a "real" Camino and received the Compostela.

The level of rancor in the Merkel thread has been less about the person, but more about the "effort" made.

My current position remains valid...it's not the person, or even the effort expended...it's the attendant disruption that a "well publicized" event entails. Both McAlesse and Merkel decided the Camino was the right thing to do...at the time. This is the Camino calling and they answered.

 

[ivar]

Here we go:

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/album/...y-camino-santiago/01101408898019437677771.htm

 

[supersullivan]

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/htm...ndex.files/html5video/208695.579572055[1].m4v

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I am a pilgrim, and I walk in jeans.
And I am not even the Prime Minister.
Yet.

 

[anniethenurse]

High level of security in town tonight.

 

[pilgrim b]

I've seen that women before is she a camino angel ?

 

[Al the optimist]

But you are a "minister" .

Ondo Ibili !

LOL Mendi

 

[Saint Mike II]

i agree i think we should round up as many polititions and "world leaders" give them a basic back pack and send them on the way,seeing as "normal working/retired people"from all over the world can mingle chat or smile and help each other all with the same goal ie to get to the next bed ,lessons could be learned !

It seems to me that a "president" of the US has already walked the Camino (back in 2003 I think) and then made a movie about it. From the increase in US citizen pilgrims this did do a lot to show how normal people cooperate.

 

[Saint Mike II]

I am a pilgrim, and I walk in jeans.
And I am not even the Prime Minister.
Yet.

Hola Reb - sorry I am not a resident/citizen of Spain or I would vote for you!!

 

[jirit]

It seems to me that a "president" of the US has already walked the Camino (back in 2003 I think) and then made a movie about it. From the increase in US citizen pilgrims this did do a lot to show how normal people cooperate.

You may not know that the second President of the USA walked sections of the camino on his way to France

 

[JennyH94]

Thanks, Ivar, for posting the photos and the article. It looked like a beautiful day. Didn't that small section of the Camino look beautiful? So lovely!
I hope that their discussions, as they walked, went really well for them and that the time out from their busy schedules re-energised them for the talks today.
Thanks again, and cheers -
Jenny

 

[GerryDel]

More power to her.

 

[William Garza]

Would that all the world leaders meet secretly/frequently on a Lonely stretch of Camino, sans entourage and press corps , take the long road, sweat and suffer the pilgrims fall...that is remember who and what they are, simple humanity on the road to Santiago. to suffer the road, to eat in community, to learn that trust is easy once you find your fellow traveler is human and is sharing something wonderful. To offer the helping hand up some difficulty, and in turn accept the help when they need it.
To find commonality and community in the shared suffering
to find a friend when the Cathedral comes in sight
to stand in silence and awe at having come so far in such company as this...

One can hope no?
Peace

 

[Tony Jansen]

Not possible Rajoy speaks neither German nor English and Merkel does´t speak Spanish. But the photos and video have fooled a lot of people.

Ondo Ibili !

A situation not unlike many situations among pilgrims on the way, I reckon. ☺

 

[ivar]

Not possible Rajoy speaks neither German nor English and Merkel does´t speak Spanish. But the photos and video have fooled a lot of people.

Ondo Ibili !

They both an a translator as they walked... they were going to have meetings anyway, why not walk while talking... we all know it was not a "Camino", but who cares... the day was a nice day and they seemed like they had a good time.

 

[KinkyOne]

but who cares... the day was a nice day and they seemed like they had a good time.

I wonder what INDIGNADOS would say about "a nice day" and "having a good time"...

I know what I would, but won't because I'd be banned...

Sorry Ivar