I walked from La Virgen del Camino to Santibanez today and I must say these parts of the route definily aren't very welcoming to Asians. At least in Navarre or in La Rioja people asked me if I was Korean (and give a confused stare back when I tell them I'm Canadian), here most locals don't even speak any English, and they clearly aren't very fond of non-whites. I could name a few, like how even in small villages people don't respond to your greetings and give a blank, alarmed stares back, being totally ignored and served very last at bars, etc., but I know all too well it varys from person to person and all I'm saying is that the vibe I get in general clearly indicated racism against Asians and the past few days of the Camino Frances wasn't so great for an asian(compared to first ten days or so starting from SJPP, which were great!).
Of course some of you might point out that this quasi-racism thing has very little to do with Denise's disappearance, but I just got "Ching-cheng-chong!"ed from some local thugs hanging at a bar in Villares de Orbigo few hours ago, and not only was it extremely unpleasant, I don't think I would've felt very safe if I was a 40-year old woman travelling alone.
The atmosphere here is very different from the first few days of Frances, which was much more pilgrim-friendly. And for those who say they'd feel safe sending their 16-old daughters alone on Camino, well, good for you sir/maam, but I wouldn't send mine.
Tomorrow I'll be passing the part where Denise went missing. I'll pray for her and her family.
PS- didn't see any missing person posters in Santibanez albergue.
Of course some of you might point out that this quasi-racism thing has very little to do with Denise's disappearance, but I just got "Ching-cheng-chong!"ed from some local thugs hanging at a bar in Villares de Orbigo few hours ago, and not only was it extremely unpleasant, I don't think I would've felt very safe if I was a 40-year old woman travelling alone.
The atmosphere here is very different from the first few days of Frances, which was much more pilgrim-friendly. And for those who say they'd feel safe sending their 16-old daughters alone on Camino, well, good for you sir/maam, but I wouldn't send mine.
Tomorrow I'll be passing the part where Denise went missing. I'll pray for her and her family.
PS- didn't see any missing person posters in Santibanez albergue.