I love this forum because ...

[SYates]

... I can not only exchange information about the different caminos with a lot of people that have actually walked said caminos but also go, joyously, off tangent to explore a whole lot of other topics.

Thank you to every single one of you, because you really make this forum worthwhile spending time on and a very special THANK YOU to @ivar for creating it in the first place. Buen Camino, SY

PS Just had the feeling/inspiration to have to say this ...

 

[Magwood]

...because no matter how much I have learned and experienced from planning my first Camino to being a serial caminoist, there is always more to glean from this forum. Not only about the Camino, but also about life in general. What a wonderful community of like-minded, kind-hearted, generous people from around the world . I have made many new friends via the forum - I have even had the great pleasure of meeting some of them. I feel truly grateful to be part of such a diverse community. Thanks guys.

 

[SYates]

Love the expression 'serial caminoist' @Magwood ! Hope we meet one day in person to share a bottle of something and some tapas/pinxos/raciones! Buen Camino, SY

 

[Castilian]

...there's respect among all the users what it's a first tiny step towards love among all human beings.

...is a good example of how diversity can enrich us.

...we all learn in it.

...shows me that my (sometimes odd) knowledge is useful for some (other) people.

 

[Devon Mike]

....it keeps me connected to the pilgrim community I love. I spend around two months each year walking the Camino, but for the rest of the year my journey continues at home with the wonderful connections on the forums....

 

[domigee]

...because it is like the camino itself, in many ways. You 'meet' lots of very different people from all parts of the world who all - at some time - have had the same crazy idea : setting off, on foot, carrying their meagre belongings, towards some place in Northern Spain, just like millions did before.... In this day and age, it does seem odd to lots of people!
But here like on the Camino, no need to explain.
And then, of course, like on the real camino, you can benefit from their experience and yours might actually help someone, in whatever small way...
Magical!

 

[simply B]

Because it allows me to contribute the little that I know to the few who may need it.

And I am never made to feel that my meager offering is either wasted or unappreciated.

What's not to love?

B

 

[JMac56]

...I can't explain to people why I made my first attempt at the CF, much less why I am going back again! Here, no explanation is required. 75 days to go, but who's counting?

 

[Deleted member 43985]

This is the only 'place' I can go and not bore people and get the rolled eyes everytime I relate stories and lessons I have learned. No disrespect to the Holy Spirit and no disrespect to anyone else (because this may border [or go completely over the line?] on sacriligious) but for me the Camino has it's own spirit that has permiated me. I start my next Camino in November and cannot wait to see what it has in store for me this time around...!!

 

[Lachance]

It makes you feel part of a big family, drawn together not by compulsory blood ties, but by a common interest in sharing something worthwhile. Not the Brady Bunch, definitely not the Brady Bunch. There can be stirring, passionate squabbles. A real family. With respected elders: some take on the task of keeping us kids under control with patience, humour and wisdom as well as teaching us; others are unstinting in help, advice and encouragement. Every newbie is welcomed, given a seat at the table. Our dumb questions are answered over and over again. The enthusiasm is contagious. When I first found this forum, it was not as someone pursuing a long held dream. In fact I was pretty iffy. But this forum has changed me into a dauntless knight known as - Donna Quixote del Camino!* Rearing to go.

*with throbbing orchestral flourish, "Man of La Mancha"

 

[JMac56]

[QUOTE="But this forum has changed me into a dauntless knight known as - Donna Quixote del Camino!* Rearing to go.

*with throbbing orchestral flourish, "Man of La Mancha"[/QUOTE]

No "tilting at windmills" Deb. Buen Camino.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

But this forum has changed me into a dauntless knight known as - Donna Quixote del Camino!* Rearing to go.

*with throbbing orchestral flourish, "Man of La Mancha"

No matter how hard I try, I cannot get the image of the first scene of Monty Python's Holy Grail out of my head, except of course that instead of King Arthur 'riding' along with Knave in tow clapping coconut shells, it would be a fearless, backpack-clad Pilgrim with trekking pole pointed forward and firmly underarm galloping forward to take honour back from a Killer Bunny. Sorry Deb...!!

 

[fraluchi]

[...]PS Just had the feeling/inspiration to have to say this ...

You gave words to my thoughts!

 

[t2andreo]

Ditto, et cetera, what she/he said, and on... Yes, to all of the above and more.

• If we are crazy, at least we are among friends...
• If we "get it" we share it...
• Even if no one else in our "normal lives" understands, there is always someone here who will...

I love the Don Quixote reference. I am presently rereading this Spanish classic by Miguel de Cervantes...his bust is in a plaza named for him near the Cathedral in Santiago. Every Saturday morning, a book fair is held there. How appropriate...

See ya...