Jeez. Each to his own. Is a true pilgrim not less judgemental and acknowledges a place for everyone and everything? Some people seem to think a Camino or pilgrimage must only be done one way...their way...and everyone else is batshit crazy!
Thanks so much for your first post, Joan.
I've been very uneasy about this one. Healthy cynicsm is one thing but do I detect a whiff (perhaps stronger) of intolerance creeping in? Some people simply need to do it this way for the fellowship and security, who knows? A few years back a good friend of mine, after an 18 month stint in hospital did an emotional religious pilgrimage to Santiago - by bus.
And the Camino has, after all, morphed into a significant commercial venture. The language, well... Perhaps it's an ESL (English as a second language) issue but in my working life the Public Service spent millions sending us to courses touting claims like this, but with no walk, no visit to historic sites, and a lousy lunch. Some were fun, some a bore, all totally useless from my perspective (lie flat on the floor close your eyes, and think of a peaceful beach scene, true, but some participants said it actually refreshed and remotivated them).
As for the cost, it doesn't seem unreasonable for what similar operations charge. How much for a ten day cruise down the Rhine? A week or so back, one of the Travel supplements in a magazine highlighted a 9 day guided segment as part of a longer 1000k walk in Western Australia. $2750 per person twin share?
But how about a stir? Time and again, I see recommendations on this site for particular boots, packs, walking poles etc, which work out at prices which to me are absolutely outrageous and way way way over the top for what they should be. And people don't seem to jib at that. As for using apps to book accommodation ahead???
But please let's try to exercise tolerance, and thanks, Joan for highlighting this.
De colores
Bogong