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Not what I expected!

Burton Axxe

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
April-May 2023
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
 
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What surprised me was the friendliness of the general population of Spain . Of course I had heard of and read of it , though nothing is quite so charming and delightful as finding out that for the most part , it's absolutely true .
 
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This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.

You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.

I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.

I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.

But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head
……but mostly for happy reasons

One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.

With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.

Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.

We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.

At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.

I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.

So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. SOMS.jpgI'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.

Buen Camino!
 
After having read a LOT about not getting beds, blisters, loneliness, bedbugs, theft, food poisoning, dogs and whatnot... I was absolutely surprised how easy it was. "The camino provides" might be a bit overused, but in the end, it was exactly this.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Beginning with the positivities: the friendliness of the spanish people, the real good and cheap meals and wine, the Pyrenees, the Meseta, the chilled atmosphere among the walkers and the not over-commercialization!

The negativities: the morning rush, the bigger cities (Burgos, León, despite the fact that both cities are beautiful in their ways), bigger groups of walkers, the Montes de León.
 
I've been surprised by the sun: every morning it raises on a new nice day. If you have the opportunity to see it going up to the sky, it can be a wonderful show. If you miss it, you will probably have a second chance when it will come down at the end of the afternoon.
 
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I was surprised how quickly my body could regularly recover! Honestly, there were days when I strolled into town, with feet so tired and sore that I thought NO WAY would I be able to continue the next morning, but lo and behold, after a good-ish nights' rest (I am a light sleeper and then of course, the snorers amongst us) I would be good to go! It's quite incredible, really. I was also amazed at how little I need in life to survive for six weeks, carrying only what I could on my back.
 
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i was surprised by people having expectations and preconceived ideas. I was going my way and didn't realised this was something people preplanned and made up what it was going to be based on other peoples experience
 
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Like you, I had researched the CF thoroughly for 4 years before our Camino last fall. I was especially anxious about the first day from SJPdP to Roncesvalles. While it was hard, it wasn’t as hard as I expected. The excitement of starting and being with people - the pure adrenaline- got me through the day. I do think it helped me being prepared for what each day would bring, (but keeping my expectations in check) and then being pleasantly surprised with how the days turned out. Have a wonderful Camino- I’m envious of you right now.
 
1. I was surprised at how resilient my body was.

2. I was surprised at the blending of my Camino family - gender, ages, nationalities; we all fit together like a glove (10 years later, we are scattered around the world, yet remain fast friends).

3. I was surprised by the unimaginable experiences I had - for example, a city girl from the projects of NYC like me, going to, and enjoying, a bullfight (no animals were harmed in the making of that bullfight).

4. I was surprised by the actual miracles I experienced (2). No kidding, no other possible explanation.

5. I was surprised by how many of the local people seemed to sincerely enjoy and welcome pilgrims into their cities, towns, villages, homes.

6. I was surprised by how moved I was when I finally arrived in the Cathedral in Santiago. How blessed I felt.

7. I was surprised by how cheap good wine is.

8. I was surprised by how well my packing list served me that first Camino.

9. I was surprised by how little I needed to eat and drink to feel fulfilled and healthy and how strong I felt at the end.

10. I was surprised by how soon afterwards I started planning my next Camino.
 
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
Biggest surprise came at the end of my first Camino in 2019, I started it as a 'bucket list' once in a lifetime thing and was shocked at the amount of people I met on their 3rd, 4th, umpteenth! camino...but as I sat overlooking the sea in Finisterre I knew I would do it again. This year I'll be walking my 4th 😁
 
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I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
I was surprised at how friendly and helpful the Spanish people were. Especially in the earlier sections. Later after Sarria maybe a little less so….probably due to tourist fatigue. Also, I was surprised at how friendly and helpful other pilgrims were….again more so in the earlier sections. I hope your experience is as positive as mine was. I am going back for my second Camino this fall and hoping to find the same wonderful magic. Good Luck!
 
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Biggest surprise came at the end of my first Camino in 2019, I started it as a 'bucket list' once in a lifetime thing and was shocked at the amount of people I met on their 3rd, 4th, umpteenth! camino...but as I sat overlooking the sea in Finisterre I knew I would do it again. This year I'll be walking my 4th 😁
It is a surprise how it does grow on you :) This year will be camino 8. After a month or two coming home from my first camino I never thought I would be planning number 2 let alone 8.
 
As with several others above... I was 54 on my first walk, and overweight.

The morning of the second day, my knees and feet were quite sore. After an hour or so of walking, they weren't sore any more.

The morning of the third day, my knees and feet were even more sore. After an hour of walking, they were fine again.

The morning of the 4th day, my knees and feet were really sore, my knees felt like they were grinding and I was injuring myself. After an hour of walking, nothing hurt.

On the morning of the fifth day... nothing was sore! And every day after that!
 
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On the morning of the fifth day... nothing was sore! And every day after that!

Sadly, on the 5th day of the Camino Portuguese last year, I got quarantined for Covid for 5 days... and when I started back up again there were only 4 days left. So I had the sad experience of just getting to the pain-free point... twice. I look forward, at 61, to seeing how it goes next time!
 
It‘s a pity so many non-firsttimers revealed what they were surprised of on their caminos.

Now, as you know about all their surprising experiences there’s (almost) nothing left for you
you might explore yourself.

I‘m afraid your Camino might get boring. 😄
 
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The flies - not many people mention the flies.

As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.

Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
Strangely (and fortunately!) I have no recollection of flies bothering me. Maybe it depends on the route and time of year? I walked the Francés in May/June and the Português in September.
I did have an unpleasant encounter with bedbugs on the Francés, but flies - nope.
 
Camino is magical, and no matter what we write here, or you find in books or blogs something amazing or unexpected will happen, is the nature of Camino! That is why is a pilgrimage and everyone experience it differently. For me the Pyrenees was the biggest surprise, the landscape, the sheep and horses. The most horrifying negative thing was to find toilet paper everywhere, as total disregard for nature and those who walk behind! Leave No Trace is something we all need to follow, is as easy as bringing a ziplock bag and discarding your toilet paper in town in the garbage. I even told my wife “who needs the yellow markers just follow the toilet paper to Santiago.” Just remember everyone of us will write something, but this is YOUR CAMINO, your pace, your dreams, and your experiences! BUEN CAMINO
 
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the friendliness of the general population of Spain
Absolutely! And little things, like the friendly tooting of horns from passing lorry drivers on the less pleasant occasional main roads, the willingness of local people to give directions and to give snippets of useful information about everything from local farming practices to ecclesiastical architecture. I would like to think that we English are as welcoming to visitors, but am not entirely convinced that this is always the case.
 
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

....

Have you done any training at home with a fully loaded pack? That is just as important as all of the above. Or have you used watching YouTube as an excuse for not training?


-Paul
 
The flies - not many people mention the flies.

As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.

Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October. Even to the point that when I was shown a room in a small hotel, I was told not to open the window because of the flies.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I was surprised by the age of the pilgrims. I was 69 when I walked from SJPP to Santiago in 2019. I had expected a much younger crowd, At least half if not more were grey hairs like me. It was as if the people who had backpacked around Europe in the late 60's and 70's had come back to do the Camino as a way to recapture the vagabonding of their youth.
 
At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October. Even to the point that when I was shown a room in a small hotel, I was told not to open the window because of the flies.
They tortured me starting at Cruz de Fero until about Villafranca de Bierzo. Now I have a head net to go over my hat. Weight and space negligible, but there when I have needed it.
 
Positives: Good views, mostly friendly people, a massive amount of possible accommodation options, the choice of walking the way you want (in silence, in a group, talking to random people), the number of possible routes
Negatives: Dogs, Flies, The walk out of Leon (up the hill), beggars, bedbugs (if you are unlucky)

I have walked twice so far. I wouldn't necessarily suggest doing the Frances first and if you do, avoid it in summer (too touristy). Pick a different route, maybe Norte in high summer. You will cook whichever way you go, but less so on the coast. IMO, the best time to walk is September/October or maybe April/May. It's mostly warm on most days, but not so much that fires are raging everywhere. With temperatures in the 20-30C range you aren't having to overly manage water, although you will have to on some level. But mainly you won't be walking with thousands of others, battling to find a bed for the night.

Training wise, if you can walk 10 miles in a day with a 10kg pack, you will be fine. You will naturally get fitter as you walk and if you like pushing out the distances, 20-25 mile days are fairly easy after a week or two. My training for the first walk was 30 mins of cardio a day at the gym. Second time was about the same.

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It's impossible to be surprised if you have no expectations. I read nothing and watched nothing before my first camino - it's the best decision I ever made, after deciding to walk in the first place.

It's too late noe to not have filled your head with ideas of what the camino is like. But I hope you manage to ditch most of them anyway.
The mind of a beginner is underrated.
 
JohnLloyd said: The flies... As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants

I have walked all the main Caminos and in all four seasons of the year and have never been troubled by flies. I have noticed them sometimes, with a certain amount of pleasure, simply because they seem so rare in England now. This may be because so much food it wrapped in plastic, because much of our wildlife is decreased in numbers, because of overuse of toxic chemicals etc. etc. The days of the muslin meat safe hanging in the larder and the handy fly-swat in the living room seem to have gone. I certainly did not find that flies on the Caminos were ever a problem, but perhaps some pilgrims have encountered serious infestations in places.
 
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What surprised me was the friendliness of the general population of Spain . Of course I had heard of and read of it , though nothing is quite so charming and delightful as finding out that for the most part , it's absolutely true .
I didn't expect how physically hard it was. Also, I remember feeling a loss of God on the Meseta, and then after Melide when I was a little drunk from orujo, having a conversation with another peregrino and realizing God was in the small details of my life, "the Camino provides." That God wasn't something far away and mysterious, untouchable, but present and interested in the mundane details of my life.

Years later, not a first camino, a realization that once you become a Pilgrim, all other identities lessen in importance, the whole idea of status falls away and we are all the same, with the same basic needs.
 
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I would say - I did too much research and watched too many video blogs and the Frances did not hold enough surprises as a result. It didn't help that I spent all of 2019 planning for a 2020 Camino and then like the rest of the world - had to postpone my plans for another year. So what did I do? I watched more videos. Bad idea!

Don't get me wrong - it was still an amazing journey - I just wish I didn't know so much ahead of time. I wish I wasn't looking forward to seeing all of the sites I had seen so many times in so many videos.

For the Norte - the only video blogs I watched were more about planning as opposed to watching people on their journey.

For the Via Francigena - I am watching Efren's videos - but only those. I am sure there are many others out there - but I don't want to spoil my adventures with seeing all the same sights in everyone's videos again and again.
 
I would say - I did too much research and watched too many video blogs and the Frances did not hold enough surprises as a result. It didn't help that I spent all of 2019 planning for a 2020 Camino and then like the rest of the world - had to postpone my plans for another year. So what did I do? I watched more videos. Bad idea!

Don't get me wrong - it was still an amazing journey - I just wish I didn't know so much ahead of time. I wish I wasn't looking forward to seeing all of the sites I had seen so many times in so many videos.

For the Norte - the only video blogs I watched were more about planning as opposed to watching people on their journey.

For the Via Francigena - I am watching Efren's videos - but only those. I am sure there are many others out there - but I don't want to spoil my adventures with seeing all the same sights in everyone's videos again and again.
I've also found that knowing too much one of the difficult parts of a second, or third or fourth, Camino, though there is always more to experience, or to experience on a deeper level.
 
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
I was unable to train at all (1st Camino) before I came (finishing up a demanding job) so I quickly wished I had. Luckily I only hiked from Roncesvalle to Burgos--but I was doing full sections, even when I started, and developed a bad case of plantar fasciitis and my endurance was low. On my 2nd and 3rd Camino, I made sure I built up my endurance and strength before I came back to hike and this made a big difference.
Unfortunately, all 3 of the casinos were in brutal heat and I found Bally realized that heat really affects my performance. Now I return this year in late April with my new hubby.
More importantly, I found hiking the Camino so incredibly wonderful.
 
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I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
To be perfectly honest… my first and only Camino, so far, was the greatest experience because I went completely unaware and “unprepared “ …. I went expecting and that is exactly what I needed… I didn’t read any guide books or check my “pack list”. God lead, and I followed!!! The greatest experience I could’ve asked for!!!!
 
Agree 100% with @Liam55 and @VNwalking . IMHO it's best to leave all expectations at home and be surprised (or not) by what crosses your path. Magic happens when you least expect it.

As I've said many a time, my only expectations were to walk, eat, wash clothes and sleep. All else I discovered while walking. This was made possible I believe by not reading any blogs, books or watching videos about the Camino. I still don't 12 years on and many more Caminos.
 
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I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
Burton, you ask a fairly simple queston. My fairly simple answer: the wonder of waking up each day with the pain of the previous day absorbed and gone!
 
At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October. Even to the point that when I was shown a room in a small hotel, I was told not to open the window because of the flies.
The flies were so bad in September October 2016. I have walked twice since in spring and no flies. The worst was walking to O Cebrero. The horses poop added to the flies. I bought a net for the next one and didn't need it. The flies are really bad in California in fall as well.
 
The lines….Waitng on Line for example at 9:00am for 30 minutes just to order a cup of coffee while walking to Burgos. So we ordered two each right away…so much for the crowds “thinning out” after Pamplona😀😆.
 
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1. I was surprised at how resilient my body was.

2. I was surprised at the blending of my Camino family - gender, ages, nationalities; we all fit together like a glove (10 years later, we are scattered around the world, yet remain fast friends).

3. I was surprised by the unimaginable experiences I had - for example, a city girl from the projects of NYC like me, going to, and enjoying, a bullfight (no animals were harmed in the making of that bullfight).

4. I was surprised by the actual miracles I experienced (2). No kidding, no other possible explanation.

5. I was surprised by how many of the local people seemed to sincerely enjoy and welcome pilgrims into their cities, towns, villages, homes.

6. I was surprised by how moved I was when I finally arrived in the Cathedral in Santiago. How blessed I felt.

7. I was surprised by how cheap good wine is.

8. I was surprised by how well my packing list served me that first Camino.

9. I was surprised by how little I needed to eat and drink to feel fulfilled and healthy and how strong I felt at the end.

10. I was surprised by how soon afterwards I started planning my next Camino.
Wow, you nailed it! I agree 100%
 
I expected a more religious experiences, I was there as a pilgrim. It took me to the second half of the CAmino to learn to connect with mass times, talk with others - monks nuns, priests other religious pilgrims
 
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This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.

You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.

I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.

I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.

But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head
……but mostly for happy reasons

One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.

With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.

Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.

We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.

At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.

I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.

So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. View attachment 140734I'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.

Buen Camino!
Adrian, that is one of the most illustrative passages in all literature. I am so proud of you…and I don’t even know you…except through your prose. My first Camino will be in May along the central Portugal path. I pray my heart will be joined with yours in the same sentiment. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope your production is a resounding success. No doubt it will be.
 
The flies - not many people mention the flies.

As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.

Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
Oh gods. The Meseta is Beelzebub’s garden! So many flies and worse were the grey worms on the paths! Blergh!
 
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I've also found that knowing too much one of the difficult parts of a second, or third or fourth, Camino, though there is always more to experience, or to experience on a deeper level.
Yes - I am avoiding that so far by doing different routes. Eventually I hope to repeat routes - but as long as their are routes I haven't explored I will attempt to explore those first!
 
"Stepping on My Shadow"
I want you to know that I absolutely love these words of yours!
I have only glanced so far at the 50+ responses to your question, but assume that I will mesh with a majority of them.🙂

P.S. I usually walk in Spring and have seriously never encountered even one fly or mosquito!
 
Great thread...so many recollections!

In the reflections chapter in my book, I recalled "I think the camaraderie made my Camino special...I was walking alone...but I wasn't."

At the beginning of that chapter, I quoted a line from a Garth Brooks song called "The Dance."
"...I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."

I wouldn't have missed it for anything. In April, I'll be dancing again.
 
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Yes - I am avoiding that so far by doing different routes. Eventually I hope to repeat routes - but as long as their are routes I haven't explored I will attempt to explore those first!
I did alternate paths, stopped in different towns, walked different times of year, and of course, you are always changing and the people will be new to you. That said sometimes I drove myself nuts remembering what was coming up next.
 
Everyone mentions how kind or nice everyone was, but honestly the Spanish people are so helpful to people on Camino. The woman at the post office spent 30 minutes helping me with a google translated conversation to send some gear to Santiago. A lovely lorry driver drove me the last 1km to the hotel I was booked at when I had a panic attack and meltdown when I realized to get there I had to walk along a 4 lane highway and navigate 3 roundabouts to get there. The couple from Leon I invited to sit with me in a crowded cafe early Sunday morning in Santiago recommended things to see in Madrid. The Spanish go out of their way to help peregrinos and tourists. I walked into a government building in Madrid to post a souvenir home and technically the post office in that building was only for the offices above, the security guard explained I needed identification to enter to get to the post office and I had left that in my hotel because I'm an idiot, he smiled, checked my package and directed me down the hall and waved off the other guards to let me through.

I met a charming gentleman on my flight from Granada to Barcelona who had walked several short or partial Caminos and he was very proud and impressed of my walking from SJPdP, he wished he had time to walk a full Camino. He was so happy that my sister and I were sightseeing and that I had seen so much of Spain and experienced so many different regions.

Everyone I ran into were lovely. Well almost everyone, there was one very rude waiter in Belorado lol.

Otherwise, what stood out for me was how vastly different every region was. Mountains, vineyards, olive groves, meseta, forests, each area was a new wonder.

Buen Camino!
 
P.S. I usually walk in Spring and have seriously never encountered even one fly or mosquito!
Some of us unfortunately seem to attract flies and bugs. Regardless of what season we walk in, I am constantly swatting at a swarm of flies while my husband walks beside me without a single fly buzzing around his head. I even carried the extra weight of bug repellent this past June which did nothing for the flies, but did save me from having red spots on all exposed skin.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
The flies - not many people mention the flies.

As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.

Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!

I expected them, but never encountered them.
What time of year were your Caminos?
Mine are generally April/May/June.
 
The yearning to do another one, and knowing it will probably be quite a while before that actually happens since now that I am working full time, and my husband teases me asking when I will be be leaving him all by himself again. Oh well, only a few more years before I can retire.
 
I want you to know that I absolutely love these words of yours!
I have only glanced so far at the 50+ responses to your question, but assume that I will mesh with a majority of them.🙂

P.S. I usually walk in Spring and have seriously never encountered even one fly or mosquito!

Not just me then......
I was worried I was missing out! :rolleyes:
 
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This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.

You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.

I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.

I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.

But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head
……but mostly for happy reasons

One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.

With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.

Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.

We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.

At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.

I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.

So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. View attachment 140734I'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.

Buen Camino!
I think I may have just shed a tear or two.
Lovely words.
 
Agree 100% with @Liam55 and @VNwalking . IMHO it's best to leave all expectations at home and be surprised (or not) by what crosses your path. Magic happens when you least expect it.

As I've said many a time, my only expectations were to walk, eat, wash clothes and sleep. All else I discovered while walking. This was made possible I believe by not reading any blogs, books or watching videos about the Camino. I still don't 12 years on and many more Caminos.

I agree 100%

Big expectations often equal bigger disappointments.
 
I disagree for myself.
If I'd never watched "The Way," I never would have known about the Camino.
If I had no expectations or hope for what the Camino could possibly be "for me", I never would have traveled 5000+ miles, nor spent the money if I had no clue...we are all different.

Edit- On my first Camino, seeing "The Way" opened my eyes to the Camino, but after I arrived, each day I walked was new and fresh for me; my own personal "initiation" as each and every day unfolded before me. The movie took nothing whatsoever away from my experience. My "expectations" were only of having a new, unusual adventure; I had no laid out plans and winged the whole trip except the first and last day to coordinate with my flights.
 
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Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
I was surprised by how fast I became comfortable referring to myself as a "pilgrim". I was very resistant beforehand - I'm not at all religious, and previously thought the term was silly to apply to myself. However, I quickly realized that I identified with a community that needed a label, and that was the appropriate one!
 
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
I have walked the FC 3X and will leave Pamplona on 2 March for the 4th. What surprised me the most was the fact that what I learned about myself and the issues that came to my attention for reflection and action have continued to impact my life to this day.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I expected them, but never encountered them.
What time of year were your Caminos?
Mine are generally April/May/June.
Hi Robo -

I second @JWilhaus’s thoughts - buy a head net. The flies were a shocker for me early last May on the VDLP - they were everywhere and were in casts of thousands. In desperation I bought a fisherman’s head net in Salamanca and after that had no problems. It’s joining me on all future caminos.

Buen VDLP & Sanabrés Camino -
Jenny
 
This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.

You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.

I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.

I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.

But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head
……but mostly for happy reasons

One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.

With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.

Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.

We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.

At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.

I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.

So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. View attachment 140734I'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.

Buen Camino!
How lovely and absolutely accurate/appropriate. This really captures my experience as a pilgrim. Thank you for sharing!
 
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.

But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?

Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
How much I enjoyed it. I had down a fair bit of cycle touring in Australia and Europe. Just carrying a bag, and then getting rid of things I didn’t need. It made life so simple. In only walked because it is something my wife wanted to do. We didn’t book anywhere and didn’t worry about a bed until the last bit. We got some advice from an old hand. Book the last 100 or so kms. Really meant we could really enjoy those last days. Enjoy
 
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At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October.
Might be a time of year thing. I have read quite a few posts about flies. My first Camino Frances was in 2007 in June and I don’t remember flies at all. BUT I will now take one of those hats with fly mesh when I walk in October this year. Coming from Australia I am used to flies but don’t want to spend the whole day swishing a branch in front of my face.
 
The mind of a beginner is underrated.
Wholeheartedly agree. And the joy of discovery is underrated. I am forever grateful that I knew so little about the Camino when I first walked. I didn't know anyone who'd walked a Camino, if The Way had been released, which I don't think it had, I'd never heard of it.. and I didn't know about this forum. I've loved every Camino I've walked since then, but the joys and challenges of discovery on that first Camino were exhilarating.

If you're on this forum to prepare for your first Camino, then to some extent the horse has bolted. But I'd just say, there is surprisingly little you really need to know other than a few logistics. Try not to read or watch too much of other people's Caminos. You will make your own Way.

Edited to add. After my second Camino Frances, I watched the movie The Way. I was a bit reluctant in some ways but I've always liked Martin Sheen, so ... I was surprised how often it captured some of what I'd experienced. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
 
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1) Honestly, on every trip I've ended up staying behind or speeding up to avoid the newly divorced announcing their availability for romance in more or less soap-opera type flair. It's a high school or first year university kind of approach that I was not prepared for and find to be inappropriate on a pilgrimage, and along with that: I was not prepared for how many people would gather and drink to excess quite frequently. But... it's "their camino" and I just get the heck away ASAP

2) I had had no idea about "camino families" until I was on my first trip and was sort of sucked into one (when a member in a loose group that had stayed in the same albergue decided without consulting us individually to ship all our packs to Cizur Menor from Zubiri). That forced me into a situation with some very toxic people in the mix. I did extricate myself, but I felt badly about it

I find it less troublesome now that I know that just because a group forms a kind of pack in the first day or two, that I don't have to stay... it's OK to move on or stay behind and reassemble from there. In fact, I look for the groups forming and deliberately stay away

3) I still make good friends on any camino and remain in close contact with several many years on. It is delightful to receive international post to/from (and that is something else I had not expected)

4) I was not prepared for the Meseta to ruin my body. Turns out I am built for mountains

5) I could not predict the amazing cultural surprises and will leave you to discover your own

6) Astorga. My favourite place in the whole world

7) Oviedo, Salas, Lugo, Pontevedra, Barcelos, Porto (well really, all of Portugal!) my other favourite places in the whole world

8) How completely emotionally overwhelmed I am *every* danged time I arrive in Santiago. I have not yet arrived without weeping in the square

9) Finding my way back to the Catholic Church, even if I do not yet know what I think about the big 'leap of faith' (indicated here by thinking and faith, the incommensurate terms...)

10) Atapuerca and the Museum of Human Evolution. I love that a path of faith and a path of science are plonked right together for the pilgrims to encounter
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
Hi Robo -

I second @JWilhaus’s thoughts - buy a head net. The flies were a shocker for me early last May on the VDLP - they were everywhere and were in casts of thousands. In desperation I bought a fisherman’s head net in Salamanca and after that had no problems. It’s joining me on all future caminos.

Buen VDLP & Sanabrés Camino -
Jenny

I have one. I'll take it!
Or a hat with corks :oops:
 
Hi Robo -

I second @JWilhaus’s thoughts - buy a head net. The flies were a shocker for me early last May on the VDLP - they were everywhere and were in casts of thousands. In desperation I bought a fisherman’s head net in Salamanca and after that had no problems. It’s joining me on all future caminos.

Buen VDLP & Sanabrés Camino -
Jenny
I brought one on the Frances. Used it one day for a little bit. Didn't bother to bring it and didn't miss it the following year on the Norte/Primitivo. I am sure route matters and I had heard about the flies on the Frances - but really it was just a few hours. Sounds like one is needed for the VDLP.
 
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This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
My everyday mantra was “when I’m stepping on my shadows head, it’s time to stop and find a bed!” 🥰
 
Great question...hence all your responses!
I was surprised that on some days I thought, "What the heck am I doing? I could be on a beach right now sipping a Pina colada!" -- but that usually only happened when the hill was really steep! Ha-ha.
You'll have a great time and it's definitely a trip you will never forget.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Great question...hence all your responses!
I was surprised that on some days I thought, "What the heck am I doing? I could be on a beach right now sipping a Pina colada!"
Much as I love a beach vacation (but make my drink a margarita), if I had to choose between a beach vacation and the Camino, the Camino will also win.
 
The flies - not many people mention the flies.

As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.

Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
I'm a magnet for mosquitoes. Are they active on CF?
 
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OP here. I’m surprised at how many responded with comments to the effect that they arrived on the Camino with no expectations or pre-planning. And, further, that this is preferable and more liberating.

Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?

Anyway, all responses are appreciated.
 
OP here. I’m surprised at how many responded with comments to the effect that they arrived on the Camino with no expectations or pre-planning. And, further, that this is preferable and more liberating.

Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?

Anyway, all responses are appreciated.
I think that those of us who say that we went with no (or minimal) expectations mean that we didn't watch umpteen Camino movies and videos, or read dozens of personal accounts of the Camino. I certainly went prepared for weather and terrain with appropriate gear, but I didn't have a preconceived idea of what my actual experience would be, or any expectations that it would be life changing.

In other words, we did not experience the Camino through other's words or video before we experienced for ourselves.
 
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Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?
Everyone plans many of those things...at least on this forum they do.

I only watched "The Way" before finding this forum shortly there after. In 2014, I was not using Youtube and only watched one documentary. I def was not inundating myself with all sorts of Camino videos. I also had no expectation of a life changing experience.
When I choose a new route now though, I happily watch a few videos to learn a bit about where I am going, but do not watch umpteen videos.
My first Camino was everything I expected... and more.
There is no right or wrong way on this subject.
 
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I did plenty of planning, watching videos, reading Sybil Yates book about preparation. I made a reservation in SJPDP and at Orrison. I did meet people who were completely clueless, such as the man who came with no euros thinking he could totally use plastic (wound up loaning him cash which he paid back at the first ATM). Lots of things I have learned along the years and I learn something new each year. It is a process to be enjoyed.
 
Other than browsing through a guidebook and a little bit of internet research I knew very little about the Camino before I walked it the first time. I had no expectations and basically as they say flew by the seat of my pants. Little to no planning. In retrospect I am so glad I did it that way. Everyday was a new surprise. An adventure. I literally did not even know there were two routes over the Pyrenees the first day and didn't know Roncesvalles was the only albergue in town when I got there. I really had no idea what I was doing. It was great. I miss that feeling of a surprise at every turn.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I did meet people who were completely clueless,
🤣 Me too. And maybe once or twice I was that person in the eyes of others. 🤔.

There’s definitely a good middle ground between ‘completely clueless’ and watching or reading every thing you can possibly get your hands on or trying to plan the detail so you don’t miss out on what you may have read are ‘the best bits’. There will be plenty of ‘best bits’ regardless of your choices 😎
 
Falling into the ‘too much information’ category was a YouTube video I watched which speeded up an entire etape. I felt very uncomfortable being able to see every step I would take and soon snapped it off. Several other videos have been, IMO, self indulgent and fail to capture my interest.

On the other hand, responses in this thread about flies and, especially, surprise regarding how well the body can recuperate after a hard day are illuminating.
 
After every Camino there's a longing to find the way back and explore a different path or different conditions. On the Camino I am content, I need no more to make me happy.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
OP here. I’m surprised at how many responded with comments to the effect that they arrived on the Camino with no expectations or pre-planning. And, further, that this is preferable and more liberating.

Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?

Anyway, all responses are appreciated.
Actually not but I speak Spanish and in my youth lived with a Spanish family during two summers. Also I had lived, worked and travelled in several different European countries before I went. I therefore had no angst about going somewhere unfamiliar although I hadn't practiced my Spanish in almost 30 years!

I did become a member of this forum a couple of months before I left but thinking back my posts were practical questions regarding shoes and backpack. My stages were not planned, I had a list of albergues from the Accueil in SJPdP and off I went. I had no idea how far I'd walk per day and decided on a day by day basis. It was all open and unknown and that's the way I like it.
 
Forewarned is forearmed.

You can go out there with no real planning and expect to walk 600 miles and for it to be easily do-able. It's your journey after all. But your chances of success are much less and mainly depend on how mentally strong you are and how much ibuprofen/co-codamol you are happy to abuse when you destroy your feet. When I first walked I was shocked at how much people were using, especially on the last 100km. People were dropping 3-4 max strength caps a day because their feet were covered in blisters and generally not in a good way, just to remove (as someone said to me) 50% of the pain they were experiencing. Taking painkillers to cover the fact your feet are in a bad way isn't a good thing.

There have been a number of threads over the years from pilgrims that walked without any preparation and within 200 miles had wrecked their feet and bodies and had to end their journey.

If you do decide to do it blind, at least make sure to instill a decent foot care regimen into your daily routine. Get your feet out of your shoes/boots, wash them and moisturise them (with proper foot cream) at least every night and ideally a couple of times per day. Wear proper walking socks with cushioning and use decent inner soles on your shoes/boots (gel or decent cushioning foam type ideally). Oh and break your shoes/boots in prior to starting. If you do that and manage to avoid blisters, you at least have some hope of making it.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Strangely (and fortunately!) I have no recollection of flies bothering me. Maybe it depends on the route and time of year? I walked the Francés in May/June and the Português in September.
I did have an unpleasant encounter with bedbugs on the Francés, but flies - nope.
I agree...it's probably more about timing...I did the Frances in two parts, In June SJPP to Hontanas, no recollection of flies...returned to Hontanas in late September and it was infested all through the Meseta and a bit beyond Leon...
 
The impact on me personally. Alone with my thoughts for hours... days on end brought a sense of peace
Came home with a sense of peace that was unlike any I’d had for as long as I could remember. That, and the fact that I found EVERY day hard, but got up and did it again, the next day, and then the next, for 40 days. I was far more emotional than I’d expected. I can’t imagine ever doing it again. It could never be as good as my first (and last) time.
 
Things I got wrong:

I had seen a video of a common room in an albergue where a dude with dreadlocks was playing Grateful Dead songs on the guitar. Oh no, I thought, it's gonna be all hippies. I thought I might have to avoid the public albergues.

I thought there'd be nuns who'd want me to pray and go to mass in the morning. I thought I might have to avoid the convents and monasteries.

I thought I'd be pushing myself to the point of physical and mental exhaustions, and that I'd have to find reserves of inner strength to complete the Camino. It turns out it was fun, easier than my regular life, and that I didn't want it to end. Other people around me were having struggles, and emotional and spiritual break throughs. Somehow I missed having any of those. I almost felt sheepish that I didn't have any breakdowns or major struggles.
 
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On my first camino (2012) I was surprised at feeling comfortable with the label "pilgrim"
On my second camino (2014) I was surprised at how many people were surprised I was walking "alone" with four kids (8-13 years)
On my third camino (2015) I was surprised to be celebrating twenty five years of marriage by walking a camino on the other side of the world
On my fourth camino (2016) I was surprised at not having read about how useless it is to think you might get clothes dry by pinning them to the outside of your pack - when it rains every day for a week your clothes don't have a chance of drying!
On my fifth camino (2018), my first solo one, I expected to revel in long hours of solitude fit for thinking...I was surprised to walk for days from Madrid with not a thought in my head. It also occurred to me that walking with kids had been great because they talked to other pilgrims in the evenings while I got on with journalling and blogging - this was much harder on my own, especially when there was only one other pilgrim at the albergue.
On my sixth camino (2020) covid was the surprise weeks before I was to leave. I'm still waiting to walk that one.
 
Things I got wrong:

I had seen a video of a common room in an albergue where a dude with dreadlocks was playing Grateful Dead songs on the guitar. Oh no, I thought, it's gonna be all hippies. I thought I might have to avoid the public albergues.

I thought there'd be nuns who'd want me to pray and go to mass in the morning. I thought I might have to avoid the convents and monasteries.

I thought I'd be pushing myself to the point of physical and mental exhaustions, and that I'd have to find reserves of inner strength to complete the Camino. It turns out it was fun, easier than my regular life, and that I didn't want it to end. Other people around me were having struggles, and emotional and spiritual break throughs. Somehow I missed having any of those. I almost felt sheepish that I didn't have any breakdowns or major struggles.
Yes most of us don’t have dramas just fun, that’s why it is addictive
Forewarned is forearmed.

You can go out there with no real planning and expect to walk 600 miles and for it to be easily do-able. It's your journey after all. But your chances of success are much less and mainly depend on how mentally strong you are and how much ibuprofen/co-codamol you are happy to abuse when you destroy your feet. When I first walked I was shocked at how much people were using, especially on the last 100km. People were dropping 3-4 max strength caps a day because their feet were covered in blisters and generally not in a good way, just to remove (as someone said to me) 50% of the pain they were experiencing. Taking painkillers to cover the fact your feet are in a bad way isn't a good thing.

There have been a number of threads over the years from pilgrims that walked without any preparation and within 200 miles had wrecked their feet and bodies and had to end their journey.

If you do decide to do it blind, at least make sure to instill a decent foot care regimen into your daily routine. Get your feet out of your shoes/boots, wash them and moisturise them (with proper foot cream) at least every night and ideally a couple of times per day. Wear proper walking socks with cushioning and use decent inner soles on your shoes/boots (gel or decent cushioning foam type ideally). Oh and break your shoes/boots in prior to starting. If you do that and manage to avoid blisters, you at least have some hope of making it.
vasoline is great on the Camino for your feet
 
Things I got wrong:

I had seen a video of a common room in an albergue where a dude with dreadlocks was playing Grateful Dead songs on the guitar. Oh no, I thought, it's gonna be all hippies. I thought I might have to avoid the public albergues.

I thought there'd be nuns who'd want me to pray and go to mass in the morning. I thought I might have to avoid the convents and monasteries.

I thought I'd be pushing myself to the point of physical and mental exhaustions, and that I'd have to find reserves of inner strength to complete the Camino. It turns out it was fun, easier than my regular life, and that I didn't want it to end. Other people around me were having struggles, and emotional and spiritual break throughs. Somehow I missed having any of those. I almost felt sheepish that I didn't have any breakdowns or major struggles.
Most people do not have dramas. That is part of the addiction
 
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I had read and watched everything I could get my hands on, just like you did, however I planned it as a milestone walk for the year I turned 65. No real thought of it being a spiritual adventure. By the time I reached Santiago, it was much more a spiritual experience! So many conversations, experiences where “The Camino Provides “, and coincidences that happened so often, they could not be called coincidences! My journey was a fabulous experience and much more than I expected! I wish you well on your journey and as exciting a walk as I had!
 

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