JustJack
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF: May/June 2023
VDLP: April/May 2024
I think I’m on day 12, so not quite two weeks in. Thus far the VDLP is definitely a different animal than the CF. And I have to say, I’m struggling to enjoy it as much as the CF last year. I don’t mean to complain, so I’ll try not to. I’m struggling a bit with the lack of diversity in my fellow pilgrims. Mostly Europeans - Germans, Dutch, French and Spanish. Which wasn’t a surprise because I did my research. But it most definitely isn’t the international group you find up north. My bad for not speaking Spanish. I tried my best studying with my Duolingo app this past year, but that only takes you so far…
The other challenge, or rather the aspect I don't care for too much, is the lack of towns/villages along the way. I don’t mind walking long stages (30km+), but I miss all the villages you walk through on the CF. Here it’s 30km+ of the same thing all day, with barely a spot of shade to stop for lunch at. It’s nice, but endlessly the same.
There are only about 12-14 other pilgrims walking the same stages as me. So not a big bed race, but at times it can be at bit of one, due to the lack of facilities. The albergue is full tonight for example.
On the plus side, I’m sitting in a little tienda writing this. Basically a convenience store, enjoying a large vino tinto. The lady here is happy to keep pouring. I love how chilled they are when it comes to beer and wine. Such a change from Canada. Although speaking of chilled, someone should tell them you don’t need to chill red wine…
Thanks for listening. I’m just venting a bit because it wasn’t a great day on the Camino and I’m missing my family and wondering where the magic is that I felt last year on the CF. I know this is just a blip and at some point that magic will return.
The other challenge, or rather the aspect I don't care for too much, is the lack of towns/villages along the way. I don’t mind walking long stages (30km+), but I miss all the villages you walk through on the CF. Here it’s 30km+ of the same thing all day, with barely a spot of shade to stop for lunch at. It’s nice, but endlessly the same.
There are only about 12-14 other pilgrims walking the same stages as me. So not a big bed race, but at times it can be at bit of one, due to the lack of facilities. The albergue is full tonight for example.
On the plus side, I’m sitting in a little tienda writing this. Basically a convenience store, enjoying a large vino tinto. The lady here is happy to keep pouring. I love how chilled they are when it comes to beer and wine. Such a change from Canada. Although speaking of chilled, someone should tell them you don’t need to chill red wine…
Thanks for listening. I’m just venting a bit because it wasn’t a great day on the Camino and I’m missing my family and wondering where the magic is that I felt last year on the CF. I know this is just a blip and at some point that magic will return.
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