May '17 observations: SJPdP to Tosantos

[BShea]

I've noticed a few differences since I walked in 2015. I'm not sure if things have changed in two years or if I'm just more aware this time. I hope this is of interest or helpful to someone...
1. There seems to be far less Americans. Probably around 30% Koreans, 30% Italians and the remaining 40% is everyone else. So far, I've met people from 16 countries and 10 States. Very few Spaniards seem to be walking - maybe the time of year?
2. There are more dirt roads than I remember. It seemed like last time, there were more paved surfaces. Maybe that comes later? We do walk a good portion of each day next to the highway which can be quite loud.
3. Many of the people on the Camino are locals that use the route for daily exercise - dog walking, running, cycling. (How lucky could it be to have the Camino at your back door?)
4. Probably the most important - Although there doesn't seem to be that many people walking, all the albergues seem to be booked by the time we arrive, which is usually around 14:00. Without fail, I am asked as I walk in if I have a reservation. I do not ever remember being asked that once in 2015. Two nights ago in Najera, the municipal sent 50 people to the overflow area in the stadium!
5. On a humorous note... I am traveling with my Mexican sister-in-law who doesn't speak English. Every time she speaks to someone, they always switch to English to accommodate her foreign language.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

30% Korean?!

 

[BShea]

30% Korean?!

I know! Apparently, it's become super popular. Or maybe the dates I chose correspond with a break there. We are in a small albergue tonight and out of 16 beds, there are 5 Koreans so far.

 

[HighlandsHiker]

I know! Apparently, it's become super popular. Or maybe the dates I chose correspond with a break there. We are in a small albergue tonight and out of 16 beds, there are 5 Koreans so far.

Evidently Paul Coelho's book is translated into Korean and is very popular. There were a number of Koreans last year on the CF, but I don't remember anywhere near 30% at that time. The ones I ran across were about 80% women walking alone - I was impressed, as they've come such a long way and seem to do it with such devotion.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Evidently Paul Coelho's book is translated into Korean and is very popular.

South Korea is a rich culture with ots own writers and film makers and doesn't need to rely on the Brazilians for this. They have their own. Plus, apparently they rank number 4 in Catholic number countries.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1540670600/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

http://fr.blurb.ca/b/1392904-camino-de-santiago-de-compostela

 

[BShea]

Evidently Paul Coelho's book is translated into Korean and is very popular. There were a number of Koreans last year on the CF, but I don't remember anywhere near 30% at that time. The ones I ran across were about 80% women walking alone - I was impressed, as they've come such a long way and seem to do it with such devotion.

What I noticed two years ago was large groups of Korean young adults that banded together. We saw that at first this year, but they seem to have disappeared over the last two days. Maybe they're faster? Now, we see either a parent with a young adult child or even families walking together. It's really cool. Today, we ran into a group of Brazilians. I think we can attribute that to Coehlo's book. I didn't run into any other Americans today, but I walked with two Canadians. They said in 11 days, they've run into less than 10. It feels like the N. American numbers are down. Or I'm just out of sync. I have yet to meet a Spaniard going to Santiago. Of course, there are many French, Dutch, and Germans along the way. I also met a 70 year old Japanese man who taught himself Spanish from listening to a TV program. So fun to talk to people from all over the world. Where else can you do this???

 

[HighlandsHiker]

Isn't that one of the best things about the Camino?! So many different people with their own stories. I remember every one, and had some wonderful conversations, sometimes even just short ones at rest stops that were rich and meaningful. That's exactly it - there isn't anywhere else like the Caminos. The history, the monuments, the way of doing it, the natural beauty, the support services, etc., etc. My plan is, as last year, to not get into political discussions and to try to represent my country as well as I can, but I've often considered just telling people I'm Canadian .