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The things I have grown to appreciate about this forum

lt56ny

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2023 Vasco, Meseta, Portugues Coastal
First I do not know if I am posting this in the correct thread or maybe it belongs in the Miscellaneous thread.

When I first became active in the forum I was and still am obsessed with everything Camino. The first person I read religiously and really enjoyed and learned from was the infamous and indispensable Camino man @davebugg (Please Dave keep going and I know soon you will be better than ever. We love you!)
Before the Pandemic there were lots of comments by the "regulars" and of course the hundreds and hundreds of first time pilgrims who were anxious and a little afraid seeking advice and reassurance as they were about to begin one of the most life changing events many would have experienced to that point. It was fun and I am sure made so many of us "veterans" feel good about helping people. Especially because each one of us were in their shoes in the past and could so well relate to them.
But what I have learned now during the Pandemic is that so many of these people have understandable dropped off the radar. They may still read posts but are definitely not posting for obvious reasons.
Interestingly now I read and respond almost daily to help me to hold on to the Camino and get a small fix.
It feels like in the last few months through the discussions and posts and sometimes fun disagreements from the posts of the "hardcore" members have slowly evolved into becoming my internet "family" (funny because I have always shied away from "families" on the camino as I prefer to walk alone and at my own pace). I was going to mention who these people are but I sure don't want to miss anyone and you guys know who you are. There are alot of you.
When I walked the Norte and I think (I don't remember, it sucks growing old) when I walked the Frances last November I posted my intentions on the Calendar. I didn't expect to see many people posting on the Norte or the CF during the times I walked. In reality the Calendar cupboard was bare. I don't know how this would work or even if it is possible but here goes.
I have really grown to love lots of people on this board and I know we all have different schedules and I know we live all over the world but I sure would love to meet some people face to face as so many of you do not know it but to me you have become friends whose thoughts and opinions I look forward to reading even if I may have a different take on things.
I wonder (I am also assuming if a pilgrim wants to) if there is a way to let other pilgrims know where we will be when we are on Camino and forum friends could meet for a coffee or dinner along the way or maybe even better still, and easier to meet in Santiago when we arrive from different caminos and having started walking at different times, locations and speed. Just maybe meet up at Pilgrim House or if Ivar has an office just to say hello leave them a little donation to show our gratitude and go off and have a coffee or a meal. I have no idea if this is doable or practical or if the calendar can be adjusted to accommodate this, but there are a whole lot of you out there I would love to say hello to even if it is just for a 30 minute coffee at that cafe above the square to the right of the cathedral. I have only walked into Santiago 5 times so how can you expect me to know the name of that square hahaha :)
P.S. I will be walking the VDLP next October if all the Camino Gods align properly. If not who knows??? Certainly not me but I will be thankful whenever that day comes.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
@lt56ny,
I think it would be great to have a way to meet up with other forum pilgrims when walking the Camino. Matching names to faces would be most excellent. Not sure of a mechanism to make this happen, perhaps something along the lines of the ”Live From the Camino“ tag.

frm
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
It feels like in the last few months through the discussions and posts and sometimes fun disagreements from the posts of the "hardcore" members have slowly evolved into becoming my internet "family" (funny because I have always shied away from "families" on the camino as I prefer to walk alone and at my own pace)
That's the way I feel as well.
I am also assuming if a pilgrim wants to) if there is a way to let other pilgrims know where we will be when we are on Camino and forum friends could meet for a coffee or dinner along the way
At one time, Ivar had arranged a meeting point for us at a bar not too far from the Cathedral. For various reasons, that arrangement faded away. I'm sure that once we get walking again, something could be planned - whether Pilgrim House, or another meeting spot, or the forum calendar, etc. At the least, you would be able to post a Live from the Camino thread saying when/where you are and asking others to meet you or send a priviate message. I look forward to that time, too!
 
I have really grown to love lots of people on this board and I know we all have different schedules and I know we live all over the world but I sure would love to meet
Same. ☺️
You probably speak for lots of us, @It56ny.

I wonder (I am also assuming if a pilgrim wants to) if there is a way to let other pilgrims know where we will be when we are on Camino and forum friends could meet for a coffee or dinner along the way
I've met (and even walked) with several people here, and it's a joy. As @C clearly says, if you post along the way, you might be surprised who you meet.

The other thing to do is to keep an eye out on threads for people who might be walking at the same time as you, and send them a personal message to arrange a meeting.
 
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I had the great privilege meeting different forummembers who live in Santiago de Compostela permanently.
Especially the long and memorable lunches ( the hosts always know how to match their tableguests to create a wonderful atmosphere ) at restaurante San Clemente will stay with me forever.

I was also able to meet some pilgrims / forummembers who live closer by and we enjoyed a lovely weekend and / or did some sightseeing halfway.

Not forgetting my first and till now first non solo Camino in 2019 with generous and wise @VNwalking . Little did I know that the Vasco Interior in 2019 would be the " last " Camino for the time being.
 
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If all goes well, I should be in Santiago towards the end of October. Plenty of time to decide on good places to meet! (Assuming some people are in town).
I too should be in Santiago towards the end of October via the Frances. Let’s communicate when the time gets closer.

frm
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I have met more than a handful of forum members, not only as a meetup for dinner in Santiago, but near where I live. I have also enjoyed yearly mini-Camino reunions with a few of them. All have been wonderful opportunities...yep, we all who frequent this forum are a virtual camino family!
 
First I do not know if I am posting this in the correct thread or maybe it belongs in the Miscellaneous thread.

When I first became active in the forum I was and still am obsessed with everything Camino. The first person I read religiously and really enjoyed and learned from was the infamous and indispensable Camino man @davebugg (Please Dave keep going and I know soon you will be better than ever. We love you!)
Before the Pandemic there were lots of comments by the "regulars" and of course the hundreds and hundreds of first time pilgrims who were anxious and a little afraid seeking advice and reassurance as they were about to begin one of the most life changing events many would have experienced to that point. It was fun and I am sure made so many of us "veterans" feel good about helping people. Especially because each one of us were in their shoes in the past and could so well relate to them.
But what I have learned now during the Pandemic is that so many of these people have understandable dropped off the radar. They may still read posts but are definitely not posting for obvious reasons.
Interestingly now I read and respond almost daily to help me to hold on to the Camino and get a small fix.
It feels like in the last few months through the discussions and posts and sometimes fun disagreements from the posts of the "hardcore" members have slowly evolved into becoming my internet "family" (funny because I have always shied away from "families" on the camino as I prefer to walk alone and at my own pace). I was going to mention who these people are but I sure don't want to miss anyone and you guys know who you are. There are alot of you.
When I walked the Norte and I think (I don't remember, it sucks growing old) when I walked the Frances last November I posted my intentions on the Calendar. I didn't expect to see many people posting on the Norte or the CF during the times I walked. In reality the Calendar cupboard was bare. I don't know how this would work or even if it is possible but here goes.
I have really grown to love lots of people on this board and I know we all have different schedules and I know we live all over the world but I sure would love to meet some people face to face as so many of you do not know it but to me you have become friends whose thoughts and opinions I look forward to reading even if I may have a different take on things.
I wonder (I am also assuming if a pilgrim wants to) if there is a way to let other pilgrims know where we will be when we are on Camino and forum friends could meet for a coffee or dinner along the way or maybe even better still, and easier to meet in Santiago when we arrive from different caminos and having started walking at different times, locations and speed. Just maybe meet up at Pilgrim House or if Ivar has an office just to say hello leave them a little donation to show our gratitude and go off and have a coffee or a meal. I have no idea if this is doable or practical or if the calendar can be adjusted to accommodate this, but there are a whole lot of you out there I would love to say hello to even if it is just for a 30 minute coffee at that cafe above the square to the right of the cathedral. I have only walked into Santiago 5 times so how can you expect me to know the name of that square hahaha :)
P.S. I will be walking the VDLP next October if all the Camino Gods align properly. If not who knows??? Certainly not me but I will be thankful whenever that day comes.
The forum has, in many ways, sustained me through the last 10 months. I dream of the Camino and have started tentative plans for the fall, 2021 - fingers crossed! I was lucky to meet three of my Camino heroes in Santiago at the end of my walk from Lisbon in the fall of 2019: Ivar, Sybille and Faith of Natefaith. I like the idea of meeting other Forum members along The Way!
 
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Interestingly now I read and respond almost daily to help me to hold on to the Camino and get a small fix.
It feels like in the last few months through the discussions and posts and sometimes fun disagreements from the posts of the "hardcore" members have slowly evolved into becoming my internet "family" (funny because I have always shied away from "families" on the camino as I prefer to walk alone and at my own pace). I was going to mention who these people are but I sure don't want to miss anyone and you guys know who you are. There are alot of you.

I have really grown to love lots of people on this board and I know we all have different schedules and I know we live all over the world but I sure would love to meet some people face to face as so many of you do not know it but to me you have become friends whose thoughts and opinions I look forward to reading even if I may have a different take on things.
I was touched by your musings in this thread. I too have, on most days, taken the time to read new postings on the Forum as a way of getting a bit of a "Camino fix" albeit not the same as the real thing and experiencing the joys of walking a Camino. It was in 2013 that my husband and I first travelled to Spain (from our native Canada) to walk our first Camino and to spend some time in Barcelona. We were completely taken with Spain and the Camino and, to make a long story short, returned to Canada, sold our house and moved to Barcelona in 2014.

Since that time we have enjoyed life in Barcelona and walked many of the Camino routes in Spain and Portugal. I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to meet several Forum members: @LesBrass and @maggiec while walking the VDLP and with whom I still maintain contact, Rick of @Rick of Rick and Peg who joined me for an afternoon in Barcelona before a flight home following a Camino, @camino07 and @Albertagirl both walking the Madrid Camino at the same time as my husband and I and @eli while walking a Catalan Camino. In addition, I have connected with several Forum members through PMs where we have had periodic conversations. Yes, the Forum is a special place where one can connect with many like minded people from around the world in addition to providing a weath of information for those of us who love to walk and explore new places.

For various reasons, we are now making preparations to leave Spain and our beloved Barcelona and to start a new chapter in our lives. We hope to find ourselves living in the Azores (on Faial) come April. I sincerely hope that we will again have the opportunity to return to Spain or mainland Portugal in order to walk another Camino at some point. I am wondering if there are any Forum members reading this post who now live in the Azores? It would be fun to hear from you, if that is the case. In any event, it is my intention to keep up with the Forum and its members following our move.
 
First I do not know if I am posting this in the correct thread or maybe it belongs in the Miscellaneous thread.

When I first became active in the forum I was and still am obsessed with everything Camino. The first person I read religiously and really enjoyed and learned from was the infamous and indispensable Camino man @davebugg (Please Dave keep going and I know soon you will be better than ever. We love you!)
Before the Pandemic there were lots of comments by the "regulars" and of course the hundreds and hundreds of first time pilgrims who were anxious and a little afraid seeking advice and reassurance as they were about to begin one of the most life changing events many would have experienced to that point. It was fun and I am sure made so many of us "veterans" feel good about helping people. Especially because each one of us were in their shoes in the past and could so well relate to them.
But what I have learned now during the Pandemic is that so many of these people have understandable dropped off the radar. They may still read posts but are definitely not posting for obvious reasons.
Interestingly now I read and respond almost daily to help me to hold on to the Camino and get a small fix.
It feels like in the last few months through the discussions and posts and sometimes fun disagreements from the posts of the "hardcore" members have slowly evolved into becoming my internet "family" (funny because I have always shied away from "families" on the camino as I prefer to walk alone and at my own pace). I was going to mention who these people are but I sure don't want to miss anyone and you guys know who you are. There are alot of you.
When I walked the Norte and I think (I don't remember, it sucks growing old) when I walked the Frances last November I posted my intentions on the Calendar. I didn't expect to see many people posting on the Norte or the CF during the times I walked. In reality the Calendar cupboard was bare. I don't know how this would work or even if it is possible but here goes.
I have really grown to love lots of people on this board and I know we all have different schedules and I know we live all over the world but I sure would love to meet some people face to face as so many of you do not know it but to me you have become friends whose thoughts and opinions I look forward to reading even if I may have a different take on things.
I wonder (I am also assuming if a pilgrim wants to) if there is a way to let other pilgrims know where we will be when we are on Camino and forum friends could meet for a coffee or dinner along the way or maybe even better still, and easier to meet in Santiago when we arrive from different caminos and having started walking at different times, locations and speed. Just maybe meet up at Pilgrim House or if Ivar has an office just to say hello leave them a little donation to show our gratitude and go off and have a coffee or a meal. I have no idea if this is doable or practical or if the calendar can be adjusted to accommodate this, but there are a whole lot of you out there I would love to say hello to even if it is just for a 30 minute coffee at that cafe above the square to the right of the cathedral. I have only walked into Santiago 5 times so how can you expect me to know the name of that square hahaha :)
P.S. I will be walking the VDLP next October if all the Camino Gods align properly. If not who knows??? Certainly not me but I will be thankful whenever that day comes.
I have noticed that as well. Quite a number of the "regulars" are not posting anymore and I was wondering if something happened to them. I hope that we are still very much here.
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

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That's the way I feel as well.

At one time, Ivar had arranged a meeting point for us at a bar not too far from the Cathedral. For various reasons, that arrangement faded away. I'm sure that once we get walking again, something could be planned - whether Pilgrim House, or another meeting spot, or the forum calendar, etc. At the least, you would be able to post a Live from the Camino thread saying when/where you are and asking others to meet you or send a priviate message. I look forward to that time, too!
Good ideas and nice that others feel the same. I wonder if Ivar can chime in to tell us why the chance to meet in Santiago faded away. Was it lack of interest, too cumbersome or some other reason? Would be interesting to know.
 
I've posted on the forum a couple of times when I was in Santiago looking for forum members to meet up with. Only been successful meeting @JillGat in 2019. But I have enjoyed @SYates hospitality several times.
I have said the last two Caminos I am going to Pilgrim House. I was sure this last time but again I couldn’t go.
 
I was touched by your musings in this thread. I too have, on most days, taken the time to read new postings on the Forum as a way of getting a bit of a "Camino fix" albeit not the same as the real thing and experiencing the joys of walking a Camino. It was in 2013 that my husband and I first travelled to Spain (from our native Canada) to walk our first Camino and to spend some time in Barcelona. We were completely taken with Spain and the Camino and, to make a long story short, returned to Canada, sold our house and moved to Barcelona in 2014.

Since that time we have enjoyed life in Barcelona and walked many of the Camino routes in Spain and Portugal. I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to meet several Forum members: @LesBrass and @maggiec while walking the VDLP and with whom I still maintain contact, Rick of @Rick of Rick and Peg who joined me for an afternoon in Barcelona before a flight home following a Camino, @camino07 and @Albertagirl both walking the Madrid Camino at the same time as my husband and I and @eli while walking a Catalan Camino. In addition, I have connected with several Forum members through PMs where we have had periodic conversations. Yes, the Forum is a special place where one can connect with many like minded people from around the world in addition to providing a weath of information for those of us who love to walk and explore new places.

For various reasons, we are now making preparations to leave Spain and our beloved Barcelona and to start a new chapter in our lives. We hope to find ourselves living in the Azores (on Faial) come April. I sincerely hope that we will again have the opportunity to return to Spain or mainland Portugal in order to walk another Camino at some point. I am wondering if there are any Forum members reading this post who now live in the Azores? It would be fun to hear from you, if that is the case. In any event, it is my intention to keep up with the Forum and its members following our move.
I too walked the CF in 2013 ans then spent a week in Barcelona. Incredible Camino and a wonderful city! I love Barcelona too.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Quite a number of the "regulars" are not posting anymore and I was wondering if something happened to them. I hope that we are still very much here.
I think people have different ways of coping with changes in their lives, and focusing on their choices. Some people find it disturbing to be reminded daily of what they can't do, others take comfort in talking about it. Some of us are just more "into" the forum than others. People come and go from the forum, and some decide that their forum participation isn't enhancing their lives, so they leave and remove the temptation of an active membership.
I wonder if Ivar can chime in to tell us why the chance to meet in Santiago faded away. Was it lack of interest, too cumbersome or some other reason? Would be interesting to know.
As I recall, the explanation was quite mundane. A designated time and day of week was set up, but in the end, few people were showing up for that exact time. Instead, people were contacting each other to arrange times and days that were specifically convenient. At the end of a Camino, everybody is juggling their meet-ups with old and new companions, as well as their plans for departure, etc. The single meet-up time simply didn't work very well.

As well as using personal messages (Conversations) many people have posted new threads saying "I'll be at Bar ABC from 7-9 pm on Friday - meet me there if you are in Santiago."
 
The Camino, and this forum, are bitter sweet for me. Mostly I just dip in and out to find out what's going on and remaniss over past mad antics, what ever happened to shopping trolly donkey plans? But at times when I have needed a hand either on the way, or just getting on with life, there has been someone there to offer it, and I like to think I've returned the favour.
 

Finisterre said​

'll stick a forum patch on my rucksack next time.
Would that not be a good idea;as you would only wear one if you wanted to be identified as a forum member!
Those members who want to remain anonymous can do so by not wearing one.
Perhaps the Ivar's shop could sell something.
Woody
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Greetings from a faraway corner of Australia.

A bit of a ramble to start with. I imagine that I'm similar to many forum members, perhaps the majority - I read quite a lot of the posts but usually have nothing of particular note to contribute, so beyond the occasional "like" I say nothing. I had noticed (and I think still do notice) that the majority of in-depth discussion came from your "regular/veteran/hardcore" group as you describe them @It56ny. That, I think, is fairly typical of any social or internet group ... a relatively small number make the majority of the contributions. And within that context I can see how this small group would become a family of kindred spirits.
P.S. I will be walking the VDLP next October if all the Camino Gods align properly. If not who knows??? Certainly not me but I will be thankful whenever that day comes.
And to now be specific @It56ny. Is "next" October this coming October (2021) or "next" year, 2022? Because if the latter I also (and like you Camino Gods willing), plan to walk the VDLP, in September/October. I had initially planned for this year, but in safely locked down Australia we are not even allowed out of the country, let alone into others, so all plans are on hold for at least another year. But maybe, joining the two sets of comments together, we might find ourselves on the same path at the same time.
 
Greetings from a faraway corner of Australia.

A bit of a ramble to start with. I imagine that I'm similar to many forum members, perhaps the majority - I read quite a lot of the posts but usually have nothing of particular note to contribute, so beyond the occasional "like" I say nothing. I had noticed (and I think still do notice) that the majority of in-depth discussion came from your "regular/veteran/hardcore" group as you describe them @It56ny. That, I think, is fairly typical of any social or internet group ... a relatively small number make the majority of the contributions. And within that context I can see how this small group would become a family of kindred spirits.

And to now be specific @It56ny. Is "next" October this coming October (2021) or "next" year, 2022? Because if the latter I also (and like you Camino Gods willing), plan to walk the VDLP, in September/October. I had initially planned for this year, but in safely locked down Australia we are not even allowed out of the country, let alone into others, so all plans are on hold for at least another year. But maybe, joining the two sets of comments together, we might find ourselves on the same path at the same time.
If I get my vaccine in time, if it is still effective against whatever mutation may transpire with the virus, if Spain is open and if scientists say yes it is safe to walk. Wear your mask so you don’t infect someone in towns and if there is adequate infrastructure still available than I will walk starting about October 10, 2021.
If not I will look at late Feb2022. The latest I would start would be beginning of April. Then my next start date would be the same time period in October 2022. 😃but I get depressed thing it could be that late.
I have friends that started in September and since none of us like walking in really hot weather September is out for me. They all told me even in early October they had days they had to be off the Camino by 12 or so because of the heat. Was that answer short enough for you???? Haha stays safe
 
If I get my vaccine in time, if it is still effective against whatever mutation may transpire with the virus, if Spain is open and if scientists say yes it is safe to walk. Wear your mask so you don’t infect someone in towns and if there is adequate infrastructure still available than I will walk starting about October 10, 2021.
If not I will look at late Feb2022. The latest I would start would be beginning of April. Then my next start date would be the same time period in October 2022. 😃but I get depressed thing it could be that late.
I have friends that started in September and since none of us like walking in really hot weather September is out for me. They all told me even in early October they had days they had to be off the Camino by 12 or so because of the heat. Was that answer short enough for you???? Haha stays safe
Indeed ... so many many "ifs" ...
 
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Good ideas and nice that others feel the same. I wonder if Ivar can chime in to tell us why the chance to meet in Santiago faded away. Was it lack of interest, too cumbersome or some other reason? Would be interesting to know.

We have tried! First attempt.

We tried again about five years ago. See this thread. And this one.

I think the main reason is that when people arrive in Santiago, especially those who have walked caminos with lots of pilgrim traffic, the time is spent seeing people you know from your camino. Maybe meeting new people at the end of the camino just doesn’t appeal, I don’t know. And with the opening of Pilgrim House and its strong connection to the forum, I think many people go there to meet up and relax.

I always thought the Tertulia was the perfect place — a little out of the main tourist center but very close, nice people, good service.

Maybe the newer generation of forum members can get something going where us old timers failed!
 
We have tried! First attempt.

We tried again about five years ago. See this thread. And this one.

I think the main reason is that when people arrive in Santiago, especially those who have walked caminos with lots of pilgrim traffic, the time is spent seeing people you know from your camino. Maybe meeting new people at the end of the camino just doesn’t appeal, I don’t know. And with the opening of Pilgrim House and its strong connection to the forum, I think many people go there to meet up and relax.

I always thought the Tertulia was the perfect place — a little out of the main tourist center but very close, nice people, good service.

Maybe the newer generation of forum members can get something going where us old timers failed!
Thanks so much. What you wrote may be very true about Pilgrims meeting up at the end. Your "first attempt" was right around the time I was going to start my first camino. At the end I never even thought about it. The idea you had about meeting up in the Plaza Mayor's is a good one indeed. In the little villages my new Camino friends and I usually would pick the first (and often only church) that was on the camino in the town we picked out.That seemed to work like a charm. On my later caminos, as I stated earlier thought I would go to Pilgrim House but I haven't made it yet. When we can walk again my first stop after the Mass will be Sally Yates and her Pilgrim House. Once again it is this damn virus and reading and responding to you and so many of our other friends here that inspired me to want to really meet some of us face to face if it was possible. A few years ago I met @trecile. We both lived in the same town in Oregon but funny thing is we didn't meet until she came to Puerto Vallarta, where I used to live. It just happened to be when my friend who I walked the Portuguese with was visiting. She and her friend and another pilgrim and the two of us had lunch it was really nice.
 
One of my camino friends I actually met by accident on a paved trail along the Mississippi river in the Quad cities. I was biking behind a woman wearing a backpack and using hiking poles. I had recently returned from my first camino in 2015. I passed her up, but then decided to stop and ask her why she was doing that. She responded "I'm training for my upcoming first camino". We had a nice chat, exchanged emails and three years later I walked the Le Puy route with her.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Sally Yates and her Pilgrim House
🤣 🤣 I think you have confused Sybil Yates with two different people. Sally Yates is a somewhat prominent attorney in the US. Also, the Pilgrim House isn’t run by Sybil Yates, but by @natefaith.

@SYates runs the Egeria House, whose focus is on Anglican camino chaplaincy. I hold all three of those people in esteem, but I think you’re only likely to meet two of them in Santiago.

Seriously, @lt56ny, I totally agree with you about how nice it is to meet up with forum friends and turn virtual connections into personal ones. Someone in this thread posted what I think is probably the best suggestion — when people arrive in Santiago, or a few days before, anyone interested in meeting up with forum members should just post on the forum and maybe some contacts will materialize. There just aren’t enough forum member Santiago arrivals to justify going to the café and waiting to see if someone shows up. Even on those occasions when I did meet people in the Tertulia, we had been in contact ahead of time.
 
One of my camino friends I actually met by accident on a paved trail along the Mississippi river in the Quad cities. I was biking behind a woman wearing a backpack and using hiking poles. I had recently returned from my first camino in 2015. I passed her up, but then decided to stop and ask her why she was doing that. She responded "I'm training for my upcoming first camino". We had a nice chat, exchanged emails and three years later I walked the Le Puy route with her.
That is about as good as it gets!
 
🤣 🤣 I think you have confused Sybil Yates with two different people. Sally Yates is a somewhat prominent attorney in the US. Also, the Pilgrim House isn’t run by Sybil Yates, but by @natefaith.

@SYates runs the Egeria House, whose focus is on Anglican camino chaplaincy. I hold all three of those people in esteem, but I think you’re only likely to meet two of them in Santiago.

Seriously, @lt56ny, I totally agree with you about how nice it is to meet up with forum friends and turn virtual connections into personal ones. Someone in this thread posted what I think is probably the best suggestion — when people arrive in Santiago, or a few days before, anyone interested in meeting up with forum members should just post on the forum and maybe some contacts will materialize. There just aren’t enough forum member Santiago arrivals to justify going to the café and waiting to see if someone shows up. Even on those occasions when I did meet people in the Tertulia, we had been in contact ahead of time.
Yes I do know Sally Yates from the Obama administration! For some reason I thought Sybil was Sally not Sybill all this time too! Thanks for pointing this out as I am sure I would have called Sybil Sally when I finally walk into her house and I thought Egeria House was the same as the Pilgrim House. You know what that is why we need people like you on the Forum. The wise sages of all things Camino!!!!
I think you are right to post it on the Forum. When I am walking I usually don't read what is happening on the forum but when I am a couple of days out I will post. Especially this Camino, after walking the VDLP and arriving in early December there probably won't be that many pilgrims walking into Santiago from there so it would be really nice to meet a few new people upon my arrival.
 
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I think the main reason is that when people arrive in Santiago, especially those who have walked caminos with lots of pilgrim traffic, the time is spent seeing people you know from your camino. Maybe meeting new people at the end of the camino just doesn’t appeal, I don’t know.
Arriving in Santiago it's usually two things for me. First, for the reason you mention here: Spending the last times with people you may have walked into Santiago with or the people you encounter again that you've met along the way. Second, I find that I like time alone to wander the city and think about the journey I've just had.

It was a different experience arriving after my last camino on the Invierno. It was a completely solitary journey (other than the wonderful local people I spent time with) - I saw only about 5 pilgrims the whole way and with the exception of one, never interacted with them. When I arrived in Santiago it felt strange, sitting against my favourite pillar in the Praza do Obradoiro and not having anyone to share the experience with - watching pilgrims arrive, celebrating together, taking photos and later seeing groups of people having dinner or a drink. I still loved being there and enjoying the energy and joy of the arrivals around me but at one point I did feel kind of lonely and I almost asked a group of about 6 new arrivals who were taking a photo in front of the cathedral, if I could take a photo with them too :D.

I did stop to say hello to Ivar and had a wonderful visit at the Pilgrim house with @natefaith which were lovely moments that in a way helped 'ground' the end of my camino. I think if I walk another solitary camino, I'll send a message on the forum to see if any other members might be in Santiago at the same time.
 
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One of my camino friends I actually met by accident on a paved trail along the Mississippi river in the Quad cities. I was biking behind a woman wearing a backpack and using hiking poles. I had recently returned from my first camino in 2015. I passed her up, but then decided to stop and ask her why she was doing that. She responded "I'm training for my upcoming first camino". We had a nice chat, exchanged emails and three years later I walked the Le Puy route with her.
A couple of weeks ago while I was hiking on a nearby trail that I frequent I saw a guy ahead of me wearing a backpack with Camino patches. I called out "buen camino" and we started talking. I just saw him again last week, and I'm a bit jealous because he was leaving in a few days for the Azores where he and his wife own a home and spend most of the winter.

A few years ago I met @trecile. We both lived in the same town in Oregon but funny thing is we didn't meet until she came to Puerto Vallarta, where I used to live. It just happened to be when my friend who I walked the Portuguese with was visiting. She and her friend and another pilgrim and the two of us had lunch it was really nice.
That was fun. @Calvin & Hobbes was the other pilgrim who had lunch with us. Hopefully we can do it again sometime!
 
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We have tried! First attempt.

We tried again about five years ago. See this thread. And this one.

I think the main reason is that when people arrive in Santiago, especially those who have walked caminos with lots of pilgrim traffic, the time is spent seeing people you know from your camino. Maybe meeting new people at the end of the camino just doesn’t appeal, I don’t know. And with the opening of Pilgrim House and its strong connection to the forum, I think many people go there to meet up and relax.

I always thought the Tertulia was the perfect place — a little out of the main tourist center but very close, nice people, good service.

Maybe the newer generation of forum members can get something going where us old timers failed!
I have spent a few early evenings (meeting time was 19.00) in Tertulia. Noone ever showed up...
 
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First I do not know if I am posting this in the correct thread or maybe it belongs in the Miscellaneous thread.

When I first became active in the forum I was and still am obsessed with everything Camino. The first person I read religiously and really enjoyed and learned from was the infamous and indispensable Camino man @davebugg (Please Dave keep going and I know soon you will be better than ever. We love you!)
Before the Pandemic there were lots of comments by the "regulars" and of course the hundreds and hundreds of first time pilgrims who were anxious and a little afraid seeking advice and reassurance as they were about to begin one of the most life changing events many would have experienced to that point. It was fun and I am sure made so many of us "veterans" feel good about helping people. Especially because each one of us were in their shoes in the past and could so well relate to them.
But what I have learned now during the Pandemic is that so many of these people have understandable dropped off the radar. They may still read posts but are definitely not posting for obvious reasons.
Interestingly now I read and respond almost daily to help me to hold on to the Camino and get a small fix.
It feels like in the last few months through the discussions and posts and sometimes fun disagreements from the posts of the "hardcore" members have slowly evolved into becoming my internet "family" (funny because I have always shied away from "families" on the camino as I prefer to walk alone and at my own pace). I was going to mention who these people are but I sure don't want to miss anyone and you guys know who you are. There are alot of you.
When I walked the Norte and I think (I don't remember, it sucks growing old) when I walked the Frances last November I posted my intentions on the Calendar. I didn't expect to see many people posting on the Norte or the CF during the times I walked. In reality the Calendar cupboard was bare. I don't know how this would work or even if it is possible but here goes.
I have really grown to love lots of people on this board and I know we all have different schedules and I know we live all over the world but I sure would love to meet some people face to face as so many of you do not know it but to me you have become friends whose thoughts and opinions I look forward to reading even if I may have a different take on things.
I wonder (I am also assuming if a pilgrim wants to) if there is a way to let other pilgrims know where we will be when we are on Camino and forum friends could meet for a coffee or dinner along the way or maybe even better still, and easier to meet in Santiago when we arrive from different caminos and having started walking at different times, locations and speed. Just maybe meet up at Pilgrim House or if Ivar has an office just to say hello leave them a little donation to show our gratitude and go off and have a coffee or a meal. I have no idea if this is doable or practical or if the calendar can be adjusted to accommodate this, but there are a whole lot of you out there I would love to say hello to even if it is just for a 30 minute coffee at that cafe above the square to the right of the cathedral. I have only walked into Santiago 5 times so how can you expect me to know the name of that square hahaha :)
P.S. I will be walking the VDLP next October if all the Camino Gods align properly. If not who knows??? Certainly not me but I will be thankful whenever that day comes.
I'd love to meet you. Like your idea of meeting up but I'll be walking the San Salvador, Primitivo or second half of Norte, Ruta do Mar and Ingles in Sept/Oct primero Dios.
 
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I'd love to meet you. Like your idea of meeting up but I'll be walking the San Salvador, Primitivo or second half of Norte, Ruta do Mar and Ingles in Sept/Oct primero Dios.
Sounds like a cool Camino
 
A couple of weeks ago while I was hiking on a nearby trail that I frequent I saw a guy ahead of me wearing a backpack with Camino patches. I called out "buen camino" and we started talking. I just saw him again last week, and I'm a bit jealous because he was leaving in a few days for the Azores where he and his wife own a home and spend most of the winter.


That was fun. @Calvin & Hobbes was the other pilgrim who had lunch with us. Hopefully we can do it again sometime!
It’s a date!
 
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I've posted on the forum a couple of times when I was in Santiago looking for forum members to meet up with. Only been successful meeting @JillGat in 2019. But I have enjoyed @SYates hospitality several times.

I passed two nights at SYates’ home November 2019, you know 40 years ago.

A nice time was had. Pray she hosts me again.

I have never been much of a joiner, but this forum is quite the nice place.

This sacred space has helped maintain my sanity during these...elaborate times.

A pic to express my feelings.
E98733C8-7A9F-4B02-AB7F-772A3CC59478.jpeg
 
I passed two nights at SYates’ home November 2019, you know 40 years ago.

A nice time was had. Pray she hosts me again.

I have never been much of a joiner, but this forum is quite the nice place.

This sacred space has helped maintain my sanity during these...elaborate times.

A pic to express my feelings.
View attachment 91066
Thanks for letting us know about your experience there.
 

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