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Yes. I was also walking this time last year, and saw the very same conditions you are describing. I hope some of the armchair folk who repeatedly dismissed me (and the individual who repeatedly gaslit my reports and called me a catastrophist and a liar) are more open to the on the ground reports...
This might sound totally daft, but I put an appointment in my phone for the day of my return, and in it I make a list of where I stored things before I left. What’s in the safe or locked in the filing cabinet, where the key is for that same filing cabinet, what carefully chosen place I used for...
An excellent point!
I guess what was trying to say was that when “the Camino” provides, there’s usually a human - or several - for whom the thanks is appropriate.
You are so right in observing that these folk can, and do, come from all over and many times they cross our paths but once.
In my humble opinion it’s worth remembering that when we hope the “Camino will provide”, we’re really counting on the generosity, spirit and style of the folk who live along the Camino and make their own way by helping and supporting those of us who walk. The “Camino” that provides is, in fact...
I’d second this strategy. Laurent is an amazing host and the albergue is clean and exceptionally well thought out. The communal dinner is a highlight, both for the meal itself and the folk you meet. Borda rocketed to my top five favourites last year.
I’d second this. Borda is new and smaller but very social. Also incredibly well designed, and the food was superb. I’ve stayed at Orisson several times, but Borda is my choice from here on.
Oh, I love Casa Nebe - had a divine dinner there in 2019. Broke my heart that I passed by it this year on a day they were closed for rest, though of course it’s always a possibility.
I’ve walked both ways - with and without reserving - and I confess I agree with you. I feel far more freedom to smell the roses along the way when I know my bed is booked.
Everyone is different, but for me, I see and experience much more on the Way when I’ve made those next few bookings a little...
Ooh, I forgot this one in my response! I’ve had several truly lovely nights here, helped along by the excellent tapas strip just around the corner.
I’d also add Hostal Siglo XIX in Cacabelos, which had the most comfortable hotel bed I’ve found in all of six caminos.
I can vouch for quite a few of those already recommended; over the years I’ve taken a similar approach to the one you’ve planned, and have a few I love:
- Hotel Monasterio San Zoilo in Carrion de Los Condes
- Hotel Spa Paris in Leon
- Hotel Spa Via de la Plata in Astorga
- La Casa de Los Somoza...
Okay, enough with the pile on folks.
Can the mods please remove all my posts on this and any other recent “crowding” thread?
There are only so many times I’m willing to be called a liar.
Exactly what new information do you want me to provide? Names and dates?
I was asked for specific examples and gave them. I have ten years’ experience walking the Camino and I know what I am seeing and hearing. I’m on the ground, talking to people and observing and I have been doing my best to...
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I am on the Frances Right now; passed the halfway point today having started in SJPP on 19 April. Since starting I have:
- seen almost every pilgrim I have met struggle to find a bed on multiple consecutive days, sometimes spending up to two hours telephoning every albergue within a three or...
You’re right, of course, and it was not my intention to dismiss the views of those who are not struggling. Rather, I was trying to say - and clearly I didn’t do it well - that those of us who are experienced will navigate the hurdles caused by these surges: I’ve been on the ground three weeks...
I’m going to say this one more time: this phenomenon we are seeing doesn’t seem to be a long weekend thing, or an Easter thing. It is sustained increase, reported by pilgrims (seasoned and new), hospitaleros and business owners. It is continuous - over three weeks (at least) - and I confess as a...
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