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I'm a serious introvert and somewhat of a loner. I preferred to walk alone. That said, I found it very easy and natural to talk to people in the evening whereever I stopped. The Camino is a community unlike any other and all types are accepted and accommodated. You will find your way.
I am so sorry to hear about Granon. It was one of my favorite stays on the Camino and I donated the same amount I would have paid at a private place. The forum this summer has been rather depressing with the stories of attitudes that are incompatible with pilgrimage.
I much prefer the Meseta, but if all I've got is Leon type environment.....I'll take it. Walking out of doors, is I guess the key (for me at least). I can't stand treadmills.
I read this article yesterday and think it is the walking, not the nature, that changes the brain, although there is positive synergy between the two. When I returned from the Camino in June 2014, I started walking to work whenever possible (5 miles roundtrip), a route that is neither peaceful...
Granon was my absolute favorite - 40 of us squished in, 10+ countries represented, it was wonderful.
Other favorites - the Villamayor de Monjardin,Tosantos, Cirraqui (private albergue, wonderful hostess), Jacque de Molay alberque (private - where I spent my 60th birthday).
I love Alto Pradela and yes -- it was a steep uphill, but worth it for the views. And all those chestnut trees. Anyone know if it was a commercial patch where the chestnuts were gathered and sold?
I love your post! As a GS Leader for 17 years -- I loved teaching the girls outdoor skills -- that and teaching songs.
Maps and a compass -- yes indeed.
I got through Spanish III in Pimsleur and found it enormously helpful. There were only a handful of times that I couldn't understand the gist of what was being said to me.
My mind became quiet through an almost reverse meditation process -- I didn't focus on breathing --I focused on the sounds outside, the wind in the wheat, the birds, the crunch on the gravel, and tried always to be listening. When I found myself getting distracted, I refocused on the sounds...
I walked the Camino over a three year period. Year one, no prevention, well-worn hiking boots and smart wool socks. Result? Unbelievably bad blisters resulting in loss of multiple toenails. Year two, wider boots, smart wool socks. Result? Fewer blisters, but blisters nonetheless. Year...
Thank you! I was thinking of the coasr of Spain, the Camino Norte, actually, and flying from Boston to London and then to Spain. I guess I was looking for a way to maybe a walk a day or two before Oviedo. But I so appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Ann
Hi:
I completed the Frances this past June and am planning to walk the Primativo in September. What is the best route from the coast to Oviedo? I need a few days to "wake up" before hitting the Primativo. Many thanks in advance to this incredibly valuable Forum. If there are prior threads...
I like that. My third phase of the Camino (did it in three pieces) was different. Not better or worse. Different. But it was still the Camino.
Applying the Camino learnings (all three stages) is so hard.
Thank you sooooo very much Ivar. This forum helped me with planning and now with remembering. Thank you for the wonderful service you have done for all pilgrims.
Thank you ebrandt for the link to the guide -- I'm really hoping to do the Primativo next October....
And angulero -- thank you for the extra information. It helps me with my Spanish as well.
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