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You go first.What are they?
Seems to be a somewhat strange subject. I can’t help thinking that this thread could develop into something that reminds me of the children’s book ‘When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town’ where Aunt Sophie in her song has a line that goes something like this: “If everyone was quite like me then things would be all right”
Thanks, makes perfect sense.Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
My own list of five plus one then: Spend more time in churches along the way. Pick up after themselves at open-air loo spots. Learn a little Spanish history & culture before starting. Watch the boitefumeiro live, not on your cell screen. Take a small detour to an interesting feature/museum/church when all you really want to do is get to the overnight place, it’s almost always worth it. Gather up prayers, dreams and wishes from your friends beforehand and carry them to Finisterre.You go first.What are the first 5 to you?
This is a great one. Thank you so much!Just one - learn to see the crowds of the last 100+ km as a postive. Very first time I experienced the crowds of the Frances by joining it at Arzua from the Norte it was a shock for me, it was only two days after the 25thJuly in 2010 and I felt it difficult to adapt to the increase in people and all most resented the crowds. Fortunately after that I have walked a few more times and have been very lucky that some incredible experiences have happened to me in the last 100km, I look forward to it now and I feel that draws more of the same to me, it changes the experience of the crowds for me as well.
Don’t know the book. English is not my first language so sorry if the question sounds awkward. See my reply below, hope it clarifies what I have in mind.Seems to be a somewhat strange subject. I can’t help thinking that this thread could develop into something that reminds me of the children’s book ‘When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town’ where Aunt Sophie in her song has a line that goes something like this: “If everyone was quite like me then things would be all right”
Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you.
Don’t know the book. English is not my first language so sorry if the question sounds awkward. See my reply below, hope it clarifies what I have in mind.
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
And related to Ithaca, older folks can follow up with Tennyson's Ulysses.Read Cavafy's "Ithaca”
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
No need, thanks.What are they?
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
Crowdsourcing a series of articles I'm writing on pilgrimage. I'll post the links to Medium here when they're complete!
TIA
Charl
To me #5 is the most important; on or off the Camino. The person who didn't respond to your very cheerful greetings might be grieving someone, and not being rude or antisocial.Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
Great advice!One thing that I don’t know if many pilgrims do is make a point to get out into a dark area at night, away from the lights of town, to see the Milky Way. I had an opportunity to do this one evening with a few pilgrims and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my pilgrimage. Standing under the “field of stars”, which Medieval pilgrims used to navigate their way to Santiago, I just felt a deep connection to all who had traveled before, and it was incredibly beautiful.
PerWhat are they?
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
Crowdsourcing a series of articles I'm writing on pilgrimage. I'll post the links to Medium here when they're complete!
TIA
Charl
Charl, mine are attitudinal in nature:What are they?
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
Crowdsourcing a series of articles I'm writing on pilgrimage. I'll post the links to Medium here when they're complete!
TIA
Charl
I don't know how old you are but I agree with everything you said with one caveat. I am 65 and I am in very good shape for my age. I can still run pretty fast and jump and do lots of physical things. I always ask for a bottom bunk. As each year passes it becomes more and more difficult to navigate going up and down. You can't stop Father Time and my balance although excellent is not what it used to be and no matter how depressing the thought I have to exercise more care going up and down steps. Although I do yoga it is still more difficult for me to turn and put myself into the correct positions. For example, going down and then back up the ladder in the middle of the night. Also as we age, we sure get up alot more to go to the bathroom. If I get up only twice in a night it is considered a great night's sleep. It makes things even more difficult knowing that every time you are getting up, you are probably disturbing your bunkmate. Even in the bottom bunk I sometimes have problems getting in and out of the bunk quietly. It is just a fact of life and as they say growing old isn't for sissies!!!!The bottom bunk is a contentious issue. Don't demand and assume you have to take bottom because of your age if you're capable of using the top. If you're young but need to take a bottothrough injury then speak up. I must have slept wrong one night and injured my shoulder and couldn't support my weight to go up and down. I asked around to swap and nobody would. So if someone asks please give up the bottom. I swapped many times even the sweet spots away from windows in the winter. An older German gentleman in Castrojeriz I ate a few meals with had trouble not made aware to me until the morn and who couldn't get on the top bunk, nobody would swap and so he slept on the floor.
Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
So you're saying you need it. Then nobody will have a problem, I had in mind people 10-15 years younger. This German guy was possibly 70, he didn't speak English and I didn't speak German and I couldn't understand his French. In Castrojeriz you pick your own bed. He got there late so got last dibs. People should up the beds IF THEY CAN.I don't know how old you are but I agree with everything you said with one caveat. I am 65 and I am in very good shape for my age. I can still run pretty fast and jump and do lots of physical things. I always ask for a bottom bunk. As each year passes it becomes more and more difficult to navigate going up and down. You can't stop Father Time and my balance although excellent is not what it used to be and no matter how depressing the thought I have to exercise more care going up and down steps. Although I do yoga it is still more difficult for me to turn and put myself into the correct positions. For example, going down and then back up the ladder in the middle of the night. Also as we age, we sure get up alot more to go to the bathroom. If I get up only twice in a night it is considered a great night's sleep. It makes things even more difficult knowing that every time you are getting up, you are probably disturbing your bunkmate. Even in the bottom bunk I sometimes have problems getting in and out of the bunk quietly. It is just a fact of life and as they say growing old isn't for sissies!!!!
Yes I do need it and I think just about everyone in my age group needs it too. I have seen others of my age group in top bunks. They are navigating the top pretty well but I can see that they are always taking extra care. It is really crappy what happened to the German Pilgrim that you spoke of.So you're saying you need it. Then nobody will have a problem, I had in mind people 10-15 years younger. This German guy was possibly 70, he didn't speak English and I didn't speak German and I couldn't understand his French. In Castrojeriz you pick your own bed. He got there late so got last dibs. People should up the beds IF THEY CAN.
The above post got aAnd related [to Cavafy's "Ithaca”], older folks can follow up with Tennyson's Ulysses.
Interesting question @Charl and we'll done on challenging my thinking. I would have to say Camino without constraints, specifically time. I had the luxury of having no time limit and I'm aware others may have other commitments, work, travel or otherwise that doesn't afford this luxury. A one way ticket to a journey of unknown destination or timescale took the pressure off, permitted opportunity to linger longer and live in the now. Many others I met had a date in mind for reaching Santiago and many pilgrim's carried this expectation with them on the way. My recommendation would be too wait until the Camino calls and when it does book one way ticket and stay until it feels that it's the right time to return
Learn to "Chi Walk" in order to make your pilgrimage more of a walking meditation!
Thanks, I'm going to look for your book. In the meantime I'm keeping your post for reference.
Almost everything you said is on my shortlist of topics... thanks so much!most have said wonderful things...know the history of the Camino and as many of the local stories; they are amazing. Bring something to share even if it is only yourself. Have a cork screw on your knife! Leave it cleaner than when you found it. Pray lots...Buen Camino!
Interesting topic. Is there any kind of solution to give seniors priority? I'd have thought hosts would be able to think up something.Yes I do need it and I think just about everyone in my age group needs it too. I have seen others of my age group in top bunks. They are navigating the top pretty well but I can see that they are always taking extra care. It is really crappy what happened to the German Pilgrim that you spoke of.
Actually as a hospitalera, I found many people did not have jobs and/or quit their jobs or were in between jobs. I don't think you can say that most have jobs, maybe many have a specific timeline due to their travel arrangements?Thanks, very valid point. Would you agree that, given that most walkers have jobs, a recommendation is to always build in say five days flexibility, just so there's less stress about being at a certain point, on a certain day?
recommendation would be too wait until the Camino calls and when it does book one way ticket and stay until it feels that it's the right time to returnThanks, very valid point. Would you agree that, given that most walkers have jobs, a recommendation is to always build in say five days flexibility, just so there's less stress about being at a certain point, on a certain day?
Interesting topic. Is there any kind of solution to give seniors priority? I'd have thought hosts would be able to think up something.
[/QUOTE
I can only tell you what I do. One advantage at my age is that I wake up early and am usually ready to go before the sun rises. I enjoy walking during the early morning. Since I rarely walk more than 25k a day I usually arrive at an albergue early in the day. My Spanish is decent and I always request a lower bed. Even in albergues that assign beds I have never been refused.
I see a problem with reproductionThere was Twilight Zone which tackled that issue. A persnickety fellow got his wish and everyone became him. After a few hours with only multiples of himself, he righted the world’s population back to its norm.
The above post got aresponse. I suppose that is better than Dante's placing Ulysses into one of the lower circles of Hell for false counsel. That was for encouraging aging shipmates to continue their voyaging.
Learn to "Chi Walk" in order to make your pilgrimage more of a walking meditation!
I was no longer walking in the same aggressive way as when I trained over the winter in Maine. Instead, I began to walk in a way that conserved energy. I called it “sleepwalking” at the time. Now I refer to it as Chi walking. Sleepwalking is more of a short shuffle that glides you along. If you stop pushing off hard with your feet and legs, if you cease powering yourself along with giant strides, you will begin to walk at a slower pace. It allows you to walk for longer distances without getting tired. Anyone who has traveled through a big airport where they went on the moving walkways that connect the sprawling terminals would have adjusted their walking style and would likely have incorporated elements of Chi walking. When I went through Madrid Barajas Airport, I had to make my upper body lean just slightly forward to adjust to the “rug pulled out from beneath you” feeling. I also made short choppy steps to help with my balance, as I was whisked along the moving escalators in the airport.
Chi walkers do not make the mistake of leaning backward with their upper bodies; rather they have a slight forward inclination. The other mistake most people make when distance walking is that they overstride. A Chi walker will shorten the stride, particularly when climbing a hill.
Other biomechanics of Chi walking include loose joints, engaging the core muscles, and relaxing the peripheral muscles of the arms and legs. The arms should swing parallel and not cross the chest. When you walk consistently mindful of your balance and alignment, you will need fewer recovery breaks.
Imagine a needle resting inside a ball of cotton. With Chi walking all movement comes from the needle, the center line. The more you move from the center, the more you can let go of the extremities and begin to experience them as light as cotton. You relax the shoulders and hips, as movement originates from the center, from the core, the abdominal muscles.
It is all about correct alignment with the body upright and balanced. Most walkers I saw on the Camino tended to overstride, particularly the pole walkers. They were doing the exact opposite of Chi walking, as they were transferring energy from the centerline—the needle, if you will—to the extremities, to the arms, and making them heavy rather than light like cotton. They were pushing themselves from side to side with their walking poles, and the needle was wobbling.
Stability is about flexibility, not being rigid. You glide and skate rather than push and shove your way along. The Inuit people were said to be lazy by the first European explorers because they walked slowly and methodically across the arctic. They walked so as not to break a sweat, because sweating and getting wet can mean hypothermia and death in the frigid arctic. They were Chi walking, staying balanced and aligned and conserving energy.
The mental image that helped me with my Chi walking was that of a rope attached to my belt buckle pulling me along the Camino. Often the wind on the Camino blows from the east against your back.
My Frogg Toggs rain gear was loose and baggy and would often act like a sail when the wind was at my back. This increased the feeling of being pulled along by an outside energy. Mentally focusing on your legs pushing off and your arms pumping will deplete your energy.
It is not poor muscle strength, but poor muscle alignment that makes you tired. In addition, the body must be aligned with the mind and communication link must always be open between them. This is why I chose not to listen to music while walking or to even take a cell phone with me. Chi walking is mindful walking.
The mind must be listening to the body and making adjustments, better arm swing, more parallel. Going uphill, the mind must tell the body to shorten stride and walk more relaxed with less tension. Glide up the hill; don’t try to push your way up. I found myself really having to focus on my walking during the second half of the day. Those days when I was pushing 20 km, and I had already walked for five hours that day and it seemed like I would never get to the albergue or hotel—it was then that inner strength would come from pulling it all into the core, aligning myself and taking one mindful step at a time.
I would tell myself, you can do this if you take it slow and easy, conserve the energy, stay balanced, don’t push with the legs, get pulled by your core, glide, Terry, glide.
From "Slow Camino" by Terence Callery
OOOOOoooh, EXCELLENT reminder!...don’t know if many pilgrims do is make a point to get out into a dark area at night, away from the lights of town, to see the Milky Way...
wow...you almost took the words out of my beloved Mom's (RIP) mouth. ♥...as they say growing old isn't for sissies!!!!
Very interesting firsthand observation, and a valid point. I don't know of research that has data about the working life of pilgrims. On what section of the Camino did you volunteer?Actually as a hospitalera, I found many people did not have jobs and/or quit their jobs or were in between jobs. I don't think you can say that most have jobs, maybe many have a specific timeline due to their travel arrangements?
Or as my cousin Jack has always said: "If everyone would just listen to what I say and do what I ask the world would be a much better place."Seems to be a somewhat strange subject. I can’t help thinking that this thread could develop into something that reminds me of the children’s book ‘When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town’ where Aunt Sophie in her song has a line that goes something like this: “If everyone was quite like me then things would be all right”
Via de la Plata and Camino Frances. Many are students, retirees, or in between something.Very interesting firsthand observation, and a valid point. I don't know of research that has data about the working life of pilgrims. On what section of the Camino did you volunteer?
Sound advice in number 2! And number 5 also, a big YES to that.. I was quite surprised how much judgement there was.. it wasn’t everyone obviously or even the majority, but still, enough people had opinions and judgments about people they knew nothing about. Don’t like that.Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
Numbers 3 and 4 can conflict... too much planning and you’re no longer open to the unexpected gifts of the Camino.Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
And more people should carry a hiking umbrella. Especially while walking shadeless meseta, it is a lifesaver literally.Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
Live each day as if it were the last, enjoy that day, look at your surroundings, don’t rush forward, don’t think about tomorrow, ENJOY THAT DAY AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT THE NEXT DAY WILL BRING!!! Bon CaminoWhat are they?
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
Crowdsourcing a series of articles I'm writing on pilgrimage. I'll post the links to Medium here when they're complete!
TIA
Charl
Yup. Then add in hip replacement, knee replacement, and so on. I always preferred a top bunk, but those nighttime trips to the toilet put an end to that.I don't know how old you are but I agree with everything you said with one caveat. I am 65 and I am in very good shape for my age. I can still run pretty fast and jump and do lots of physical things. I always ask for a bottom bunk. As each year passes it becomes more and more difficult to navigate going up and down. You can't stop Father Time and my balance although excellent is not what it used to be and no matter how depressing the thought I have to exercise more care going up and down steps. Although I do yoga it is still more difficult for me to turn and put myself into the correct positions. For example, going down and then back up the ladder in the middle of the night. Also as we age, we sure get up alot more to go to the bathroom. If I get up only twice in a night it is considered a great night's sleep. It makes things even more difficult knowing that every time you are getting up, you are probably disturbing your bunkmate. Even in the bottom bunk I sometimes have problems getting in and out of the bunk quietly. It is just a fact of life and as they say growing old isn't for sissies!!!!
Very True. What I meant to communicate is that even the smallest stops at the end of the day may have something worth seeing - A chapel, church, etc. It's impossible to see all the wonderful sites in one journey, but knowing what's out there can help guide you.Numbers 3 and 4 can conflict... too much planning and you’re no longer open to the unexpected gifts of the Camino.
What did you in turn do that 'got on their nerves'Nothing!!! the only thing that got on my nerves was the locals outside Albergues talking more loudly as the booze was flowing, but you know what it’s there country and I was only a visitor so let it go, europeans unlike Aussies like the windows closed regardless of how hot it is sort of got on my nerves also but wall price to pay for peace.
"Bad manners" is a cultural thing. In Africa walking in the middle of the road is considered normal behaviour (even though a passing motorist might hoot long and loudly, everyone laughs about it.) Your last sentence is absolute key. Perhaps those holding you up might there to teach you a lesson of patience, or an understanding of awareness. It can get very philosophical, but I don't think it's an issue of ethics. I'm always amazed at the breadth of habits and behaviours on the Camino emanating from so many cultures, classes, and personal dispositions, and yet 250 000 pilgrims a year manage to live with each other for weeks on end in peace and harmony (I've not read about anyone getting slapped for snoring). That's a miracle and a world lesson in itself.Don’t be a hazard to navigation on the Camino and maybe others won’t be either. Having to circumnavigate a group of pilgrims chatting in the middle of the path is an indication of bad manners, anywhere.
“Human Race” is a collective term not a description of a pace for the Camino. More folks pass me than the reverse. So allow others to pass and maybe you won’t be inconvenienced.
Patience and understanding are required on the Camino.
Sounds wonderful! But a luxury indeed!Interesting question @Charl and we'll done on challenging my thinking. I would have to say Camino without constraints, specifically time. I had the luxury of having no time limit and I'm aware others may have other commitments, work, travel or otherwise that doesn't afford this luxury. A one way ticket to a journey of unknown destination or timescale took the pressure off, permitted opportunity to linger longer and live in the now. Many others I met had a date in mind for reaching Santiago and many pilgrim's carried this expectation with them on the way. My recommendation would be too wait until the Camino calls and when it does book one way ticket and stay until it feels that it's the right time to return
Indeed but not for everyone. I met a number of Pilgrims who described their motivation as purposeless and was interesting to observe their physical constraints and attitude about the difficulties and hardships they experienced. They where focused on the destination and getting home to their luxuries and I got the impression they were simply ticking another one off their bucket list. I expect one person's luxury is another's person's challenge. Another valuable lesson I learnedSounds wonderful! But a luxury indeed!
one could conceivably argue that if # 3 is true then there is absolutely no reason to worry\think ##1 & 2Think (thoughts other than “will I ever get there, will I get a bed? If this hill gets any steeper will I drop down dead?)
One thing most SHOULD consider, is to buy a ticket with an open return date. Yes, it may cost a bit more, but it's well worth the money when your planning slips.
As an alternative, I try and book both ways but with a substantial buffer for unexpected delays. If not used during the Camino, it is available for sightseeing in Iberia afterwards. For example, when walking the CF with my son, I gave us 2 months when I didn't expect it to take much more than 1 (we ended up walking 41 days). When I walked the CP and expected it to take under 2 weeks, I booked 3 and used the extra days at the end for time in Porto and Lisbon.Provided you live somewhere where cheap one-way flights are available. To the U.S., they are hefty. One-way flights from Madrid to Philadelphia, my destination, start just under $1,000 for travel in the next few weeks.They spiral upwards from there.
As an alternative, I try and book both ways but with a substantial buffer for unexpected delays.
I really like this and am going to try and read it every day. ThanksPerh
Per
Charl, mine are attitudinal in nature:
1. Be a pilgrim. Adopt the heart of the pilgrim. Be open to the opportunities of the day and of the journey. Accept the inconveniences, the discomforts, even the sufferings at times, but also the good things along the way.
2. Be grateful. Grateful for the day, for the very fact you’re on this pilgrimage. Offer gratitude for ever kindness. Let gratitude permeate ever aspect of your journey.
3. Be at peace. Whatever psychic burden you’re you’re carrying around, let it go. As the Prayer of St Francis goes, be an instrument of peace.
4. Be Happy. Deliberately choose to be happy and spread it around. It’s infectious.
5. Be prayerful. Regardless of your religious or spiritual tradition, or lack thereof, get in touch with the spiritual aspect of the Camino. This is after all, first and foremost, a pilgrimage. Start and end every day with prayer or contemplation and all along the way.
I think number 5 should be “cervesa trio”.Breathe.
Rest.
Relax.
Reflect.
And my personal favorite: PICNIC!!!
Love thisMost people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
Thank you for this. It was a shock to meet crowds leaving Sarria after my lonely walk from Samos but next time I will have your perspective.Just one - learn to see the crowds of the last 100+ km as a postive. Very first time I experienced the crowds of the Frances by joining it at Arzua from the Norte it was a shock for me, it was only two days after the 25thJuly in 2010 and I felt it difficult to adapt to the increase in people and all most resented the crowds. Fortunately after that I have walked a few more times and have been very lucky that some incredible experiences have happened to me in the last 100km, I look forward to it now and I feel that draws more of the same to me, it changes the experience of the crowds for me as well.
That sounds like a whole different adventure. I love the thought of an open ended Camino .Interesting question @Charl and we'll done on challenging my thinking. I would have to say Camino without constraints, specifically time. I had the luxury of having no time limit and I'm aware others may have other commitments, work, travel or otherwise that doesn't afford this luxury. A one way ticket to a journey of unknown destination or timescale took the pressure off, permitted opportunity to linger longer and live in the now. Many others I met had a date in mind for reaching Santiago and many pilgrim's carried this expectation with them on the way. My recommendation would be too wait until the Camino calls and when it does book one way ticket and stay until it feels that it's the right time to return
May i quote you Michael, in my book on being a pilgrim?Perh
Per
Charl, mine are attitudinal in nature:
1. Be a pilgrim. Adopt the heart of the pilgrim. Be open to the opportunities of the day and of the journey. Accept the inconveniences, the discomforts, even the sufferings at times, but also the good things along the way.
2. Be grateful. Grateful for the day, for the very fact you’re on this pilgrimage. Offer gratitude for ever kindness. Let gratitude permeate ever aspect of your journey.
3. Be at peace. Whatever psychic burden you’re you’re carrying around, let it go. As the Prayer of St Francis goes, be an instrument of peace.
4. Be Happy. Deliberately choose to be happy and spread it around. It’s infectious.
5. Be prayerful. Regardless of your religious or spiritual tradition, or lack thereof, get in touch with the spiritual aspect of the Camino. This is after all, first and foremost, a pilgrimage. Start and end every day with prayer or contemplation and all along the way.
What you are stating, is the price of a ticket, which is without relevance to the issue.start just under $1,000 for travel in the next few weeks
I have to dissent on the widow issue at least for the Europeans from Germany. Most Germans I know like their window open while sleeping.Nothing!!! the only thing that got on my nerves was the locals outside Albergues talking more loudly as the booze was flowing, but you know what it’s there country and I was only a visitor so let it go, europeans unlike Aussies like the windows closed regardless of how hot it is sort of got on my nerves also but wall price to pay for peace.
Yes! We have a one way ticket! Luxury of being “older” to offset those of being young!Interesting question @Charl and we'll done on challenging my thinking. I would have to say Camino without constraints, specifically time. I had the luxury of having no time limit and I'm aware others may have other commitments, work, travel or otherwise that doesn't afford this luxury. A one way ticket to a journey of unknown destination or timescale took the pressure off, permitted opportunity to linger longer and live in the now. Many others I met had a date in mind for reaching Santiago and many pilgrim's carried this expectation with them on the way. My recommendation would be too wait until the Camino calls and when it does book one way ticket and stay until it feels that it's the right time to return
Not sure understand last line of comment but wish you a Buen Caminoto offset those of being young!
Most are just commonsense and I noticed on my Camino everybody just did their own thing in there own special way, the hardest thing I found as a pilgrim is watching the road running Albergue chasers with a daypack.Most people are doing what they need to do, but the few changes I would suggest to the minority are:
Buen Camino!
- Start slow. I was amazed at the number of people racing up and down the road the first few days out of SJPdP. You’ll risk injury, blisters, etc. and miss out on some beautiful scenery. No matter how good of shape you think you’re in, you still have 30+ days ahead of you. Don’t end your Camino early.
- Don’t let a small injury become a big one. I learned this the hard way. If you need to take a rest day, or bus to the next town (outside of 100km), do it. “Toughing it out” in the last few days may work, but not with 2-3 weeks left.
- Plan ahead. Know what sights to see each day. Even the smallest towns can have wonderful experiences. In the bigger cities, you may want to spend an extra day. If you don’t have the time, at least make sure you get to the “don’t miss” places. The same can be said for places to eat and sleep. Know what each town offers.
- Keep your expectations to a minimum. Welcome change, be flexible. Take what the Camino gives you. You won’t be disappointed
- Try not to judge. It can be frustrating to see someone race past you with a daypack on, having shipped their luggage ahead. We don’t know what challenges or constraints (if any) they face. Have the best Camino you can have and don’t worry about others. There is no prize for the most mileage, or heaviest pack. There will always be someone who has walked farther than you and carried more. Letting go of the judgement can be very liberating, and you might find that those people who raced past you are very nice people when you meet them at the end of the day.
When we arrived at the municipal Albergue in Zamora (VDLP) we got told we had to have top bunks to leave the bottom ones for older people... We’re not young young, (60 and 58) but I did have a knee problem at the time that was strapped, and unfortunately hubby gets up at least twice to use the bathroom. We didn’t mind, and were able to transfer down when it turned out the Albergue wasn’t busyInteresting topic. Is there any kind of solution to give seniors priority? I'd have thought hosts would be able to think up something.
Learn to walk through the pain. Don't give up so soon. I've seen pilgrims who came from the other side of the world go home because of shin splints, for example.What are they?
Things that you see people NOT doing, that you know would improve their experience if they did.
Crowdsourcing a series of articles I'm writing on pilgrimage. I'll post the links to Medium here when they're complete!
TIA
Charl
Hi, on the Portuguese Camino, I tried to visit each Church I came across for some peace, quiet, rest & shade and I found most of them were closed & locked! Of the few that were open, it would be nice if they also had a stamp. I understand that Churches are frequent victims of vandalism & thefts and I am sure that is why they are locked. But, it is a wonderful place to rest. Also, why don't the Churches have bathrooms? Bathrooms Pilgrims can use. In the US, we have bathrooms in the back or next to the Churches.My own list of five plus one then: Spend more time in churches along the way. Pick up after themselves at open-air loo spots. Learn a little Spanish history & culture before starting. Watch the boitefumeiro live, not on your cell screen. Take a small detour to an interesting feature/museum/church when all you really want to do is get to the overnight place, it’s almost always worth it. Gather up prayers, dreams and wishes from your friends beforehand and carry them to Finisterre.
Thanks. I meant that being older and retired we have the luxury of time; could not have taken the time when we were younger and more fit for 500 mile walk!Not sure understand last line of comment but wish you a Buen Camino
I agree. I found the new kids at Sarria brought renewed energy and enthusiasm to my waning energy level.Just one - learn to see the crowds of the last 100+ km as a postive. Very first time I experienced the crowds of the Frances by joining it at Arzua from the Norte it was a shock for me, it was only two days after the 25thJuly in 2010 and I felt it difficult to adapt to the increase in people and all most resented the crowds. Fortunately after that I have walked a few more times and have been very lucky that some incredible experiences have happened to me in the last 100km, I look forward to it now and I feel that draws more of the same to me, it changes the experience of the crowds for me as well.
Love your thinking!Interesting question @Charl and we'll done on challenging my thinking. I would have to say Camino without constraints, specifically time. I had the luxury of having no time limit and I'm aware others may have other commitments, work, travel or otherwise that doesn't afford this luxury. A one way ticket to a journey of unknown destination or timescale took the pressure off, permitted opportunity to linger longer and live in the now. Many others I met had a date in mind for reaching Santiago and many pilgrim's carried this expectation with them on the way. My recommendation would be too wait until the Camino calls and when it does book one way ticket and stay until it feels that it's the right time to return
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