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I will confess I hated those noisy dawn risers when I walked in 94. But the whatsapp/text beeping now is perhaps just as annoying.Then: two albergues in Palas de Rei. One bar with several coin operated computers. Another bar is the only one open for breakfast. Pilgrims pack it at dawn for a noisy multicultural melee.
Today: over ten albergues. Not a computer to be found. Eight pilgrims from four countries enter a bar for breakfast, and set up a long table. The baristo takes orders, and the pilgrims ask for the WiFi password. Breakfast is eaten in silence as all eight thumb their phones.
I am with you. However, the combination of a little vino tinto with the evening meal and good earplugs takes very much care of those risers. In addition, in many cases it is just good to be woken up and get ready for a new day: More time to enjoy the day's ending point a little earlier, and easier to get that bed for the nightI will confess I hated those noisy dawn risers when I walked in 94. But the whatsapp/text beeping now is perhaps just as annoying.
You will have plenty of opportunities for socialising, new friends (for life) and fun, do not fear. I am sure you will bond with a "Camino family". Leave the phone people by themselvesOh, I hadn’t thought about this. Doing my Camino on my own and hoping for some socialising in the evenings, which will be difficult if everyone’s head is buried in a phone. Will have to seek out the luddites
Wait! Some of the "phone people" are perfectly nice people. This is like ignoring the person reading a book. Approach them like anyone else!Leave the phone people by themselves
Have tried many times, also with (some) family members. Most times the response is zero or "Huh?" I rather talk with "real" peopleWait! Some of the "phone people" are perfectly nice people. This is like ignoring the person reading a book. Approach them like anyone else!
Maybe in time we will develop a similar protocol with social media.
Well stated, and I completely agree. I get a bit tired of the stereotyping and sweeping statements on this subject.I can't speak for others, but if I was using my phone to pass time (I used it as an e-reader, ), but was open to talking to people, I'd look around every time someone walked past and make eye contact. If someone asked a question, or sat beside me, I'd turn off the phone and start talking.
But if I needed some alone time (or was in the middle of a conversation), I'd smile and go back to looking at my phone. Much the same way when reading a real book.
I suspect that there are others with a similar perspective, particularly on the Camino.
Side note: I ALWAYS turned off the noise makers on my phone in the albergue. Time differences between home and Spain increased the probability of bing and ring in the middle of the night. How embarrassing!
I am with you. However, the combination of a little vino tinto with the evening meal and good earplugs takes very much care of those risers. In addition, in many cases it is just good to be woken up and get ready for a new day: More time to enjoy the day's ending point a little earlier, and easier to get that bed for the night.
But phone use/being online has reached disturbing proportions. This coming from me, with an engineering degree in computer science for +40 years. It is about to become a (mental) health issue for many, IMHO and also according to several studies.
coin operated computers
Then: two albergues in Palas de Rei. One bar with several coin operated computers. Another bar is the only one open for breakfast. Pilgrims pack it at dawn for a noisy multicultural melee.
Today: over ten albergues. Not a computer to be found. Eight pilgrims from four countries enter a bar for breakfast, and set up a long table. The baristo takes orders, and the pilgrims ask for the WiFi password. Breakfast is eaten in silence as all eight thumb their phones.
@C clearly @SabineP @HedaP @Purky @Nanc and those who "liked" my post. I would just like to thank you all for your lovely encouragement and comments. I don't often post here because I get so anxious about reactions, so it was nice to have feedback from people who I respect and have taught me a lot about the Camino. It has made my day, so thank you.
Graffiti on mojones, walls, and bunk bed undersides along the Camino, if you ignore the “I was here” genre, focuses on two issues; religion/spirituality and the judgemental world. “Love yourself.” “Walk your own Camino.” Are two common examples of the latter. I think a lot of pilgrims walk to escape what others think. What they are missing is that it is their own reaction to judgement that they are fleeing. You can never successfully flee from yourself! When you know for certain that other’s judgement has no force, YOU win.
And this is our loss.I don't often post here because I get so anxious about reactions
I have glanced through this thread, and have been stopped in my tracks by the response from bhavagrahidasa. I would take off my hat if I were wearing one. Thanks for your post, bhavagrahidasa. It is indeed a clear reminder: walk in my shoes for two weeks before you attempt to judge me. And back to the differences, then and now. I have not yet repeated the CF, except for 2 days last summer. And in those 2 days, everything the same! Wonder! Delight! Gratitude! Amazement! Lovely people! A hallowed terrain, more so. Such a gift. And one fine day, we will all see one another, face to face!!! No need then for monikers, and if I am wrong, ha! So what! Buen camino.Then: two albergues in Palas de Rei. One bar with several coin operated computers. Another bar is the only one open for breakfast. Pilgrims pack it at dawn for a noisy multicultural melee.
Today: over ten albergues. Not a computer to be found. Eight pilgrims from four countries enter a bar for breakfast, and set up a long table. The baristo takes orders, and the pilgrims ask for the WiFi password. Breakfast is eaten in silence as all eight thumb their phones.
And this is our loss.
Personally, @bhavagrahidasa , I hope to hear more from you - that was a beautiful post. Thank you.
Wonderful.I'm the weird old lady with the strange clothes who speaks to strangers all the time - the worst that can happen is that I'll get the brush off. I find people endlessly fascinating and worthwhile.
And how many strangers make up a quorum???we will need to round up a quorum of strangers.)
27And how many strangers make up a quorum???
Is this a biblical reference?
And how many strangers make up a quorum???
Well. I actually don't know in this case, but assume I can trust @kirkie on that.
Well, no. I was joking.Ha! Did you believe me? !
I'm the weird old lady with the strange clothes who speaks to strangers all the time - the worst that can happen is that I'll get the brush off. I find people endlessly fascinating and worthwhile.
This is one of the greatest things about becoming an old lady... everyone assumes you are sweet and harmless!
reminds me of my previous boss...a missed callleave my cell at home
oops... reminds me 'collection' of those cards a lot, i was envious with my childmate who can afford to have 'post stamp' collection... some years later i started collecting phone card instead.phone cards
instead reminds me a scene of harry potter.public telephone boxes.
Fortunately, only we have control of the on-off switch!we give them life(i mean those inventor) apparently most of it ended by them controlling our life.
Thank you so much for your wonderful, thoughtful response.We are all looking but not all of us are seeing.
I am enjoying this thread as it seems that technology and modern comforts will increasingly be discussed, as their use on the Camino increases. I have learnt so much from forum members over the years, and that knowledge has certainly made my Caminos so much easier and enjoyable so I respect very much the views of those who know the Camino so well.
I liked @C clearly comment about avoiding sweeping statements and her advice to approach phone users just as you would anyone else. I also appreciated @Kanga who commented on phones disguising discomfort because that certainly resonates with me. But for me, it has become a vital part of my First Aid Kit that I am not sure I could cope without. I am not very good at expressing myself succinctly so please excuse the "essay" and I apologise if my experience of using a phone is veering off topic.
In 2013, after the death of my father and 3 "signs" that I felt was calling me to a previously unheard of Camino Frances, I decided that I would walk to Santiago and listen if I could, to the Caminos message for me. I am on the Autistic Spectrum and also have a diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia. I am of no danger or threat to others but when unwell I suffer auditory and visual hallucinations, self-harm and can literally go weeks without leaving my flat. So when I announced I was about to Walk from SJPDP to Muxia, the sound of my friend's alarm bells was deafening. Everyone thought I was mad, pardon the pun, except my psychiatrist who after a few questions asked me if I had a smartphone. I had by chance just been given one as until then I didn't even own a mobile phone.
Telephone numbers were then loaded up. My own Mental Health Team and the Crisis Team for Out of Hours. The Samaritans. And an excellent call roaming plan so I could access these services. Then a translating app so should I need to communicate to Spanish Medical Services I stood a chance much higher than my basic phrases.
In the smart voice recorder app, my phycologist recorded 2 mindfulness recordings I had found useful in the past. The picture gallery had images of steps I found good to calm myself down with along with positive affirmations and vitally, for me, "flashcards" to remind myself that I had an illness and that my current perception might not be reality-based. An example might be, because nothing so bad actually happened, prompting to recognise that sniper carrying a gun was actually just a pilgrim and walking pole.
Finally, some diversion practices that might help. My favourite and most used was talking to "someone" when I was hearing voices, (If especially stressed I hear Voices) This simply involved turning off the phone so it wouldn't ring mid-conversation and then talk to my voices, who tend to be very negative. At one stage just after Sarria, I coped with the sudden increase in pilgrims and thus anxiety by chatting away to a particular voice who was trying to convince me I was a failure and wouldn't make it. "No, I disagree," I said. " I will make it and you're so wrong. I don't have to listen to you and what would you know anyway". Ad lib until I felt in control.
My Camino turned out to be an incredible experience and the first of many. It was life-changing for me on so many levels but still comes with its challenges. I am unable to use dormitory accommodation as it is a trigger for my paranoia which leads to psychosis and so I have to pay more for single rooms. And as much I as I want to I am often too anxious to approach people or go and eat in a bar. And so yes, I often sit alone with my phone coping with a situation but wishing I could be with others.
My phone is always on silent always and I don't use it to casually chat at high volume to friends back home while walking, but it is something I need. I share the frustration of the overuse of phones on the Camino but wanted to share that things are not always what we think.
So, if you see me sitting at a table alone with my phone, do say hello or ask if you can sit down. The chances are I will love your company. People, off Camino, always interrupt others to ask for directions so feel free to interrupt as normal. Please don't ignore the phone people as a phone is not a sign that a person wants to be alone. Let's try to cultivate a reasonable code of usage rather than outright condemnation. I would hate to walk alongside someone talking on their phone, but i would also hate to be without mine. Again, apologies for length of post.
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