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The baseball player, Yogi Berra, was quoted as saying, "when you reach a fork in the road, take it." I've reached a fork in the road on my camino, which began on February 9 in St. Jean.
After settling into a comfortable pace, I didn't leave well enough alone and lengthened my stride up a hill between Rabe and Castrojerz, and came up lame with shin splints. After taking five hours to walk from Castrojerz to Itero de la Vega, I realized I had a real problem -- especially with long winter minimum walks ahead between Fromista and Carrion de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza -- and hired a taxi to transport me (oh the shame, I know) to a hotel past Fromista, where the owner is being very kind (and her mother, a very sweet octogenarian, who thinks I am too thin, taps her cane on the floor when I put down my fork and says "comer mas" -- I adore them both and my camino would be less without them.)
After resting my shins here for a few days -- and if my adopted mother has her way, putting a few pounds back on -- I am considering taking a bus on to Terradillos de los Templarios (downright sacrilege, I know), where the distances between places to stop in winter become shorter -- and my chances of walking on to Santiago will increase.
This complication -- and blessing! -- probably will leave me not enough time to walk to Finisterre as I had planned.
So would anyone with experience/some time and access to a computer help me with some information?
1. Can one easily bus from Santiago to Finisterre and back in one or two days?
2. From Santiago, what is the fastest way to get to an international airport for a flight back to the US? (I flew Icelandair to Paris.)
Thank you.
First, don't burden yourself with others' rules! Buses and taxis are fine when you are healthy, and perfectly fine when you are injured.(oh the shame, I know)
(downright sacrilege, I know)
I agree one must do it their own way. If you have to bus it of taxi it, it doesn't matter it's your camino. I am going on the 20th of May this year and plan to do it my way. If I feel a bus would enhance my trip a little on the way , so be it. No remorse it's my wayFirst, don't burden yourself with others' rules! Buses and taxis are fine when you are healthy, and perfectly fine when you are injured.
You can get the bus to the Santiago airport from many stops in the city, including the bus station. It runs about once an hour. Iberia airline has flights from there to New York, Miami, and Chicago, and connects through those cities to everywhere. Iberia is owned by British Airways and codeshares with American Airlines, so you will be on flights with those two other airlines.
Buses to Fisterre leave two to four times a day from the bus station. Besides checking the schedule on the internet, your hotel or albergue in Santiago probably has the times. It is a pretty common trip!
Have fun, and revel in the walk you had.
Welcome to the Forum, Marypower. Good luck with your Camino planning. I did the Francés last spring and now keep longing for and dreaming of my next Camino. I have no idea when it will be or what route it will take, but I want to be ready when the opportunity presents itself. And, like you, I will do it my way – with no remorse.I agree one must do it their own way. If you have to bus it of taxi it, it doesn't matter it's your camino. I am going on the 20th of May this year and plan to do it my way. If I feel a bus would enhance my trip a little on the way , so be it. No remorse it's my way
What nonsense: It is you and only you who decide what is right for you - You own your own Camino!For anyone reading this who is confounded by or disagrees with my decisions not to walk each and every kilometer of the Camino Frances --
The baseball player, Yogi Berra, was quoted as saying, "when you reach a fork in the road, take it." I've reached a fork in the road on my camino, which began on February 9 in St. Jean.
After settling into a comfortable pace, I didn't leave well enough alone and lengthened my stride up a hill between Rabe and Castrojerz, and came up lame with shin splints. After taking five hours to walk from Castrojerz to Itero de la Vega, I realized I had a real problem -- especially with long winter minimum walks ahead between Fromista and Carrion de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza -- and hired a taxi to transport me (oh the shame, I know) to a hotel past Fromista, where the owner is being very kind (and her mother, a very sweet octogenarian, who thinks I am too thin, taps her cane on the floor when I put down my fork and says "comer mas" -- I adore them both and my camino would be less without them.)
After resting my shins here for a few days -- and if my adopted mother has her way, putting a few pounds back on -- I am considering taking a bus on to Terradillos de los Templarios (downright sacrilege, I know), where the distances between places to stop in winter become shorter -- and my chances of walking on to Santiago will increase.
This complication -- and blessing! -- probably will leave me not enough time to walk to Finisterre as I had planned.
So would anyone with experience/some time and access to a computer help me with some information?
1. Can one easily bus from Santiago to Finisterre and back in one or two days?
2. From Santiago, what is the fastest way to get to an international airport for a flight back to the US? (I flew Icelandair to Paris.)
Thank you.
Hi Marypower, I too will be leaving SJPP near the time you leave. I will be in SJPP May 17 and leave May 18 from there. I will be with a group until May 21 when we arrive in Pamplona then will be on my own. Hope to meet you along the wy.I agree one must do it their own way. If you have to bus it of taxi it, it doesn't matter it's your camino. I am going on the 20th of May this year and plan to do it my way. If I feel a bus would enhance my trip a little on the way , so be it. No remorse it's my way
Does this green clay have a name?Hi Leaningforward - I too suffered from horrendous shin splints, taking the bus three times, as I wanted to finish. Also took bus to Finisterre, then walked to Muxia, then bus back. Main reason I'm writing - Michelle, at the albergue in Rabe wrapped my leg in green clay and saran wrap, made me promise to wear it in the evenings for a few days. It took the swelling down tremendously, enabling me to finally walk the long distances each day I thought I would have been able to do the entire trip. You can buy it in the farmacia, just mix it with water to form a thick paste. I was definitely skeptical, but have since found it in health food stores back here. Buen camino
Hi - Yes, it is called French Green clay, or Illite. I just googled it to check it out. I should add that because of intense inflammation and discoloring of my left leg I took the bus from Los Arcos to Logrono and had it x-rayed (I was suspecting a stress fracture as the pain was so intense). The doctor ( a very nice man who had walked the camino) said it was just over-use and asked me to rest for a few days. Unfortunately the hospitalero in the muni in Logrono would not even hear of me leaving my back pack there for a few hours while I sat in the park and contemplated my options, even after I showed him the doctor's letter. So I plodded on very slowly. So I was thrilled to finally get relief in Rabe over a week later. Healthy Living Market in Saratoga Springs NY carries it, and it's apparently also good for arthritis, so I think I will try it out on my "badly broken" wrist which did not set well last spring. Hope this helps - CherryDoes this green clay have a name?
Cherry-- I am from East Greenbush, NY! Elated to learn of another Pilgrim in the neighborhood!! Girl, we ought to get together and chat!! I am going back in June; starting from Sahagun this time, let's go! You are a champ to have walked with severe pain, my hat is off to you!!Hi - Yes, it is called French Green clay, or Illite. I just googled it to check it out. I should add that because of intense inflammation and discoloring of my left leg I took the bus from Los Arcos to Logrono and had it x-rayed (I was suspecting a stress fracture as the pain was so intense). The doctor ( a very nice man who had walked the camino) said it was just over-use and asked me to rest for a few days. Unfortunately the hospitalero in the muni in Logrono would not even hear of me leaving my back pack there for a few hours while I sat in the park and contemplated my options, even after I showed him the doctor's letter. So I plodded on very slowly. So I was thrilled to finally get relief in Rabe over a week later. Healthy Living Market in Saratoga Springs NY carries it, and it's apparently also good for arthritis, so I think I will try it out on my "badly broken" wrist which did not set well last spring. Hope this helps - Cherry
From Santiago, what is the fastest way to get to an international airport for a flight back to the US? (I flew Icelandair to Paris.).
I am soooo happy to read this!-- and a smile from ear to ear.
I was able to walk -- with crutches --
-- and a smile from ear to ear.
I am a lay ecclesial minister (RCC). To cut through the theological.jungles, you MAY receive ad an.Anglican if your Church is not available. This is not widely known, but is absolutely true, and vice-versa. Please receive the Eucharist in good conscience.I have relied heavily on members of this forum to prepare for and persevere on my camino. So here I go again.
I am making my camino for a number of reasons, all of which are inextricably linked to my faith, and vice versa. (I happen to be part of the Anglican community.)
I have attended mass each Sunday and some other days since my camino started February 9 in St. Jean. While the Eucharist is intensely meaningful to me, I have not stepped forward at the masses, because I have understood that non-Catholics are not permitted to receive the Sacraments (and I understand the doctrinal reasons why).
Instead, I wait until the mass is over and ask the priest to bless my camino -- except one Sunday (Granon) when the priest invited me forward, seeing I was a pilgrim.
For the past two days I have walked with crutches (which all other things aside has been a remarkable experience). I made it to my destination in Galicia today in time for noon mass. As I sat in the pew, I broke down looking at the simple apse of the church, seeing the figure of Christ broken on the cross, and feeling so exceedingly grateful my camino did not end last week.
Like previous masses, I waited for the mass to end and walked to the front of the church on crutches to wait for and ask the priest for a blessing. He refused, brushing me aside with his hand. It took me a while to process what happened; I suppose I'm still trying to understand what happened.
My reason for writing now is not to point a finger at one person -- or to incite a flurry of postings -- please DON'T ANYONE take a side in this or the broader debate/question concerning the Sacraments/Eucharist. To see that happen would turn my difficult afternoon into a really bad day.
My reason for writing is simple. I would like to participate in the Eucharist during my camino. I would be grateful to know whether there is a church in or before Santiago where I may comfortably step forward to do so, or -- excepting that -- if there is a priest or pastor in or before Santiago that would serve me communion.
A private message would suffice.
"Standing on the top of a hill and seeing that day's destination so far away -- seemingly unreachable on foot -- and then taking one step and another, and so on, minute after minute for hours -- and then reaching that unattainable place -- is to me a greater triumph or success than anything I do in business back in the "real" world. " Amen to that. That's what permeates your soul.As I imagine is the case with many pilgrims, my spirits have been consistently and abundantly high since my camino began -- whatever the circumstances have been.
I have been amazed by the generosity of people I have met along the way -- from the mother and daughter who found me on a wooded trail before the ascent to Ibaneta to bring me the wool beanie I had dropped kilometers earlier, to fellow pilgrims, to the lovely mother and daughter who are helping me now.
My amazement extends to this forum, too, where people have been generous with their time and experience -- and wit, from Gerard with his story about scaling an albergue wall, to Annie who helps put us at ease about bedbugs, to Falcon and Rebekah who provide real time information and advice, to Ivar who facilitates it all.
This immersion in generosity, for so long a period of time, in the quiet and solitude of winter, is quite a remarkable experience.
Standing on the top of a hill and seeing that day's destination so far away -- seemingly unreachable on foot -- and then taking one step and another, and so on, minute after minute for hours -- and then reaching that unattainable place -- is to me a greater triumph or success than anything I do in business back in the "real" world.
Perhaps this lengthy experience -- in the context of a stunning foreign landscape, culture, and peoples that transports one from one's usual circumstances -- is what makes the Camino de Santiago unique for people like me, regardless of our home.
Please pardon my rambling; I am overwhelmed in a most excellent way by this experience, and this forum seems like a welcoming and safe place to unpack the experience.
So it's official: it was the best day of my camino.
For a variety of reasons, I decided to check-out of the albergue in Eixere and walk 8 additional kilometers -- on crutches (ha!) on to Palas de Rei, where I checked into the albergue known as the Pavilion.
I was assigned to a dormitory beyond a common room. While charging my iPhone in the kitchen, I heard a guitar and singing -- soft, soulful singing by a large group of people. I went to investigate and found the music and singing was coming from the common room -- between me and my dormitory. I entered and found the room was packed with students, parent chaperones, and professors from Portugal.
I found the language very interesting and stayed to listen for a while, picking up a word here and there, and sensing there was a very gentle spirit in the room, In the words that were spoken. These people knew and cared about each other deeply.
I moved closer to the dormitory and found myself standing next to a professor. We communicated using some English and my best Google Translate Portugese. I soon realized this gathering was an informal mass. The professor explained it was a service that would include singing, prayer, and -- yes -- communion. She invited me to stay as a guest. A parent explained to me the school was catholic and they accept Christians of all faiths.
I have never seen the Peace exchanged with such emotion. People I have never met approached me, embraced me warmly, and exchanged peace.
After more singing and prayer, a Tupperware box containing communion wafers was walked around the room, offered to each person. Some students would break their wafer in half and give one half to a friend or adult -- more embracing, smiles, and tears -- and not my tears alone.
And then the Tupperware box was offered to me, and, thus, my hope to receive communion on my camino was fulfilled --perfectly -- in an albergue, with strangers whose language I do not speak but whose faith is familiar.
In the more than three weeks since my camino began, I have not felt the presence of Christ more than in that common room tonight.
And to think, any one of a number of events might have kept me from that albergue, that common room, that opportunity. Remarkable.
The best day yet.
Hi - I would love to get together with you and talk. Am so envious of you going back, wish I could go. How do I get in touch with you or here's my email csquilts@nycap.rr.comCherry-- I am from East Greenbush, NY! Elated to learn of another Pilgrim in the neighborhood!! Girl, we ought to get together and chat!! I am going back in June; starting from Sahagun this time, let's go! You are a champ to have walked with severe pain, my hat is off to you!!
Wonderful words 'Leaning Forward' - and thankyou for sharing your thoughts with us......I have taken a copy of your post above and pasted it into my file of Camino thoughts. Smiles and go well.As I imagine is the case with many pilgrims, my spirits have been consistently and abundantly high since my camino began -- whatever the circumstances have been.
I have been amazed by the generosity of people I have met along the way -- from the mother and daughter who found me on a wooded trail before the ascent to Ibaneta to bring me the wool beanie I had dropped kilometers earlier, to fellow pilgrims, to the lovely mother and daughter who are helping me now.
My amazement extends to this forum, too, where people have been generous with their time and experience -- and wit, from Gerard with his story about scaling an albergue wall, to Annie who helps put us at ease about bedbugs, to Falcon and Rebekah who provide real time information and advice, to Ivar who facilitates it all.
This immersion in generosity, for so long a period of time, in the quiet and solitude of winter, is quite a remarkable experience.
Standing on the top of a hill and seeing that day's destination so far away -- seemingly unreachable on foot -- and then taking one step and another, and so on, minute after minute for hours -- and then reaching that unattainable place -- is to me a greater triumph or success than anything I do in business back in the "real" world.
Perhaps this lengthy experience -- in the context of a stunning foreign landscape, culture, and peoples that transports one from one's usual circumstances -- is what makes the Camino de Santiago unique for people like me, regardless of our home.
Please pardon my rambling; I am overwhelmed in a most excellent way by this experience, and this forum seems like a welcoming and safe place to unpack the experience.
So it's official: it was the best day of my camino.
For a variety of reasons, I decided to check-out of the albergue in Eixere and walk 8 additional kilometers -- on crutches (ha!) on to Palas de Rei, where I checked into the albergue known as the Pavilion.
I was assigned to a dormitory beyond a common room. While charging my iPhone in the kitchen, I heard a guitar and singing -- soft, soulful singing by a large group of people. I went to investigate and found the music and singing was coming from the common room -- between me and my dormitory. I entered and found the room was packed with students, parent chaperones, and professors from Portugal.
I found the language very interesting and stayed to listen for a while, picking up a word here and there, and sensing there was a very gentle spirit in the room, In the words that were spoken. These people knew and cared about each other deeply.
I moved closer to the dormitory and found myself standing next to a professor. We communicated using some English and my best Google Translate Portugese. I soon realized this gathering was an informal mass. The professor explained it was a service that would include singing, prayer, and -- yes -- communion. She invited me to stay as a guest. A parent explained to me the school was catholic and they accept Christians of all faiths.
I have never seen the Peace exchanged with such emotion. People I have never met approached me, embraced me warmly, and exchanged peace.
After more singing and prayer, a Tupperware box containing communion wafers was walked around the room, offered to each person. Some students would break their wafer in half and give one half to a friend or adult -- more embracing, smiles, and tears -- and not my tears alone.
And then the Tupperware box was offered to me, and, thus, my hope to receive communion on my camino was fulfilled --perfectly -- in an albergue, with strangers whose language I do not speak but whose faith is familiar.
In the more than three weeks since my camino began, I have not felt the presence of Christ more than in that common room tonight.
And to think, any one of a number of events might have kept me from that albergue, that common room, that opportunity. Remarkable.
Another amazingly uplifting and very moving Camino Vignette......your Camino Angels are very much in evidence......so special to have read your words just now....smiles.
The best day yet.
I so agree with you Jackie.....Camino Angels were everywhere for me, especially when I first hurt my leg.....a group of lovely people came around the corner as I was resting against a Camino Marker, and they all offered to help me in any way they could......one young German Boy, even offering to carry my pack for me. They continued to 'look out for me' for the next two days and our paths crossed often.....there were lots of other special visits from Camino Angels as well......I feel very blessed indeed.The Camino is such a blessed path! I have had such amazing experiences, Leaningforward, on my humble journey so far. Firstly, how does it happen that a taxi arrives the instant I had to sit down below the Ornithilogical centre because of dizziness? How was it that a lovely fruit vendor saw me limping in Sarria and took me in his own car up to an Albergue well out of his way? And how was it when I was sitting dejectedly in Ponferrada because I had had to shorten my own Camino because of shin splints, that an angel Margaret B appeared and negotiated a ticket for me in Spanish to Sarria? There is no explanation for the extraordinary kindnesses shown, nor the way the people just "appeared". So blessed. Now at Portomarin, easing along, having taken 3 days off in Sarria and 2 to get here.
Hi Jackie! So happy to hear that you probably are no longer terrified, and instead feeling the blessings of the Camino!! And good for you for listening to your body and taking a bit of time off in Sarria to heal the legs! I hope the rest of your Camino and your arrival in Santiago has been equally positive!The Camino is such a blessed path! I have had such amazing experiences, Leaningforward, on my humble journey so far. Firstly, how does it happen that a taxi arrives the instant I had to sit down below the Ornithilogical centre because of dizziness? How was it that a lovely fruit vendor saw me limping in Sarria and took me in his own car up to an Albergue well out of his way? And how was it when I was sitting dejectedly in Ponferrada because I had had to shorten my own Camino because of shin splints, that an angel Margaret B appeared and negotiated a ticket for me in Spanish to Sarria? There is no explanation for the extraordinary kindnesses shown, nor the way the people just "appeared". So blessed. Now at Portomarin, easing along, having taken 3 days off in Sarria and 2 to get here.
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