- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2016; Mansill de las Mulas to Finisterre/Muxia 2017; Aragones 2018; Suso/Yuso, Meseta 2019
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I've gone to a few Camino talks and wish my own pictures were as good as the speakers. I still call a Credential a Pilgrims Passport, because it identifies its purpose more easily.Last evening I attended a talk intended for people who are interested in walking the Camino. It was not a good talk, the woman spoke only in generalities with no current knowledge, for example she did not know why next year is a Holy Year, she asked me as a member of the audiece. Then she showed "her certificate". We are all proud of and honored by our Compostelas for which we have walked and there is nothing wrong with sharing it. But in the least learn the name of the Compostela and understand that it is a grace, a gift and not an entitlement.
I can understand the reluctance. This year will be the 30th anniversary of my first Camino and I have rather foolishly accepted a request to speak at a gathering of UK pilgrims - the first time I will ever have given a talk about pilgrimage to an audience. A task for which I feel very underqualified and a decision which a substantial part of me is now regretting. Perhaps that is why I was quite so ready to act as devil's advocate for the OP's unfortunate speaker: there but for the grace of God...I have a few Caminos now and would welcome a speaking engagement, but when I think about it. It might be too much about me. A "How To" talk, a "Packing List" presentation, a "Don't do like I did". Our experiences are all different and personal. I am still reviewing what I have learned, and will resist the next speaking invite.
Bradypus where & when are you giving your talk? If it's not to far from me I would love to hear it.I can understand the reluctance. This year will be the 30th anniversary of my first Camino and I have rather foolishly accepted a request to speak at a gathering of UK pilgrims - the first time I will ever have given a talk about pilgrimage to an audience. A task for which I feel very underqualified and a decision which a substantial part of me is now regretting. Perhaps that is why I was quite so ready to act as devil's advocate for the OP's unfortunate speaker: there but for the grace of God...
Last evening I attended a talk intended for people who are interested in walking the Camino. It was not a good talk, the woman spoke only in generalities with no current knowledge, for example she did not know why next year is a Holy Year, she asked me as a member of the audiece. Then she showed "her certificate". We are all proud of and honored by our Compostelas for which we have walked and there is nothing wrong with sharing it. But in the least learn the name of the Compostela and understand that it is a grace, a gift and not an entitlement.
@muddy-mama I have sent you a private message with the details.Bradypus where & when are you giving your talk? If it's not to far from me I would love to hear it.
On the other hand, it was a Camino presentation by a woman just retired that made me fall in love madly with the Camino in 2014, head over heels. Her talk, with a marvelous slide show, was informative, funny, totally honest about pain and pitfalls, practical and inspirational. Before she had finished, I knew beyond any doubt that I wanted to walk it too, just as she did, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago, carrying my pack, staying in albergues, challenging myself as never before. Because of her talk, I did just that the next fall at the age of 73. Now I’m preparing for my fifth walk and I credit it all to her inspiring talk.I do not give or go to Camino speeches, the forum provides an excellent alternative and I like the wide range of options and experienced expressed here. I get a regular stream of enquiries from would be pilgrims, several have gone on to complete caminos of there own and said they were grateful for my practical advice. Others have been horrified to hear the realities and indignities a pilgramage can entail (including a few who didn't believe you had to propel yourself along the way either on foot or by bike). Unfortunately some of the TV specials and travel pitches overlook many of the details would be pilgrims need to know,
I have walked two Caminos ten years apart and am 75. I was asked to give a talk on my Camino experience to a mens' fellowship who could bring their wives, it being the last meeting of the year. I was asked to talk for 30 minutes, and was quite nervous beforehand as I have never done any public speaking.On the other hand, it was a Camino presentation by a woman just retired that made me fall in love madly with the Camino in 2014, head over heels. Her talk, with a marvelous slide show, was informative, funny, totally honest about pain and pitfalls, practical and inspirational. Before she had finished, I knew beyond any doubt that I wanted to walk it too, just as she did, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago, carrying my pack, staying in albergues, challenging myself as never before. Because of her talk, I did just that the next fall at the age of 73. Now I’m preparing for my fifth walk and I credit it all to her inspiring talk.
Reminds me of coming off duty at the Pilgrim Office and bumping into a group I had earlier issued Compostelas to sitting outside one of the bars in the Rúa das Carretas - the blue Voluntario teeshirt is both a blessing and a curse.I went to one of these talks ... after I had already done about three caminos ... thinking it would be a camino fix (much like being here), and the presenter showed many, many, many slides of the people she’d met, listing everyone of their nationalities as she went. Who cares? One slide would have made the point that it’s a multi-national crowd walking. She also gave out inaccurate information based on her one camino several years before. She clearly fudged her answer to a question, making me conclude that she thought she was supposed to be an expert so had to answer. She continues to do the presentation once a year for that centre.
I think one of the tricks to a successful talk is to try not to do too much. Don’t try to know everything. Speak from the heart so you are authentic, and the crowd will love it.
If it's in south east England may I come too? We could "strip our sleeves and show our scars" together@muddy-mama I have sent you a private message with the details.
I am sure you would be welcome! The brief I have been given is "The changing nature of pilgrimage". I will have to try very hard to resist the temptation to go into full grumpy old fart mode and then regale the audience with war stories and my well-rehearsed 33 point explanation of why things were better in the good old days. I may end up sounding like a Scottish Tony Capstick....If it's in south east England may I come too? We could "strip our sleeves and show our scars" together
From my Camino experience, you are more likely to show your scars by stripping off your socks.If it's in south east England may I come too? We could "strip our sleeves and show our scars" together
That might clear the hall and relieve my anxieties about standing up and burbling in front of an audience...From my Camino experience, you are more likely to show your scars by stripping off your socks.
Yes, that is a problem. Too many people want to go on and on about an aspect of the Camino that can be very rewarding - friendships made on the Camino, but it can and should be summed up in one or two lines: "I met many interesting people from all over the world, and have formed close friendships with several". You don't need to go on and on about "that time that you were with the Belgian and missed and arrow and..."and the presenter showed many, many, many slides of the people she’d met, listing everyone of their nationalities as she went. Who cares?
Have never had a blister in Spain but my co-walker JoJo copped a beaut on the last day into SdC. It poured, she got wet socks and a heel sized blister.From my Camino experience, you are more likely to show your scars by stripping off your socks.
Personally I couldn't care less about the Compostela. Each person walks for their own reasons. After walking from Irun to Lavacolla and finding yourself behind wannabe pilgrims walking with hands in pockets strolling along and they can also get the Compostela.??? Anyway on a personal note I would decribe walking the Camino as a wonderful form of meditation.Last evening I attended a talk intended for people who are interested in walking the Camino. It was not a good talk, the woman spoke only in generalities with no current knowledge, for example she did not know why next year is a Holy Year, she asked me as a member of the audiece. Then she showed "her certificate". We are all proud of and honored by our Compostelas for which we have walked and there is nothing wrong with sharing it. But in the least learn the name of the Compostela and understand that it is a grace, a gift and not an entitlement.
Personally I couldn't care less about the Compostela. Each person walks for their own reasons. After walking from Irun to Lavacolla and finding yourself behind wannabe pilgrims walking with hands in pockets strolling along and they can also get the Compostela.??? Anyway on a personal note I would decribe walking the Camino as a wonderful form of meditation
P.s thats no disrespect to the Camino or Compostela. I just believe it has lost all significance and the only way it can be saved is the responsibility of each and every genuine pilgrim
hello Bradypus, when and where in the UK will you talk take place, I would like to attend if it is possibleI can understand the reluctance. This year will be the 30th anniversary of my first Camino and I have rather foolishly accepted a request to speak at a gathering of UK pilgrims - the first time I will ever have given a talk about pilgrimage to an audience. A task for which I feel very underqualified and a decision which a substantial part of me is now regretting. Perhaps that is why I was quite so ready to act as devil's advocate for the OP's unfortunate speaker: there but for the grace of God...
In London on 14 March at the AGM of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome. There are details in the link I posted above in post #19hello Bradypus, when and where in the UK will you talk take place, I would like to attend if it is possible
Speaking as one who has given Camino Talks - You all will do just fine if you speak from the heart and verify your facts ;-) BC SY
I'm doing my first Camino in May and I'm 73 too! I'm a bit scared but I have to do thisOn the other hand, it was a Camino presentation by a woman just retired that made me fall in love madly with the Camino in 2014, head over heels. Her talk, with a marvelous slide show, was informative, funny, totally honest about pain and pitfalls, practical and inspirational. Before she had finished, I knew beyond any doubt that I wanted to walk it too, just as she did, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago, carrying my pack, staying in albergues, challenging myself as never before. Because of her talk, I did just that the next fall at the age of 73. Now I’m preparing for my fifth walk and I credit it all to her inspiring talk.
Holy years occur the years when Saint James’ Day falls on a Sunday. This is not a holy year, 2021 is.I've done just one Camino: Frances, all 740k. 2019 & loved it @ 69 years. I did feel such a snob as we neared Sarria and encountered what I called "tourists". Then I realised that everybody walks their own Camino, whether that's one week or 6 weeks. We all need to be a little bit humble, don't you think? Having done it, I'd feel quite confident about doing a talk. I learned long ago to say "sorry I don't know" & invite questioner to talk to me after, when I can direct them here or wherever might be appropriate.
BTW, I don't know why this is a holy year either, but that doesn't invalidate my 6 week trek and it's experiences and memories. Buen Camino y'all.
This, Sir, has made my day....one of they younger women was quite gushing about one of their number: "He's SO knowledgeable, this was his second Camino and he knew ALL the answers!"
Me (with questioning raised eyebrow): "Oh really?"
The Veteran of Two Caminos: "And how many have you done?"
Me: "Six, and I don't even know what the questions are yet."
I've done just one Camino: Frances, all 740k. 2019 & loved it @ 69 years. I did feel such a snob as we neared Sarria and encountered what I called "tourists". Then I realised that everybody walks their own Camino, whether that's one week or 6 weeks. We all need to be a little bit humble, don't you think? Having done it, I'd feel quite confident about doing a talk. I learned long ago to say "sorry I don't know" & invite questioner to talk to me after, when I can direct them here or wherever might be appropriate.
BTW, I don't know why this is a holy year either, but that doesn't invalidate my 6 week trek and it's experiences and memories. Buen Camino y'all.
Thank you Clearskies. Paul S. treats me like the "tourists" I encountered. My Camino talk could be brilliant, funny, informative and inspiring. It's my experience and as such it's valid. Bad speakers show in every sphere of life. | ||||||
I must have missed the part where Paul S was referring to you. The only post I saw of his was supporting one by Jeff Crawley.
Thank you Clearskies.
Paul S. treats me like the "tourists" I encountered. My Camino talk could be brilliant, funny, informative and inspiring. It's my experience and as such it's valid.
Bad speakers show in every sphere of life.
Perhaps you should give a talk.Last evening I attended a talk intended for people who are interested in walking the Camino. It was not a good talk, the woman spoke only in generalities with no current knowledge, for example she did not know why next year is a Holy Year, she asked me as a member of the audiece. Then she showed "her certificate". We are all proud of and honored by our Compostelas for which we have walked and there is nothing wrong with sharing it. But in the least learn the name of the Compostela and understand that it is a grace, a gift and not an entitlement.
I meant to say isn’t reading your comments.I think there are more tactful ways to complain about a presentation. I sincerely hope the person who gave the talk is it reading your comments in the forum.
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