Mirabelle Lee
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- French way (Sep-Oct. 2013)
French way(09. Feb-24. Mar. 2017)
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The advice of carrying a couple of hundred euro is probably because of the distances at times, between ATM machines on the Camino Frances (can't speak for the other routes). Not many of the smaller, rural villages along the CF have them, and most albergues (at least from what I saw) are cash only. Same with the cafes and restaurants. Using credit cards is impractical in those instances.Hi Mirabelle, I hope this doesn't affect your enjoyment of your Camino too much, from what I can see this kind of thing is still rare and as long as you're careful I'm sure you will be safe. Good luck and Buen Camino!!Mark
ALSO in general....
I would like to add that I find the advice to carry a couple of hundred Euros in cash troubling.
I understand that all transactions are in cash so it is necessary but any potential robber who has a basic knowledge of the Camino will know this too. A significant proportion of the pilgrims are either older, perhaps already retired or single females and both groups present a relatively soft target and some easy money with little risk for the perpetrator. Out of habit I never carry more than 40 quid or so here at home (most of the time I'm completely cashless) so I don't really like the idea of carrying up to 200EUR and I'm NOT a soft target (1.87m, 100kg and if I don't shave for a day I look like an axe-murderer). It would be useful if the albergues would accept card payments/NFC-tap'n'pay or at least something like a PayPal transfer.
I have often wondered how people like Mirabelle feel... there are things available to buy in mainland Europe and the US which are not legal to carry here in the UK- mace/pepper spray, rape alarms etc and I wonder if something like that would perhaps give a degree of comfort/reassurance to a pilgrim walking alone as well as buying a few vital minutes if the unthinkable happens.
BC!!
If I am robbed sometime, I won't really care if I lose 10 Euros or 200. Maybe the thieves will go away faster if they get 200 rather than 10. In fact, I carry 20-40 in my daily stash, and put the rest away where it is less likely to get pickpocketed or (more likely) lost.I don't really like the idea of carrying up to 200EUR
Since Denise Thiem's tragedy I ave started walking with a powerful whistle attached to the front of my backpack. Not so much to alert others, especially since I have lately walked Caminos where one only sees another pilgrim a few times a day, but to discourage a possible attacker, because he doesn't know if I have friends a few 100 meters behind me.
Also, regarding cash, I can see why a thief would not be content with 10 € and insist on more. A great trick learned here is no carry old/expired credit cards or loyalty program cards to hand over with a bit of cash.
More than that. There was also a post regarding a robbery on the last 100km a year or two ago.Strange! This is the second "Asian woman" I have heard attacked on the Camino. There was an American Asian woman attacked a while back.
What do you say to the @peregrina2000 of the world who walk alone on the lesser routes if this should happen to them? Let's not blame the victim. We all know we take risks when walking alone.If true.....that is called a "mugging" and it happens everywhere on Earth, particularly when people are alone.
Best defense......stay reasonably close to other walkers in the remote settings!
Overall, about as safe a walk as you will find.....please enjoy !
Buen Camino
As a woman I will not let anyone tell me to be afraid and be overly cautious. I will not let myself be defined as a " soft target ".
I will not take pepper spray either.
Ah please just let us all use common sense!!
Hola @grayland - a couple of good ideas - from the report it appears that the offender has teeth bite marks on a couple of fingers. Should make it a lot easier for the local police to identify him. How serious will the local police take this assault? They may even know who he is.We note the OP indicates that the incident was reported to the police.
Normally, police reports in Spain are quickly covered in local and national news sources such as newspapers.
Many of our members keep watch on Spanish news.
Has anyone seen this incident reported?
Please use restraint when posting until confirmation is received. Thanks for your cooperation.
One of the concerns of the Korean Camino Association is that a number of Korean pilgrims carry large (as in, a thousand or so euro) sums of cash, and that this is a well-known fact. They are trying to communicate to Korean pilgrims that it is better to carry only small sums of cash with them. They maintain an office in Madrid to welcome and assist Korean pilgrims, very few of whom speak Spanish.
Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
Don't let this thread about a negative (and rare) criminal incident on the Camino concern you too much, but no doubt use a common sense approach to your personal safety (and theft prevention of your valuables) while walking and staying in albergues, etc.Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
I'm sorry but I didn't intend yo to give any negetive impression of your first camino.Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
I'm a Korean American living in the USA for very long years and I'm sorry to see what has happened to those Korean pilgrims on the way. You are right that most Korean generally carry quite a large amountOne of the concerns of the Korean Camino Association is that a number of Korean pilgrims carry large (as in, a thousand or so euro) sums of cash, and that this is a well-known fact. They are trying to communicate to Korean pilgrims that it is better to carry only small sums of cash with them. They maintain an office in Madrid to welcome and assist Korean pilgrims, very few of whom speak Spanish.
Yes. he is who you mentioned and helped her to report to the police office.Thank you for posting these links, @Mirabelle Lee. I am relieved to read that the peregrina is safe and hope that she gets all the support needed. I understand from these links that someone from Madrid (an albergue supported by the South Corean camino association?) helped via telephone with translating for the local police on the Camino Frances.
Thank uouShaz17,
Welcome to,the Forum.
There is not a chance you will be alone on the stretch the Camino feom sarria fo Santiago you are planning on, even if you are a very good girl and pray for it bery very hard. It will be filled with people, bicycles, scooters, and perhaps a unicycle. Ok, no unicycle, but loads of people. Take a deap breath and enjoy yourself.
Thank youDon't let this thread about a negative (and rare) criminal incident on the Camino concern you too much, but know doubt use a common sense approach to your personal safety (and theft prevention of your valuables) while walking and staying in albergues, etc.
You will see a lot of pilgrims in September. Doubt if you will be alone much.
Thank youI'm sorry but I didn't intend yo to give any negetive impression of your first camino.
Based on my experiance, I walked on Sep and it is the saftest season to do because there are pretty many ppl on the road.
so robbers cant have any chance to attack pilgrims.
But winter season, it is pretty difficult to meet pilgrims so I heard pilgrims stay albergue alone sometimes.
That's why I advised to the pilgrims in the winter.
But! I'm sure it is safer than other cities normally and I enjoyed camino before.
So don't worry too much.
Buen Camino.
Reading some of this advice, I am wondering.... I am planning to walk the CP from Porto, and on to Muxia on my own starting the beginning of May. Since I am over 70 and small, I suppose I look like a "soft target." I understand that fewer pilgrims take this route, and know from my experience last year on the CF that I walk more slowly than practically anybody, so I don't think there will be others I can walk with. Should I be worried?
That'd be cool. Especially if they could use original methods of dealing with the brigands.Maybe Spain needs a resurgence of the Knights Templar to help with safety and money exchange?
I've come across some female predatory scumbags in my days as well.Hope you will not cancel your trip, or that it will ruin your hopes of the Camino. Make arrangements with people yo have an eye out for you and stay in shouting distance of somebody on long stretches if you are apprehensive of any danger.
It is obvious there will always be predatory male scumbags wherever you are in the world !
Hi Shaz17..... I just joined this forum as I too am planning a trip to hike the Camino this September. I am a woman and will be traveling alone. Super excited!! Wishing you all the best!!Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
Since Denise Thiem's tragedy I ave started walking with a powerful whistle attached to the front of my backpack. Not so much to alert others, especially since I have lately walked Caminos where one only sees another pilgrim a few times a day, but to discourage a possible attacker, because he doesn't know if I have friends a few 100 meters behind me.
I purchased a bright orange safety whistle and attached it to the front of my pack.
Buen Camino
I keep thinking Ivar would make a killing if he sold high visibility backpack covers A pity the ones the Galicean Government made were just for a photo op.View attachment 31403 I also purchased a bright very visible jacket. Easily seen if used as a flag, which I did to help ambulance find an injured cyclist. Also visible if trying to alert others. It's not the time for jewelry, expensive flashy equipment or clothes.
I keep thinking Ivar would make a killing if he sold high visibility backpack covers A pity the ones the Galicean Government made were just for a photo op.
My current Osprey doesn't come with one, and the fisrt one had a red oneI thought they already were? I have 3 rucksacks of different sizes, different manufacturers and they all have built in rain covers that are either bright Flourescent Orange or Yellow, one has reflective stripes on it too
My pack cover is bright orange. If I have to walk any distance on roads I put it on the pack and also hang a high-viz vest from the chest strap. That way I'm visible from both directions.One problem with high viz pack covers ( for traffic) is that we should be walking facing traffic in most cases.
The pack cover is not visible when facing traffic.
Did you mean "chopping off of hands" for those guilty of robbery; and much more permanent treatment for those guilty of murder or rape?? Not sure the EU rules allow for these forms of justice anymore!!That'd be cool. Especially if they could use original methods of dealing with the brigands.
I was going to leave it up to interpretation, Mike....ha haDid you mean "chopping off of hands" for those guilty of robbery; and much more permanent treatment for those guilty of murder or rape?? Not sure the EU rules allow for these forms of justice anymore!!
Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
Reading some of this advice, I am wondering.... I am planning to walk the CP from Porto, and on to Muxia on my own starting the beginning of May. Since I am over 70 and small, I suppose I look like a "soft target." I understand that fewer pilgrims take this route, and know from my experience last year on the CF that I walk more slowly than practically anybody, so I don't think there will be others I can walk with. Should I be worried?
My husband and I (69 & 71) walked SJPP to SdC Sept 2015 and even if you walk alone there are plenty of perigrinos that time of year. Use common sense and do not worry. Buen camino!Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
Hi Celebebrate Life,Hi Shaz17..... I just joined this forum as I too am planning a trip to hike the Camino this September. I am a woman and will be traveling alone. Super excited!! Wishing you all the best!!
Thank you so much for your kind words. Well done on your Camino walk.xxxMy husband and I (69 & 71) walked SJPP to SdC Sept 2015 and even if you walk alone there are plenty of perigrinos that time of year. Use common sense and do not worry. Buen camino!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and kind words. XxThe only time I felt concerned walking by myself (female, 60, very slow walker) from Sarria to SdC (May) was when I couldn't get accommodation in the late afternoon, and had to keep walking.
There was an isolated "foresty"part, and a young man passed me, but nobody else around at all. He kept "appearing" in the distance in front of me and briefly turning around, and I feared the worst.... then realised that he was actually making sure I was OK! I was so grateful.
My jacket (quite long) was hi-vis yellow and red, which I always wore tied around my waist, so it was visible from all four directions.
In one place I was worried about making a large ATM withdrawal, so asked a nearby male pilgrim to stand with me at the ATM, then to walk off with me a little way, as though we were "together", before parting ways.
thank you so much for your kind words.xxChances are as a single walker you will meet fellow pilgrims very quickly and have as much or little company during your daily walks as you want.
Only if you are very determined to walk alone will this be the case you will find.
If you wish a solitary experience, just keep in a reasonable proximity of other walkers.
I would be highly surprised if the worst should happen that other nearby pilgrims would not come to your aid.
In three years of Camino walking my wife and I have had no issues at all.
My wife would ask me a few times why I turn around and look behind us every so often. I would reply, "Just checking our '6' dear."
Just keep a low level situational awareness and you will be fine.
Spain is very likely a much safer country than where ever you are coming from.
Thank you so much for your kind & encouraging words.xxYou will be going at a very busy time of year, so the chances of you being alone are very slim. Still, if you feel uncomfortable st any time, ask to walk with a fellow pilgrim as they will understand and will usually be more than obliging. I say usually, because some people truly want to be by alone, so in that case, just always walk with someone within your sight. When my fiancé and I were walking from Astorga to Rabanal, we caught up to a pilgrim named Suzanne who we noticed was making frequent stops. Of course when we caught up to her, we asked if she was okay (something all pilgrims do) and she said she was uncomfortable because a man in front of her kept stopping and looking back at her so she asked if we minded walking with her? Of course we didn't mind and so the three of us had a lovely walk and chatted the whole way. Eventually, we caught up to the man and asked if he was ok and he said yes so we continued on our way. Just trust your gut and stay safe!
Buen Camino!
Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
Hi Mirabelle, I hope this doesn't affect your enjoyment of your Camino too much, from what I can see this kind of thing is still rare and as long as you're careful I'm sure you will be safe. Good luck and Buen Camino!!Mark
ALSO in general....
I have often wondered how people like Mirabelle feel... there are things available to buy in mainland Europe and the US which are not legal to carry here in the UK- mace/pepper spray, rape alarms etc and I wonder if something like that would perhaps give a degree of comfort/reassurance to a pilgrim walking alone as well as buying a few vital minutes if the unthinkable happens.
BC!!
I agree. Unfortunately, unless you are used to whipping out pepper spray, mace, a club, whatever... things often go wrong. 25 yrs working in ERs caring for victims of violence who were often victims of their "weapon", tells me running, screaming, resistance gives particularly a woman a better chance. Peaceful resistance.Most of the time theft is done to target of opportunity since most of the products is illegal to carry as you mentioned, a loud whistle and a walking stick will normally "take care" of non-armed situation
zzotte
Thank you for your tips, Cicso Jim!My sympathies & prayers for all those affected by tragedies on the Camino. That said, I have a couple words of advice . . .
First, trust in God, but tether your camel. In other words, most people and situations on the Camino will be wonderful. You will find blessings frequent & plentiful. However, like so many have already said, act with caution.
Second, I'd like to offer a few safeguards you can try. Please remember to try these safety techniques during your practice hikes. In your backpack, only carry those items which, if lost can be easily replaced. Whenever I arrived at an albergue early enough to go out on the town, I would take all the items out of my pack and display them on my bunk. This makes a statement to any and all observers that there is nothing valuable in my pack and if you don't mind carrying it, you are welcome to take it (all of this can be replaced). I'm serious! If you take it, you obviously need it more than me! My truly valuable possessions were always kept on my person. If I went anywhere my valuables went with me.
Next, in the event of being accosted on my way, I always carried a dummy wallet. It was a simple item, very light weight & easy to carry, just a roll of paper with a couple low value bills bundled together. (dollars, Euros, what-have-you). I also included a driver's license, old library card, expired credit card, or? (all personal information was scratched away). This dummy wallet looks enticing, but has no real value and it may just save your life. The bad guy will not see how useless it is until you are far, far away. Here's the trick: When accosted, pull the dummy wallet out of your pocket and throw it away. Act scared & yell at the top of your lungs, "That's all I have!" (¡Todo tengo!) Immediately run away yelling or blowing your whistle. Do not hesitate! Run!!!!! Most thieves want easy targets. They will see this roll of money and go after it while you are making a break for safety. When given a choice, they usually want the money more than they want you. One more note on this diversion, remember the Camino is typically a one-way trail. Run away in the reverse direction; soon there will be other Peregrinos coming toward you on the trail.
If you need to run away, remember there is nothing of value in your backpack. You can shed the pack and run so much faster that you will surprise even yourself at how fast you can run!
If you need to replace gear lost from your valueless backpack, most albergues have gear available that has been left behind or donated by other pilgrims. Ask and you will receive.
Send me a private message if you want more information.
Be safe. Be blessed. Buen Camino!
Goooooddd ideaYou are spot on in that comment. It is a well known fact that many cultures do not trusts banks and/or use credit cards so they carry larger amounts of cash. (There was a report on the VDLP a couple of years back of a Korean woman (2 maybe) who had 2000 Euro stolen from their backpacks.) Maybe the Korean Camino Association could approach the Pilgrim Office in St Jean (and maybe a couple of the larger Albergues in Pamplona and elsewhere) about publishing notices warning Korean pilgrims to be careful especially in isolated areas or when carrying more than 100 Euros. Cheers
and there is also the option of just plain hauling ass....
If possible, run away from the threat and you have to do that immediately. Even if it means jettisoning your pack off your body and leaving it behind. Run away and make a lot of noise while doing it. Keep running until you find somewhere safe and can locate assistance.
I'm not above discretion being the better part of valor. A couple of animals wave a shank or gun at me while on the Camino and want my money? You got it bro. Take it and sort through it while you see the back of my heels going away. You got me that time. Wish we had been on even odds, but you got me.
What is this traditional bs primitive way you walked?One time the path split between the traditional and the primitive took the traditional and I took the primitive.
So sad if this is becoming a problem and again in Los Arcos. After I heard about the death of the Korean girl a year ago, I walked the Camino with more awareness. There were times I walked alone but made sure that there were other pilgrims ahead of me and behind. Most of the time I felt safe.Dear. All
As the title I wrote, I read a post that a Korean woman ran into a robber on last Friday when she walked to Los Arcos from Estella.
There was only 10 Euro in her pants pocket so she gave it to him but he didn't let her go and he forced her to push into a cave but she pretended not to understand what he said.
And she tried to put off time until someone came there.
Finally, two Korean men were approaching them.
But he covered her mouth by his hand and she bited his fingers to shout.
When the two Koreans found them, he ran away but his blood remained her jacket and she gave the jacket to the police office to request a DNA test.
I heard the news through a post in Korea Camino community and pilgrims who are planning the camino alone are worry about their safety.
I also start to camino on Feb from SJPP alone.
I couldn't cancel anything at this moment because I already paid for too much money so I decided to just do it!
Burglary affairs happen every year (especially winter season) so please be careful and never walk alone and always look forward and afterward if there is someone walk with me.
If there is no one, please wait for someone until he/she comes.
Buen Camino!!!
Isa R.,So sad if this is becoming a problem and again in Los Arcos.
Thank you so so much for your wonderful words of experience & encouragement.xxMy sympathies & prayers for all those affected by tragedies on the Camino. That said, I have a couple words of advice . . .
First, trust in God, but tether your camel. In other words, most people and situations on the Camino will be wonderful. You will find blessings frequent & plentiful. However, like so many have already said, act with caution.
Second, I'd like to offer a few safeguards you can try. Please remember to try these safety techniques during your practice hikes. In your backpack, only carry those items which, if lost can be easily replaced. Whenever I arrived at an albergue early enough to go out on the town, I would take all the items out of my pack and display them on my bunk. This makes a statement to any and all observers that there is nothing valuable in my pack and if you don't mind carrying it, you are welcome to take it (all of this can be replaced). I'm serious! If you take it, you obviously need it more than me! My truly valuable possessions were always kept on my person. If I went anywhere my valuables went with me.
Next, in the event of being accosted on my way, I always carried a dummy wallet. It was a simple item, very light weight & easy to carry, just a roll of paper with a couple low value bills bundled together. (dollars, Euros, what-have-you). I also included a driver's license, old library card, expired credit card, or? (all personal information was scratched away). This dummy wallet looks enticing, but has no real value and it may just save your life. The bad guy will not see how useless it is until you are far, far away. Here's the trick: When accosted, pull the dummy wallet out of your pocket and throw it away. Act scared & yell at the top of your lungs, "That's all I have!" (¡Todo tengo!) Immediately run away yelling or blowing your whistle. Do not hesitate! Run!!!!! Most thieves want easy targets. They will see this roll of money and go after it while you are making a break for safety. When given a choice, they usually want the money more than they want you. One more note on this diversion, remember the Camino is typically a one-way trail. Run away in the reverse direction; soon there will be other Peregrinos coming toward you on the trail.
If you need to run away, remember there is nothing of value in your backpack. You can shed the pack and run so much faster that you will surprise even yourself at how fast you can run!
If you need to replace gear lost from your valueless backpack, most albergues have gear available that has been left behind or donated by other pilgrims. Ask and you will receive.
Send me a private message if you want more information.
Be safe. Be blessed. Buen Camino!
Hi Penny, Thank you so much for your suggestion, yes my brother has also told me this. I do think it will be something that I will consider . My brother is going back again this year, doing the costal route, he also said it is life changing experience and something that he will continue for life. XxShaz, If I could offer one suggestion would be start at St Jean and walk as far as you can in the time aloted. The experience of going through the Pyrenees...breathtaking. Then when time allows return to where you leave off and continue. The last 100 is ok but........
when I went last year I thought it be a once in a lifetime experience.....I did St Jean to Santiago and all I want is to return .
No matter what it will change you forever.
Buen Camino
Dear. All
As the title I wrote, I read a post that a Korean woman ran into a robber on last Friday when she walked to Los Arcos from Estella.
There was only 10 Euro in her pants pocket so she gave it to him but he didn't let her go and he forced her to push into a cave but she pretended not to understand what he said.
And she tried to put off time until someone came there.
Finally, two Korean men were approaching them.
But he covered her mouth by his hand and she bited his fingers to shout.
When the two Koreans found them, he ran away but his blood remained her jacket and she gave the jacket to the police office to request a DNA test.
I heard the news through a post in Korea Camino community and pilgrims who are planning the camino alone are worry about their safety.
I also start to camino on Feb from SJPP alone.
I couldn't cancel anything at this moment because I already paid for too much money so I decided to just do it!
Burglary affairs happen every year (especially winter season) so please be careful and never walk alone and always look forward and afterward if there is someone walk with me.
If there is no one, please wait for someone until he/she comes.
Buen Camino!!!
Hi MirabelleDear. All
As the title I wrote, I read a post that a Korean woman ran into a robber on last Friday when she walked to Los Arcos from Estella.
There was only 10 Euro in her pants pocket so she gave it to him but he didn't let her go and he forced her to push into a cave but she pretended not to understand what he said.
And she tried to put off time until someone came there.
Finally, two Korean men were approaching them.
But he covered her mouth by his hand and she bited his fingers to shout.
When the two Koreans found them, he ran away but his blood remained her jacket and she gave the jacket to the police office to request a DNA test.
I heard the news through a post in Korea Camino community and pilgrims who are planning the camino alone are worry about their safety.
I also start to camino on Feb from SJPP alone.
I couldn't cancel anything at this moment because I already paid for too much money so I decided to just do it!
Burglary affairs happen every year (especially winter season) so please be careful and never walk alone and always look forward and afterward if there is someone walk with me.
If there is no one, please wait for someone until he/she comes.
Buen Camino!!!
Wow, overall, an incredible number of posts to cover what "nycwalking" said very well, in short fashion!!!!I am a towering 5' 2"/157cm, 125lbs/59kg, and female. I have walked CF at 39 years first time, 52 years 2014. Never, was I robbed or hurt in any fashion but I was vigilant. I grew up in Los Angeles and currently reside in New York City, so nature and nuture have schooled me to: look, watch, and listen. As long as you keep a sharp eye out you will be just fine. Facing fears is part of the pilgrimage. As an earlier thread stated: Do not allow a very rare, yet sad, incident halt your camino plans.
Buen camino.
Not exactly what i hoped to see on my first visit to the group.
I'm planning a trip in September alone
Female ?????
we both felt strangely uncomfortable and anxious entering Rioja and before Logrono. We never figured out if the feeling was something real or just made up.
That "little Voice inside" is hard wired into our DNA, always listen to it.Never ignore the ' Little Voice inside ' .
I have travelled to Spain a few times and will again soon and have never had a problem with pickpockets etc. Like every other comment about walking the Camino I would suggest as a female then walk with others or at the least keep them in sight. Like anywhere in the world, don't flaunt that you have lots of cash on you. I used to get cash on arriving at a town and only keep a little in a pocket and stash the rest away. I never left my pack alone if I was by myself. You can carry a money belt under your clothes with passport money etc. I walked a from Astorga to O'Cebriero on my own. In September there were many people around. I ran in to a group of Brazlian men who were all peeing in the bushes right on the trail as I walked past. They walked a distance behind me for a while and kept calling out to me so I started to walk fairly quickly and they couldn't keep up and I lost them. That was the only time I had a problem. Like others have said, keep your personal radar on alert but do not be anxious and if something seems off then pay attention to it. You will be fine. Don't go looking for trouble and you won't get it.Thank you
I can't speak for anyone else who has provided advice, but mine is aimed at anyone not particularly women. If you read carefully what I've written, I am saying that people do not need to have any fear of crime, I am advising people to just be a little bit more aware if they are alone, it's how I travel in general and it would seem being aware saved PeregrinoRobUK's bacon too at least once on the Camino.
I'm not telling anyone to carry pepper spray, I'm just saying I'd get some for my sister. You might not like the term 'soft target' but a small woman or older/elderly less mobile person travelling alone is of course going to appear as an easier proposition for a criminal compared to someone like Mark who is 1.85m, 102kg and willing to physically defend himself, that's just how it is. Define yourself however you like[/QUOTE
Thanks for the advice! I am a woman and very small build and not that young anymore and I am not stupid, I know I do not stand a change against one or more men who wants to take my money from me or do me any harm. So I appreciate all the advvise I could get and do not let my pride stand in my way, because I am a woman- duh!!
I think Portugal is relatively safe and pilgrims are barely a target. Just be vigilant as you would anywhere. Bom caminho!Reading some of this advice, I am wondering.... I am planning to walk the CP from Porto, and on to Muxia on my own starting the beginning of May. Since I am over 70 and small, I suppose I look like a "soft target." I understand that fewer pilgrims take this route, and know from my experience last year on the CF that I walk more slowly than practically anybody, so I don't think there will be others I can walk with. Should I be worried?
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