- Time of past OR future Camino
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Yes, I met several pilgrims last summer walking without a phone or only having service inside the albergue where there was wifi. I walked without my phone but carried a Kindle for books on the first Camino (at that time I had a flip phone anyway). Now I use my phone for my guidebooks and for the Apps that show me the GPS mapping of where I am in relation to the Camino.This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
As a 70-something woman with a comfortable life at home, I identify with much of what you say. I carry my backpack for a month every year with 5-6 kg of stuff.I’d be really interested to know what others think.
I think you have conflated two different issues. Being immersed in your phone, while waiting for an albergue to open, is a totally different issue than having the “courage” to walk without one. I think that the only courage it takes to walk without a cell phone is the courage it takes to walk, maybe in a remote mountain area, knowing that if something happens to you, you will not have any way to get help. But I would not call that courage.The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
Yes.I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
I live in a part of the US where there is not much cell phone coverage and there is nothing more freeing that leaving town and knowing no one from work can call or text me...we carry an emergency beacon in case one of us falls off a mountain or something and we really need help. I can also use it to show my location to family and friends who may be wondering where we on a setting that is non-emergency.I think you have conflated two different issues. Being immersed in your phone, while waiting for an albergue to open, is a totally different issue than having the “courage” to walk without one. I think that the only courage it takes to walk without a cell phone is the courage it takes to walk, maybe in a remote mountain area, knowing that if something happens to you, you will not have any way to get help. But I would not call that courage.
I also walk with a phone and would never walk without one. Emergencies happen. If you don’t have a phone, you better hope that someone near you does if you need access to emergency services.
Sure, I walked the camino many times in the 2000s without a phone, using a phone card, calling home from a phone booth, sending emails from internet cafés. The added security and convenience the phone brings to my caminos is immeasurable.
I leave it to the owner of a cell phone to decide what the right time, place and manner of cell phone usage should be, just like I leave it to owners of packs to decide on luggage transport, or just like I leave it to people to decide whether to book ahead or wing it. I think we all have our own preferences on these and many other camino topics, but I also think that letting it go and not pouring on the judgment is likely to result in a more enjoyable camino for everyone.
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices.
Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
Yes, some people are more talkative than others. But maybe those same people were walking and talking together all day. Who says that we need to be chatty with strangers/acquaintances for X hours each day, and then let onlookers know that we have complied?I felt it was a shame because people weren't talking to each other, or just being. But maybe that's not so different to people choosing to walk alone in silence and relishing it (which was me most of the time).
Years ago while I was visiting my parents for a few days, my father made a snide comment about me "fooling around with my phone all day". I was texting my friends that I only see once a year and coordinating our get togethers for the next week or messaging my partner to see how his day was. It's how people communicate.
While on Camino, I pulled my phone out to take pictures, check my maps, google what that weird plant was, look up information about the town I was coming to, the name of that river with the pretty set of falls, how to say a specific phrase in Spanish or to find the article I had read to share with someone to further our conversation. I posted pictures for my friends back home, answered their questions, excitedly sharing my day's experiences. Alone in my room, I would check up on my usual news sources and talk to my partner at home about his day and where I was now.
Once while talking to a few other peregrinos, one asked if I Googled everything. Yes, yes I do. I had looked up the various species of venomous snakes that they might have run into backpacking through Sweden, and the venomous snakes in Spain, they had no idea about either. I had looked up the town they were from and had asked about the architecture. One of them had shin splints and I showed them a video on how to foam roll to release the strain.
I didn't see anyone walking, phone in hand, staring at their screens. I saw people talking to each other, pointing out a tree or hill, or immersed in their own world of one step in front of the other.
Sometimes I don't want to talk to anyone and would rather randomly scroll the internet while enjoying my cup of coffee. Sometimes I want to share something with someone. Sometimes I want to be entertained. Sometimes I want to complain on an internet forum about something someone else is doing that doesn't impact me at all.
I do the same.Once while talking to a few other peregrinos, one asked if I Googled everything. Yes, yes I do. I had looked up the various species of venomous snakes that they might have run into backpacking through Sweden, and the venomous snakes in Spain, they had no idea about either. I had looked up the town they were from and had asked about the architecture. One of them had shin splints and I showed them a video on how to foam roll to release the strain.
I do think that the ‘all I need is what’s on my back’ concept is important and, when I don’t think about it too hard; it’s refreshing.This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
One of the things I remember hearing from my 2016 Camino is that we tend to carry our fears. I know I tended to carry a lot more food on that Camino because I was afraid of a hangry teenager.This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
A perfectly reasonable fear.I know I tended to carry a lot more food on that Camino because I was afraid of a hangry teenager.
Ita got a name! Phubbing!This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
Ita got a name! Phubbing!
Just like the poster who said her dad made a remark about her phone usage, my day used to say "get your nose out of that book!" When spending time with family. Also didn't like me to sleep in the car. We were supposed to watch the scenery because "we may never pass this way again".Hands up, everyone, who has ever walked into a utility pole or parked car while they had their nose in a book, and been made fun of for being antisocial?
Speaking from experience, it is the fire hydrants that are really painful to walk into when one's nose is stuck in a book. I quickly learned to develop good peripheral vision when I was reading while walking every day.Hands up, everyone, who has ever walked into a utility pole or parked car while they had their nose in a book, and been made fun of for being antisocial?
I almost argued with a parking meter once because I saw something in my peripheral vision while reading my book and they wouldn't move out of my way!Speaking from experience, it is the fire hydrants that are really painful to walk into when one's nose is stuck in a book. I quickly learned to develop good peripheral vision when I was reading while walking every day.
After being hospitalized in 2013 my wife will not let me go without a phone just incase, but I use it only to say hi to her and tell her I am okay.This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
I have been called a ‘Phubber’ by the person who introduced me to the word so I would assume so!Thanks for keeping us updated on new words — another bit of evidence of how our language is continually evolving. Are the people who phub called phubbers?
I will be walking the Aragones -- alone. I do want to have a working cell phone on that route in case something happens. Did yours not work because of the network/company you had (is there a way to make sure I do have service?), or just because there just IS no cell service?I live in a part of the US where there is not much cell phone coverage and there is nothing more freeing that leaving town and knowing no one from work can call or text me...we carry an emergency beacon in case one of us falls off a mountain or something and we really need help. I can also use it to show my location to family and friends who may be wondering where we on a setting that is non-emergency.
Last summer in Spain, my cell phone didn't work on some sections of the Aragones and there was no wifi at some albergues. Having a phone is a convenience, but I would not call it necessary.
One of the reasons I'm planning to use Polar Steps is that I want to unplug as much as possible from social media and yet keep people somewhat updated. Both family who'll want to know I'm OK (walking alone) and friends who are scholars of Spanish history and will appreciate the info about my adventure. There's no way I want to spend a lot of time on a device while I'm there, and Polar Steps will take care of this.I took my mobile because I have Polar Steps on it and so my family could follow my journey! I don’t think I used it once as a phone!
I used my home network from the US which was ATT. Just like at home, where I live in the mountains, I did not always have service. I noticed it most at Arres, but I don't look at my phone much outside of albergues and an occasional check to see how far to the next water point. There are maps online which show service coverage for the carriers in Spain, but I don't buy a Sim card since I need to stay in contact with tech challenged elderly parents at home.I will be walking the Aragones -- alone. I do want to have a working cell phone on that route in case something happens. Did yours not work because of the network/company you had (is there a way to make sure I do have service?), or just because there just IS no cell service?
This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
Try getting in and out of Spain during 2020/21/22 plagues without airline, Spanish health dept and various other apps and QR codes needed for transportation and border crossings. Also US required Covid test prior to flying back from Spain. Even with cell phone it was a PIA to find labs and make appointments. Not needed at present, but.... Yeah, my phone also replaces guidebook, watch, alarm clock, camera, calculator, pen/postcards/paper/envelopes/stamps, payphones (Ha Ha), maps, compass, flashlight, going to train and bus stations for schedules, airline checkin, English/Spanish dictionary, ....This forum is a fabulous resource of practical information and moral support for those planning a potentially tough walk, in what is for many an unfamiliar continent. But I wonder how many of the anxieties shared here, about kit and brands, communications, baggage transport and the availability of coffee and toilets have their roots in the desire to carry (often literally) the home experience on Camino?
My walking companion convinced me that carrying our packs would give us flexibility as to how far to walk each day; quite important for two seventy-something's not used to long distance walking. That decision drove a minimal packing list, and a major change in outlook for this arch-planner. And many worries. How would I manage without my favourite early morning coffee, my music, my regular perfume and my comforting radio at night? How would I cope with albergue life and with not knowing where I would be sleeping?
Somewhere near Samos I realised that one of the things that I was most grateful for was the experience of living without my usual comforts and wide choices. For me that simplicity gave a freedom and richness beyond that of simply having time without the pressures of a busy life.
But I did take my mobile though I tried to look at it only once a day. That of course can provide music, radio and books as well as a near-constant link to friends and family. The saddest site I saw on Camino was a row of pilgrims waiting outside an albergue, each immersed in their own phone. Does anyone have the courage to walk without one, these days?
I’d be really interested to know what others think.
Thanks.I used my home network from the US which was ATT. Just like at home, where I live in the mountains, I did not always have service. I noticed it most at Arres, but I don't look at my phone much outside of albergues and an occasional check to see how far to the next water point. There are maps online which show service coverage for the carriers in Spain, but I don't buy a Sim card since I need to stay in contact with tech challenged elderly parents at home.
Edit: also with two factor identification for accounts and my work, I would have to change all to my new Spain number in order to get access. I don't have an expensive new phone that accepts e-sim.
Hands up, everyone, who has ever walked into a utility pole or parked car while they had their nose in a book, and been made fun of for being antisocial?
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