Abrazos Gratis

[sillydoll]

Abrazos Gratis - Free Hugs http://www.abrazosgratis.org

For all the lonely people on the Camino who won't have a hug for a month or more, join the Abrazos Gratis movement that has spread across the world and offer your fellow peregrinos a free hug.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1xnVDiV9xE

 

[Al the optimist]

I met a bunch of these in a Plaza in Granada city centre last year. It was an amazing experience!

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Laughing. :lol:
Sorry but I would never let a stranger hug me on the street just like that.
I would think they want to try to steal my wallet or something.

 

[Al the optimist]

Well if you had watched the joy these displayed it would be a pretty hard person to even think of that.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

And what do you mean by that, Al?

 

[mariposa627]

I am a hugger. I have hugged strangers and acquaintances. Sometimes it was just to share a hug but others when it was needed for support, consolation or when one person was despairing. Why? Why should I put myself out there? Because sometimes you just have to believe your instincts will help guide you to when the time is right and the situation is right. I live with an open heart. I AM TURNING 48 THIS YEAR, I WILL BE ONTHE CAMINO PORTUGUES for my 48th. I will be hugging anyone who will accept it. Try it, you just might like it. Do it safely. I do.

 

[Al the optimist]

Hope no offence taken Suzann as none intended, that is not part of my nature. I am very cautious too about my passport etc. having lived in Madrid. What I may have expressed badly is difficult to explain. There were all these young people having a great time in the Plaza bringing smiles to people walking past and to those on the terraces. Little children, parents, people of all ages - it was just a lovely feeling all around. It was a truly wonderful experience that I would happily enjoy again.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

No problems Al, it's easy to misunderstand things on Internet, and lots of people are in a bad mood. (Not me at the moment :wink: )
Anyway it is of course a bit sad that one must keep ones guards up all the time.
I have met a few shoe polishers who initially seemed the nicest ever. Now I only wear sandals or trainers. :lol:

 

[tyrrek]

I love spending a couple of days in Santiago bumping into or leaving people I've met and hugging them (and watching other people do the same). There is a sign in the pilg office in Finisterre offering this service, but I didn't take it up when I was there.

I don't trust myself at the best of times. :shock:

Buen Camino!

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Well it's not that I don't like hugs, rather the opposite. :wink:
We hug each other a lot here in Sweden. Maybe it's because it's so cold here.
Actually I've been thinking this afternoon if there's a hug-safe wallet to buy.
If one should be hugged by the wrong person, I mean.

Hugs
And Buen camino

 

[Al the optimist]

I have a detachable pocket that has a loop to go on your belt, with the pocket sitting inside your trousers.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

You mean something like this one?

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/undercover-h ... ket/d/1130
I've been thinking about buying one. But have only seen it online.
Is it soft and comfortable to wear?

 

[Al the optimist]

Yes something like that Suzanna, though mine is a little simpler with only on strap. I bought it somewhere in Madrid last year. Mine is so comfortable that one day I searched high and low for it and you've no doubt guessed I was wearing it!