May 2016 I walked from Leon to Santiago. Mid April and Mid May 2018 I plan to walk SJPP to Leon in two sections perhaps SJPP to Burgos in April then Burgos to Leon in May. In 2016 I did the hotel's only with a spanish tour company. I found myself alone almost all of the time. This time I want to do things differently. I want to walk less with having to reach a hotel and stopping early if I want or need to. Also I want more interaction with fellow pilgrims because staying in hotels to some degree separates you from the others. But I love the comforts of a private bath and prefer quiet evenings after dinner alone. I also need my suitcase. I am not a minimalist. So I thought maybe I could figure out a way to say ship my suitcase ahead maybe 2 or 3 days to a hotel that I book. Arrange for them to hold my suitcase for 2 or 3 days based on my confirmed booking. The other nights I could book the night before or maybe 1 day ahead in private Alberques that have private rooms but not all the comforts I like. As a last resort if I want to stop I stay in any alberque available. Knowing that in 2 or 3 days I will have a hotel room and my suitcase. Has anyone done their Camino in this way and what was your experience? Any suggestions as this is a major concern to me.
The people I spoke to were usually working at hotels. I speak Spanish at an intermediate level. I would love to walk with Spanish speakers but I didn't see a lot on the Camino. I have no idea how I could get to walk with Spanish Speakers that may want to also practice English. I thought last time posting something on the back of my backpack to say "Would love to walk with Spanish Speakers". But I thought it might look weird. How could I meet Spanish pilgrims that want to share love of language?
I was really alone a lot last time. I had audio ebooks to listen to which helped. I did meet up with groups but lots of them started at SJPP and their groups were their family on the Camino. I didn't feel they wanted new members for the long haul. And as a senior female despite being fit and energetic younger people and couples didn't seem to encourage extended conversation. And besides at times I loved walking days on my own. Tough balance.
The people I spoke to were usually working at hotels. I speak Spanish at an intermediate level. I would love to walk with Spanish speakers but I didn't see a lot on the Camino. I have no idea how I could get to walk with Spanish Speakers that may want to also practice English. I thought last time posting something on the back of my backpack to say "Would love to walk with Spanish Speakers". But I thought it might look weird. How could I meet Spanish pilgrims that want to share love of language?
I was really alone a lot last time. I had audio ebooks to listen to which helped. I did meet up with groups but lots of them started at SJPP and their groups were their family on the Camino. I didn't feel they wanted new members for the long haul. And as a senior female despite being fit and energetic younger people and couples didn't seem to encourage extended conversation. And besides at times I loved walking days on my own. Tough balance.