Birthdays and Anniversaries

[Al the optimist]

I'm sure that many people will have celebrated Birthdays and Anniversaries while walking their Caminos. Anyone care to share their experiences?
Buen Camino
Allan

Just a reminder to those who post on this topic to be vague about the actual date of their birthday as date of birth is often used in security questions.
William
Moderator

 

[petro]

Hi,

I walked the CF in May/June 2011 and on the day of the final stretch to Finisterre I celebrated my birthday. On the previous night I mentioned it to a fellow pilgrim I met on and off on the way while having dinner and wine with other pilgirms. The next day I was walking deep in thought, my head bent down in a slight drizzle when I saw the message written with rocks "Happy Bday Petra" I was so touched! Later that evening, sitting at the lighthouse I said a huge thank you to all people who made my camino extra special!

 

[Gailsie]

I too will be looking forward to responses on this topic. In May 2014 I plan to celebrate my 65th birthday on the Camino Frances. I have been trying to figure out approximately where I might plan a rest day to treat myself. I am planning to begin on the Aragonese and then walk much (or perhaps all) of the Francis.

 

[Al the optimist]

Gailsie you have hit the nail on the head. I too am thinking about whether to have my 65th in May 2014 before starting the Frances or during it!
Allan

 

[Gailsie]

Hi Al, my birthday is early May and I hear that the Camino Frances is busy in May (I walked in Sept/Oct 09) and also I am dealing with the May 1st holiday. Having a great time planning and considering my options. I may leave here in mid April and fly to Paris and take the train to Lourdes as I have wanted to go there for years. Then I could start the Aragonese at Somport (if there is no snow in the pass) or at Canfranc. Anyway I have lots of time for planning and this forum is so wonderful for ideas and information.

 

[Al the optimist]

Mine is the 20th. It falls in the timescale I would prefer to walk the Frances (May/June). I know many people have many views on what they prefer - this is only my preference. But even so I am not sure whether to go after that. That is why I am asking people to kindly share their experiences.
allan

 

[jeffnd]

I'm starting my Camino from SJPP on in May 2013, my 31st birthday.

 

[grayland]

Reposting William's warning:


Just a reminder to those who post on this topic to be vague about the actual date of their birthday as date of birth is often used in security questions.
William
Moderator

 

[julie]

I suppose it depends on whether and how you usually celebrate birthdays. We're not big on celebrations so, much as I love my family, I can't think of anywhere better than the Camino to celebrate my birthday - particularly a "special" one.

 

[LTfit]

I agree with Julie on all counts - love my family but...

I have spent my last three birthdays on the Camino and on each ocassion it has been special. The first was spent in Sahagún and I invited a fellow pelegrina out for a drink. When the café owner heard that it was my birthday she gave us two tapas and placed 1 candle on each: a 5 and a 4. How thoughtful! I actually saw her again this summer and told her how much I appreciated that gesture.

In 2011 I was in Fuente de Cantos on the VdlP and treated my walking buddy and another Spanish couple to a glass of wine - a mere 4 euros!

This summer I was hospitalera in Grañón and the whole day was a fiesta! My fellow hospitaleros, Jesús, the priest, the town bakers and all the pelegrinos made it a day I will never forget. Have you ever been sung to in Spanish, French, English, Italian, Swedish and Polish?

Do it!

 

[Al the optimist]

Sorry William. My Fault. Thanks for the advice.