- Time of past OR future Camino
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Good advice. The only thing that we can change is our own reaction.Just give in to the occasion - deliberately decide to enjoy it in spite of your preferences!
Peter, you were meant to get lost and the Camino provided you to help Esther during her moment of need.On my last day from O pedrouzo I was in that much of a hurry to finish I got lost for the last 3 or 4 kms and had to walk along the grass verge of a motorway leading into santiago. But then just as I was to cross over the bridge into the city I met a French girl, Esther. She was frozen to the spot as she had a great fear of crossing over big bridges. I asked if I could help and took her hand and walked over the bridge with her. The smile on her face quickly brought me to my senses and reminded me of the journey I had taken.
Hi Barbara, congratulations on walking your Camino. It is a real shock to the system. After reading about this I tried to get a mind set of everyone is on a journey.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I'm sure that is true to a certain extent. But it has its limits. If someone slaps me in the face it is not entirely up to me to choose how much pain I will feel. Our perceptions and reactions to the world around us are personal and individual and not wholly under our immediate control. Various factors in my life have contributed to making me a shy and introverted person who does not enjoy contact with large numbers of boisterous people. Although I find great pleasure in walking pilgrimage routes I now very deliberately choose routes and times which offer solitude rather than a forced immersion into the hectic celebrations of others. Unexpectedly finding myself in a 120km long party would be a very stressful experience for me and I cannot simply change my whole personality and "deliberately decide to enjoy it". I strongly sympathise with the OP's situation and find answers which ultimately boil down to "snap out of it" are unhelpful.Good advice. The only thing that we can change is our own reaction.
I suppose then that the OP learned a valuable lesson for any future ancient, popular pilgrimages walked by millions over the centuries. Choose the road less traveled.I'm sure that is true to a certain extent. But it has its limits. If someone slaps me in the face it is not entirely up to me to choose how much pain I will feel. Our perceptions and reactions to the world around us are personal and individual and not wholly under our immediate control. Various factors in my life have contributed to making me a shy and introverted person who does not enjoy contact with large numbers of boisterous people. Although I find great pleasure in walking pilgrimage routes I now very deliberately choose routes and times which offer solitude rather than a forced immersion into the hectic celebrations of others. Unexpectedly finding myself in a 120km long party would be a very stressful experience for me and I cannot simply change my whole personality and "deliberately decide to enjoy it". I strongly sympathise with the OP's situation and find answers which ultimately boil down to "snap out of it" are unhelpful.
I came to the same conclusion some years ago. Fortunately there are still routes and seasons to suit us all.Choose the road less traveled.
As for their present situation really all one can do is carry on. Ultreia. The masses certainly aren't going to adjust for any introverts that come along.
I have been contemplating the busy-ness of the last-100-km-experience and am thinking about choosing a walking route from Sarria into Santiago that is not "officially recognized", i.e. not marked on maps as a Camino route.
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings
Just give in to the occasion - deliberately decide to enjoy it in spite of your preferences!
I tried to word my advice in a way that was not a cavalier "snap out of it." I do not find this natural, either, but do sometimes find it helpful to consciously attempt a different attitude.I cannot simply change my whole personality and "deliberately decide to enjoy it". I strongly sympathise with the OP's situation and find answers which ultimately boil down to "snap out of it" are unhelpful.
I find it quite a jolt to the senses as well. So next time, I'll turn left at Ponferada, and finish on the Invierno. Ive heard some of the stages can be longer, but I figure I will have built up to it by then.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I respectfully disagree.But it has its limits
I strongly sympathise with the OP's situation and find answers which ultimately boil down to "snap out of it" are unhelpful.
We can't.I cannot simply change my whole personality and "deliberately decide to enjoy it".
Sitting and sipping a reparative vino blanco in SdeC, I'm inclined to agree with you, Annie. If there's a next time for me it probably won't be the Frances.We have felt the same, and more so as we’ve grown older. We seem to enjoy those quiet moments more. Our answer is to not walk the Frances again. Our next Camino will hopefully be one on a less traveled route.
I would not disagree. I do not see the issue as being a conflict between "them" and "us". For my own part it is more a case of being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers being encountered. None of the irritations that @BarbaraW mentions are exclusive to those who start in Sarria. But on the meseta with fewer pilgrims they are less frequently met and there is usually space to leave the worst examples behind you. Harder to do that in the very busy final few stages.The Pilgrims on that section might be a bit different and walking the Camino in a different way, but they are Pilgrims.
And there are more of them.........than us (longer distance Pilgrims)
Yup…just the noise, volume of people and massive infrastructure are jarring to the senses of the distance walker. For me, on my two times through this section, I tried to bring my focus inward and still found things to appreciate. I will say that I gleefully hopped on a train at Baamonde, last time on the del Norte and went to Pontevedra to avoid going into Santiago from the east again. And, I really enjoyed the last three stages of the PC. Also, the Invierno beckons, should I find myself at the crossroads again.
Barbara, Savour the moment, it is a wonderful achievement, sit in the square and just enjoy the feeling of finishing it intact. Many aspire to complete the Camino, but many fall by the wayside . I know what it takes and I know what you have been through !!! Well done and if it is a more peaceful joyous walk with stunning views you seek, take on The Le Puy, it is the most beautiful walk I have ever done and I have done a few!!!I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Wise words. Someone mentioned to me awhile back, that 'a Tourist expects and a Pilgrim accepts'...as pilgrims ,we can never demand how we will feel at the end of any journey we undertake....
Disagree with this statement. People are not entitled to spread their ugly graffiti everywhere, or leave their basic manners at home, or startle hikers by not just giving a basic shout out instead of using stupid little bells meant for child bikes.I've been through all or part of the last section three times now, and I've become more tolerant, as I've realized it's not just my Camino. It's everyone's, even the more rowdy people. The last time through, after joining up at the end of the Norte, I even enjoyed the infectious energy the "newbies" bring. I know it's a shock, but they're entitled to their experience just as much as we are. Shouldn't even be "us" vs. "them." We're all in it together.
I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I don’t want to sound naive or simplistic but isn’t it simply a case of “ live and let live.” None of us really know the impact we’re having on others and annoying people aren’t confined to those walking from Sarria. Good luck, though. Don’t let others affect your fantastic achievement.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I find it quite a jolt to the senses as well. So next time, I'll turn left at Ponferada, and finish on the Invierno. Ive heard some of the stages can be longer, but I figure I will have built up to it by then.
After walking for weeks in relative quiet, it isn't about being impatient or angry with the throng of people, it is actually so jarring, I feel unsettled, anxious and a bit jumpy. Sort of like waking up and finding you're on another planet. I think made worse by the fact that I walk to Sarria via Samos, which is so tranquil and quiet.
No amount of 'snap out of it' will change that.
I think the older I get the less I am able to exist in crowds. Especially since I've now moved to a small rural village. If I have to wait for 2 cars before crossing the road, it feels like a traffic jam!
I used to live and work in a city.
Now it takes me a while to work my work back to coping with crowds.
After Portomarin, I started quite early in the morning, and it eased a bit for me.
I was quite relaxed in Santiago though, and enjoyed sitting back and watching and cheering other pilgrims walking in.
I appreciate your sharing your thoughts. A short time ago as I was complaining to a friend about screaming children at a laundromat I was using here in the states, she leaned in and whispered a prayer: “Bless them. Change me.”I don’t want to sound naive or simplistic but isn’t it simply a case of “ live and let live.” None of us really know the impact we’re having on others and annoying people aren’t confined to those walking from Sarria. Good luck, though. Don’t let others affect your fantastic achievement.
I know.... let go, enjoy the celebration. That is also a part of lifeI know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I just finished the coastal Portuguese Camino and it was amazing. However, in a very densely treed and narrow part of the trail a biker came hurling over the hill and almost took me out. I feel the Camino is for all types of travelers but as with everything respect and courtesy goes a long way.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
We came to that realization 5 years ago. And it is difficult not getting angry.We have felt the same, and more so as we’ve grown older. We seem to enjoy those quiet moments more. Our answer is to not walk the Frances again. Our next Camino will hopefully be one on a less traveled route.
Barbara, maybe that is the Camino’s way of preparing you to go back into the world post Camino. A world that is full of noise, distractions and clamor.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Patience and love. Enjoy Santago.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I have done that stretch a three times. The first time I did not understand the dynamics of the increase in pilgrims from Sarria, the next time it was "off-season" and the third time I swore would be my last. The CP isn't quite as congested on the final 100k but the vibe on the CP is different. One time I took the train from Astorga to Ferrol to walk the CI for a second time thus avoiding the final 100k congestion on the CF after Sarria.
I keep playing with what caminos I will walk starting in late October this year. I will start on the Aragones. If more of the municipal albergues open up on the Madrid I will walk to Logrono than train to Madrid and walk from Madrid to Sahagun. I will stay on the Camino until Sarria. Last year I walked the Via de la Plata and intended to avoid the CF completely but it was getting close to December and more and more albergues were closed and private hostels were getting expensive for me so I walked to Astorga. It was early the end of November when I got to Sarria and it wasn't too bad at all. I tried to sleep in "non stage" towns the rest of the way. This worked well for me.P.S. I'm not sure I'll ever walk that section again though. Like others commenting above, I prefer the route less travelled. And I probably only have a couple more Caminos left in me.....
Ummm...? The camino and the real world are not different places. But maybe you are a different person?once you get to Santiago you’re back in the real world again
Very good suggestion. Let the masses go ahead, and then have the way to yourself.This was in June and one year pre-covid so things should have been going rather strong...it was not like we chose an off time or the route was abandoned due to covid, monkey pox, or herds of attack chickens.
So, though it may impact you in other ways (like getting a bed at the other end if you do not have reservations) consider hanging back a bit. Perhaps your anger may abate as do the crowds.
I just went with the flow. Easier that way.
And...amen.“Bless them. Change me.”
My first Camino, Frances, begins on June 10. I expect the most annoying person I will meet will be myself.
There is a third option.I prefer the route less traveled. It brings me the peace and joy I seek.
For others go nuts from Sarria and enjoy.
I recently finished and experienced the same. Looking through your photos of earlier stages and staying connected to the friends you made along the way will help you to remain focused on the things that matter most.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I grew up in total hubbub. In a one bedroom apartment with 5 people. Parents slept in the living room. In the Bronx in New York. Went to a high school which was in the Guinness Book of World Records at the time for being the largest high school in the world. 7,600 guys broken into 3 sessions from 7:15AM to 7:00PM. Lived in lots of huge cities topped off by the 22 million in Mexico City. I have had enough of the hubbub. Yes there is joy and peace in everything if you allow it. For me, the easier it is to find peace and joy the better. I am still a Bronx kid with alot of what makes the Bronx pulsing through my veins. That is being loud of mouth and brain. Saying what you think and rubbing a whole lot of people the wrong way by just being yourself. We aren't usually very socially or politically correct and have our own definition of wokness. In a nutshell for me being woke is calling out bulls*&t which surrounds us every day. So I would much rather walk the road less traveled and leave the third option to others. Go for it and enjoy it.There is a third option.
Find peace and joy in the hubbub.
(clip.)......But, I have walked three pilgrim routes since then, none through Sarria, and my plans for this fall will again take me into Santiago on another route. I am not saying which, since I don't want all of you on it.
On my first Camino, my walking companion and I were joined by a woman who had lost her "group" that started in Sarria. Even tho' it was annoying, I came to realize that her anxiety was well-placed as it was all so new. She stayed with us for a day and found her tour that evening. That said, experiencing the Camino is individual when walking basically alone and a group kinda experiences it as a group. Letting go of expectations of peoples' actions can truly support how you want to embrace the last part of your Camino.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Start walking very early that way you can avoid the crowds. It helped meI know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
@Roseangel: Ourense is lovely! I think your plan to walk from there to Santiago is perfect. My walk was a number of years ago, but I can remember choosing the long slog up a very steep hill on the edge of Ourense to get the elevation gain over with in one go. How wonderful it was to get to the top and see the marker "Santiago 99kms"!Hi Barbara, congratulations on walking your Camino. It is a real shock to the system. After reading about this I tried to get a mind set of everyone is on a journey.
I left quite early in the mornings (very quietly) if a large group I would just pull over for a while. My first reaction was "I've walked from Sjpdp, I'm more worthy"
Buy that was a lesson I knew I needed to work on amongst many more. I did change my outlook along the way & ended up loving the enthusiasm of the new/fresh walkers. However my second Camino I took the train from Sarria to Santiago .
Then after a few days went to Muxia which was very healing and serene.
My SEP Camino Frances I'm looking at training it from Sarria to Ourense and walking from there instead of Sarria.
Barbara - thank you for your post. You have brought back many memories for me of my 2019 Camino. Yes, it was much more populated from Sarria onwards. Sometimes there were very noisy groups, people who dragged their walking poles (no rubber tips on them). We would stop for a cafe con leche, walk a bit faster, walk a bit slower, take photos etc. We also met some of the most inspirational people from Sarria onwards. A Spanish gentleman is in my heart and mind forever, Luis had a severe stroke a number of years prior to his Camino. The Camino was one of the goals of his rehabilitation. He was on crutches and had to drag his feet along - his carer was always alongside. We saw him often and always had a great connection. We spent four days in Santiago and had a great reunion with Luis. I would not be concerned about negative thoughts walking into Santiago - you may experience the whole range of emotions, I very much doubt that negativity will be one of them. Ultreia!I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
As in life, one must embrace the good times as well as the bad. And some day, when looking back, one realizes those "bad" times were not really that bad.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Exactly and I couldn't agree more! These overused sayings like, "The Camino Will Provide" or "We Can Never Demand" or - it goes on and on - "Us vs. Them" or "Nothing To Stress Over", or "how blessed I am to be there in the first place" and "decide to enjoy it in spite of your preferences!", "The only thing that we can change is our own reaction" - which is completely wrong - etc., come from an arrogance that is a massive turn-off. "Expectations are the bane of reality" - who said anything about their expectations anyhow? - and "I find when I’m feeling negative about things, it’s time to reframe my thoughts into positive thoughts" are more airy-fairy sayings that are overused and, therefore, lost their meaning. It's okay to find something unpleasant and to express it. What's not okay is to pretend that it wasn't unpleasant and feel like you can't express your own truth. We all need to be able to say when we didn't feel happy or right about something as long as we express it respectfully without having to hear or read these incredibly arrogant and insensitive comments that really come from a place of Pride and Arrogance and not from a caring and listening ear. And oh dear, maybe the worst one, "Making peace with yourself is easy, but you have to make peace with the rest of the world as well."-PULEASE.....!I'm sure that is true to a certain extent. But it has its limits. If someone slaps me in the face it is not entirely up to me to choose how much pain I will feel. Our perceptions and reactions to the world around us are personal and individual and not wholly under our immediate control. Various factors in my life have contributed to making me a shy and introverted person who does not enjoy contact with large numbers of boisterous people. Although I find great pleasure in walking pilgrimage routes I now very deliberately choose routes and times which offer solitude rather than a forced immersion into the hectic celebrations of others. Unexpectedly finding myself in a 120km long party would be a very stressful experience for me and I cannot simply change my whole personality and "deliberately decide to enjoy it". I strongly sympathise with the OP's situation and find answers which ultimately boil down to "snap out of it" are unhelpful.
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
I feel your pain. We did the CF and then onward to Finisterre last autumn. We had our fellow walkers that we had mostly been with for the last month, but felt 'imposed upon' by all the folks joining after Sarria. It took a day to realize that we had the privilege of walking the whole route from SJPdP and they did not. That gave it a bit of a different perspective because we recalled how excited we were to initially begin the Way. It also gave us pause to think about the few people we met at the beginning who had come from further in France and Germany and England, on whose route we joined when they were already well experienced, and we were the 'newbies'. We experienced a further culture change when we headed out on the route to Finisterre. None of our 'group' continued on so it was a very different feel again. Quieter, and starting from scratch making camino friends.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I think this is a wonderful point that too often gets lost. Sure, there are lots of people, sure, some of them are boisterous, sure, they are only walking 100 km, but if you were to take the time to meet and hear the stories of those people walking from Sarria, you would be humbled. Here are a fewWe also met some of the most inspirational people from Sarria onwards. A Spanish gentleman is in my heart and mind forever, Luis had a severe stroke a number of years prior to his Camino. The Camino was one of the goals of his rehabilitation. He was on crutches and had to drag his feet along - his carer was always alongside.
Barbara, you are not alone in how you feel. When I walked from SJPP in 2015 some of the people I met up with, were so disgusted after Sarria, that they gave up the Camino, and went home.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Wow. Gave up on the Camino? Really? Why? Because they encountered other human beings on an ancient religious pilgrimage path that was walked by millions in medieval times and had in the last twenty years or so had a resurgence, a massive increase in popularity which has since brought millions more to it?Barbara, you are not alone in how you feel. When I walked from SJPP in 2015 some of the people I met up with, were so disgusted after Sarria, that they gave up the Camino, and went home.
I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Your question as to why, you will need ask them.Wow. Gave up on the Camino? Really? Why? Because they encountered other human beings on an ancient religious pilgrimage path that was walked by millions in medieval times and had in the last twenty years or so had a resurgence, a massive increase in popularity which has since brought millions more to it?
I was hoping that you would tell us something of what happened! So glad to see it was a positive experience. In fact, your post here expresses so well what it actually was for you. Thank you.Thank you for so many helpful and thoughtful replies. Bradypus's almost instant response made me feel much less of the grumpy old lady and I treasure Mspath's beautiful quote from Rilke. Peter 462's story reminded me that the Camino often provides in unexpected ways. The stories about how others had dealt with similar feelings were helpful. I'm sorry if anyone thought that I meant there was anything lesser in walking from Sarria. I do not and had tried to make that my irritation was only about some behaviours.
This is what happened. I left Lavacolla at 6.30, and walked through the woodland glorious with birdsong. There were two others far ahead. It was the most beautiful dawn, with a white crescent moon in the last of the night. At San Marco I stopped to say hello to the sun and my shadow. The desire for breakfast had me thinking about how all those crowds ensure that the facilities we all need are able to survive. Monte de Gonzo provided breakfast and I got chatting to a couple of English cyclists. I let go of my plan to get to the cathedral for 9.30 feeling it was more important to learn about their very different Camino.
Closer to the city I thought about the pilgrims of old who must have felt so exuberant at having survived their journey and reached Santiago. I have not had to ford rivers, fear bandits or risk pestilence.
As I crossed the motorway bridge I was in tears of joy.
The city was quiet and, without having looked at my watch, found it was just 9.25 when I reached the cathedral. They let me in, with my backpack (only 20 litres) . At the end of mass I felt I a touch on my shoulder. It was S whom I'd met a few days previously. We were both thrilled to see each other and went together to get our Compostelas.
I'm a slow walker and had thought everyone I knew would be long gone home, but later bumped into other old friends, one in particular whom I'd spent several evenings with and liked very much.She had just arrived so I showed her the Pilgrim Office routine, and ended the day with a convivial supper.
So, a most joyous day.
I hope this thread helps someone else too.
While I agree with your sentiment, I, too, wanted to give up on walking to Santiago when suddenly many more Camino walkers were sharing my space than before: it happened to me in Saint Jean Pied de Port. I am not the only one with such an experience. And like so many others, I walk in sections over several years, and eventually friends and family persuaded me to continue to Santiago and I did. I walked from the Sarria/Portomarín area to Santiago in late October and barely saw a pilgrim on the trail, let alone two.Wow. Gave up on the Camino? Really? Why? Because they encountered other human beings on an ancient religious pilgrimage path that was walked by millions in medieval times and had in the last twenty years or so had a resurgence, a massive increase in popularity which has since brought millions more to it?
Perhaps because they encountered so many other human beings. I have walked the Frances, Primitivo, Ingles, Finisterre, Portugues, Via de la Plata, Mozarabe and Sanabres Caminos. Some more than once. I've also walked pilgrim routes in the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Norway and Japan. All this spread over more than 30 years since my first Camino in Spain. And despite all that experience my immediate intention on reaching Sarria on my most recent Camino Frances walk in 2016 was to pack it in right there and find a train or bus to an airport. Something I have never done during a pilgrimage. The vast numbers and the crass garish commercialisation of the Camino struck me almost like a physical blow. Instead I passed through Sarria without stopping and by evening I was mentally ready to carry on my journey. I finished my walk in Santiago and in retrospect I was glad to have done so. I now have a clearer first hand understanding of what the modern Camino Frances is. That's why I walk elsewhere these days.Wow. Gave up on the Camino? Really? Why? Because they encountered other human beings on an ancient religious pilgrimage path that was walked by millions in medieval times and had in the last twenty years or so had a resurgence, a massive increase in popularity which has since brought millions more to it?
Maybe it's not your experience. But that doesn't mean it's wrong."The only thing that we can change is our own reaction" - which is completely wrong
I understand your reaction to the apparent commercialization to parts of the CF. I had a similar reaction when I started a Camino in Lourdes. Because my first Camino changed my depth of feeling for my "cradle Catholic" religion so fully, I decided to start walking my next one from that most Holy site.Perhaps because they encountered so many other human beings. I have walked the Frances, Primitivo, Ingles, Finisterre, Portugues, Via de la Plata, Mozarabe and Sanabres Caminos. Some more than once. I've also walked pilgrim routes in the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Norway and Japan. All this spread over more than 30 years since my first Camino in Spain. And despite all that experience my immediate intention on reaching Sarria on my most recent Camino Frances walk in 2016 was to pack it in right there and find a train or bus to an airport. Something I have never done during a pilgrimage. The vast numbers and the crass garish commercialisation of the Camino struck me almost like a physical blow. Instead I passed through Sarria without stopping and by evening I was mentally ready to carry on my journey. I finished my walk in Santiago and in retrospect I was glad to have done so. I now have a clearer first hand understanding of what the modern Camino Frances is. That's why I walk elsewhere these days.
Oh I'm so pleased you had a lovely day after your worries.Thank you for so many helpful and thoughtful replies. Bradypus's almost instant response made me feel much less of the grumpy old lady and I treasure Mspath's beautiful quote from Rilke. Peter 462's story reminded me that the Camino often provides in unexpected ways. The stories about how others had dealt with similar feelings were helpful. I'm sorry if anyone thought that I meant there was anything lesser in walking from Sarria. I do not and had tried to make that my irritation was only about some behaviours.
This is what happened. I left Lavacolla at 6.30, and walked through the woodland glorious with birdsong. There were two others far ahead. It was the most beautiful dawn, with a white crescent moon in the last of the night. At San Marco I stopped to say hello to the sun and my shadow. The desire for breakfast had me thinking about how all those crowds ensure that the facilities we all need are able to survive. Monte de Gonzo provided breakfast and I got chatting to a couple of English cyclists. I let go of my plan to get to the cathedral for 9.30 feeling it was more important to learn about their very different Camino.
Closer to the city I thought about the pilgrims of old who must have felt so exuberant at having survived their journey and reached Santiago. I have not had to ford rivers, fear bandits or risk pestilence.
As I crossed the motorway bridge I was in tears of joy.
The city was quiet and, without having looked at my watch, found it was just 9.25 when I reached the cathedral. They let me in, with my backpack (only 20 litres) . At the end of mass I felt I a touch on my shoulder. It was S whom I'd met a few days previously. We were both thrilled to see each other and went together to get our Compostelas.
I'm a slow walker and had thought everyone I knew would be long gone home, but later bumped into other old friends, one in particular whom I'd spent several evenings with and liked very much.She had just arrived so I showed her the Pilgrim Office routine, and ended the day with a convivial supper.
So, a most joyous day.
I hope this thread helps someone else too.
Just an idea, perhaps you could slow your pace and collect some of the litter left along the path. This could inspire others and make the world a better place.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Our fellow pilgrim was certainly not making demands. Just looking for advice...as pilgrims ,we can never demand how we will feel at the end of any journey we undertake....
I felt the same but found being in Santiago a great feeling of comradeship as I saw so many people I had walked with reach their destination across the couple of days I was there. Enjoy the moment, you deserve it.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I’ve done it twice. Avoid the feeling of superiority because ( like me ) you’ve walked from SJPdP. All Caminos bring their rewards and to see so many people especially school kids having a good time is what focus on.I felt the same but found being in Santiago a great feeling of comradeship as I saw so many people I had walked with reach their destination across the couple of days I was there. Enjoy the moment, you deserve it.
Hi, I have learned that if I choose to stay in the town outside (typically past the stages on our guide books or apps) of the “normal” stages there is some peace in the mornings that I cherish. I get up a little earlier and hit the road, it gives a few of hours of mostly peace. I hear you though, I find myself less at peace around people who at times seem very uncourteous and the general tourism feel of the last 100k.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
As someone who has walked several Camino routes, I empathize with your views on the last 100km. Perhaps you might consider continuing your journey to Muxia. Mind you, my last Camino was pre-Covid, but even then I still found the walk from Santiago to Muxia to be FAR less crowded, especially once you diverge from the route heading to Finisterre. Muxia is a quaint, lovely seaside village that seems as if time has stood still. Buen Camino!I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
I have just finished. SJpdP to Santiago and have been reasonably pleased with the behaviour of other Perigrinos. But from Sarria the compassion of other perigrinos has been left behind. In Melide three young people (after arriving at 2pm) put the in-room washing machine on at 9:30 and the dryer on from 10:00 until 11:00. I tried to confront the three (other perigrinos turned to the wall) who came to my bed and stared at me.As someone who has walked several Camino routes, I empathize with your views on the last 100km. Perhaps you might consider continuing your journey to Muxia. Mind you, my last Camino was pre-Covid, but even then I still found the walk from Santiago to Muxia to be FAR less crowded, especially once you diverge from the route heading to Finisterre. Muxia is a quaint, lovely seaside village that seems as if time has stood still. Buen Camino!
Ohhh. Wait till you reach the Cathedral. Thousands of tourists, many irritated by shaggy stinky pilgrims. Even more, statistically, businesses would prefer them over us, we do not bring enough money to them.I know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
Hi thats what i found while walking my last Camino Frances in 2015, it seems ok nice and pleasant till you get to Sarria, then it seems the madness starts, people playing music acting silly, a few years back i understand they looked into changing the trip from Sarria to make it a further distance perhaps they should again, the pleasure of the true pilgrims walking all the way from SJPDP and further back seems spoilt by a few who just want to partyI know how very fortunate I am to have the health, time, and money to walk for 4 weeks on the Camino Frances. And recognise that it is as valid to walk from Sarria as from anywhere else. But am finding it increasingly difficult not to become irritated; by large noisy groups, by cyclists swooping by without warning, by litter, by people playing music....
I don't want to walk into Santiago tomorrow morning holding these negative feelings. I know that my body is tired, and I'm missing the easier camaraderie of the earlier days. But would welcome any advice to help me find a better state.
And, BTW, thank you for all the wisdom and advice posted on this forum.
The original poster asked for advice and it’s been given. She can decide if she listens to any of it, or not. No one is trying to convince her it’s been unpleasant, and we have shared what works for us.Exactly and I couldn't agree more! These overused sayings like, "The Camino Will Provide" or "We Can Never Demand" or - it goes on and on - "Us vs. Them" or "Nothing To Stress Over", or "how blessed I am to be there in the first place" and "decide to enjoy it in spite of your preferences!", "The only thing that we can change is our own reaction" - which is completely wrong - etc., come from an arrogance that is a massive turn-off. "Expectations are the bane of reality" - who said anything about their expectations anyhow? - and "I find when I’m feeling negative about things, it’s time to reframe my thoughts into positive thoughts" are more airy-fairy sayings that are overused and, therefore, lost their meaning. It's okay to find something unpleasant and to express it. What's not okay is to pretend that it wasn't unpleasant and feel like you can't express your own truth. We all need to be able to say when we didn't feel happy or right about something as long as we express it respectfully without having to hear or read these incredibly arrogant and insensitive comments that really come from a place of Pride and Arrogance and not from a caring and listening ear. And oh dear, maybe the worst one, "Making peace with yourself is easy, but you have to make peace with the rest of the world as well."-PULEASE.....!
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