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Folks - I'm on the Camino Frances - just leaving Pamplona this morning. Everything is as normal on the camino. At Roncesvalles there were approximately 40 pilgrims which I would think is average for this time of year. The albergues that open at this time of the year are open. Everything is calm and quiet...except the weather!
If anything changes I'll post again.
anybody currently along camino scene any signs of hoarding, impact on getting basics?
Harumph...it's always quiet in Palencia....That said, it's all good in my part of Castille-Leon too. Here's a site with up to date news in English. https://www.thelocal.es/I live in Palencia province, on the Camino Frances, the heart of the Way. It is very calm and quiet here. All the hysteria seems to be overseas, where everyone is glued to their news feeds all day. I have seen no signs of panic buying or hoarding. The supermarket shelves are well-stocked, bars and hotels and restaurants are open, and pilgrim numbers steadily climbing as spring arrives.
People ARE very aware of the illness, and the sensational morning news programs are doing their usual number on it. My only real concern is getting volunteer hospitalero staff here to Spain from places like Italy and South Korea -- without hospitaleros, we don't have an albergue! Only time will tell.
Gronze has an article today about current conditions on the Camino
Las afectaciones, a día de hoy, del Covid-19 en los Caminos
A la pregunta del artículo publicado en Gronze.com el lunes 14 de febrero —antes de la expansión de la epidemia fuera de Italia— con el título “Coronavirus: ¿Afectará al Camino de Santiago?”, y que tawww.gronze.com
Or use the Chrome browser and it will translate to English for you.For those who do not speak or read Spanish, that aticle reports three interesting things
It really is business as usual on the Camino. We're in Hospital de Orbigo. No sign of the the virus at all. And, there were quite a few more Pilgrims on the trail today. Buen Camino!
I am not a US citizen but being Ozzie over here now in Spain trying to unravel similar msgs being sent to me from Oz - it’s not easy.To any US pilgrim who is out on the camino now, I do not know how you will manage to stay calm and carry on- We can all joke about being stuck in Spain for a month, but I am sure that for those who are there it is no laughing matter.
Jill @Kanga what’s your understanding of the Ozzie restrictions at the moment ?
Annie, I've sent you a PM.I am not a US citizen but being Ozzie over here now in Spain trying to unravel similar msgs being sent to me from Oz - it’s not easy.
I’ve been sent newslinks similar from Australian perspective but I’d like to know whether flights to Sydney are still proceeding ‘out of’ Madrid and open to land in Sydney.
I know only valid links are approved on this thread but I personally would like to be able to read information. It’s sometimes very difficult opening links on weak wifi when travelling .
Also Laurie., I agree; when reading the link Trump does say your us citizens will be ok to return (in general ). I hope this applies to Oz too.
Jill @Kanga what’s your understanding of the Ozzie restrictions at the moment ?
Annie
This is a thread for pilgrims who are actually on the camino to feel free to post descriptions of what they see and experience.
Is anyone on the Portugese coastal route at the moment and are all the albrgues still open? Me and my friend are flying out to Porto on the March 20th and will start walking 21st.
Is anyone on the Portugese coastal route at the moment and are all the albrgues still open? Me and my friend are flying out to Porto on the March 20th and will start walking 21st.
I have come to that realization myself. As citizens of the world I think that we all need to do our part to "flatten the curve".It wasn't the risk to myself, but the risk I could be to others both while walking and certainly on returning home. That remark has totally changed my perspective
Yes, having spoken to a friend in Santiago this morning and hear her describe the escalation in the situation in Galicia, she mentioned the key point of travelling at this time. It wasn't the risk to myself, but the risk I could be to others both while walking and certainly on returning home. That remark has totally changed my perspective and I will now postpone my short Easter walk on the VdlP. When I told my husband he was so relieved. So I guess that was something else I hadn't considered, the worry I would have caused my family if I had gone. Considerations of others now is paramount in my opinion.
We are in Burgos now. With a small group of pilgrims who are busy on their phones booking flights out of Spain via Bilbao for tomorrow. But we think we will walk on...
So strange, everything seems so normal...
We will take it day by day.
. This post is very sad , the South Koreans were always one of the nicest groups of pilgrims to meet on the trail .Kristi, if you read the ‘Closed Albergues’ thread you will see several albergues on the Portuguese route are closed. I am on the VDLP right now and honestly if Joe and I had known that things were going to escalate this quickly, we may have canceled our plans. But here we are. . .Wondering whether Albergues north of here will be open or if we will be looking for a place to stay until time to leave and then whether or not we will be able to fly home and when. Right now there are just too many unknowns. We are riding the wave and being flexible. We are hoping that we will be able to continue to Astorga and that the worst of this will blow over before we get there. You need
I have now reached Astorga and echo what Ballari and Yombort17 say, above in this thread. The numbers are quite a bit lighter than usual (I walk this stretch around the same time in spring each year) and there seems to be an underlying sense of fear amongst the locals - not so much those walking the trail. Lots of hand sanitizers to be seen bars and shops, which is good..... Leon was "buzzing" yesterday/today with concern as released viral infection numbers have suddenly ramped up there apparently.
Albergue owners /operators are concerned, I think, as to how this new season will pan out. Tonight I am alone in an Albergue, last night I was just one of six in a huge Albergue, and one of just two in another pretty big Albergue two nights back.
Incidentally, it is very sad to see the way that South Koreans are being treated. I was invited to share a meal by a lovely Korean father and 10 year old son and he said "It's okay if you don't want to." Very sad to hear that and all that he told me - they are being treated like lepers of past eras, I feel. I happily joined them and enjoyed great fellowship and a great meal! Have spent quite some time with them. They are just pilgrims, like all of us. If you are on the trail, perhaps be especially kind to the Asian Group on Camino! They are feeling extra alienated.
I and those around me walking feel that the Camino is actually currently one of the best and safest places to be. Concern is expressed for when in larger more densely populated areas and, of course, for the eventual travel back home.
to follow your own gut, but as I said, if I had this to do over again, knowing what I know now, we may just have canceled our plans.
We are in Burgos now. With a small group of pilgrims who are busy on their phones booking flights out of Spain via Bilbao for tomorrow. But we think we will walk on...
So strange, everything seems so normal...
We will take it day by day.
Hi Soni, I am not on the Camino, I was reposting a post from another member.How is your weather Wayfarer? We are due to start walking in 3 weeks.
I think you will find everything closed by then unfortunately.How is your weather Wayfarer? We are due to start walking in 3 weeks.
Perhaps a splashy last couple of nights at the parador will ease the transition?So, our camino is over. We're heading to Seville this evening. I'm sad. But also looking at it as another sort of camino...and appreciating how fortunate we really are. Best wishes to all.
Good way Annie and Joe.We are conflicted. The bar is pretty empty this morning and Coronavirus news is blaring on the tv. Can’t decide if we should cut and run and try to find flights home or keep walking. If anyone in Spain can offer shelter or a hospitalero position in case things go south and albergues begin closing on this route, we would be interested in at least a discussion. As of today we will go slow as planned and walk to Valdesalor today.
Good way Annie and Joe.
I’m doing the ‘cut and run’ very very sadly.
But being alone is daunting when reading about the closures and the ever spiralling situation. I am still having to find out whether I can get a flighT soon but I am heading back to Madrid on bus now. It’s almost 5pm. Friday 13/3/20. You have much more experience than I and would probably find good ways of sorting things out between the two of you.
Thinking of you ..
Annie
Annie, yes you are doing the right thing. I can't imagine how unsettling all this news is when you are on your own. You can't take changes now with the situation changing so fast in Spain. On the BBC today at lunchtime there was news that it is now not recommended to travel to Spain.Good way Annie and Joe.
I’m doing the ‘cut and run’ very very sadly.
But being alone is daunting when reading about the closures and the ever spiralling situation. I am still having to find out whether I can get a flighT soon but I am heading back to Madrid on bus now. It’s almost 5pm. Friday 13/3/20. You have much more experience than I and would probably find good ways of sorting things out between the two of you.
Thinking of you ..
Annie
Good decision Annie. Trust you and Joe get some rest tonight.After the post from Ivar and the mods this morning, and after a long night of thinking, Joe and I decided to throw in the towel and head home. Seeing a flock of vultures last night sealed the deal.. A sign from God maybe.
We caught a taxi to Cáceres and a bus to Madrid. My son got us one of the few remaining flights to LAX in the morning at 9. Hopefully it will not cancel.
The airlines are price gouging. Over $2000 for a one way to lax unless you really look. We managed to get out for $580 each and are grateful.
The airport is empty. Most desks are closed unless for current flights. We managed to check in at a kiosk that was supposedly closed. We tried anyone and it worked.
We added up the savings in lodging and it’s pretty much a wash so we aren’t out too much except for the experience. This is my 3D attempt at the VDLP so maybe it’s my last on this route. Lol.
For those staying, may God watch over you and keep you safe. We will follow you from home and hopefully see some of you next spring 2021.
Buen Camino all!
Annie
Ps. I will post this also on our live thread.
Just pray you get back home soon safely with your family.I am gutted. In Navarette right now with my wife and 6 children and our Camino is over. We were ushered out of a playground this morning for the council workers to put up police tape around the slippery dip and swings before a brusque dismissal that the park is closed. On the way out of Logroño today people talked loudly within earshot that they don’t need pilgrims now and that ‘they’ should close all the albergues right now. Between the tame ‘Buen Caminos’ we hear is also a fear that I haven’t seen before in Spain. It’s time to leave. No idea how, but we need to leave. As I said, I’m gutted. If you can cancel now, I would suggest you do so.
I am gutted. In Navarette right now with my wife and 6 children and our Camino is over. We were ushered out of a playground this morning for the council workers to put up police tape around the slippery dip and swings before a brusque dismissal that the park is closed. On the way out of Logroño today people talked loudly within earshot that they don’t need pilgrims now and that ‘they’ should close all the albergues right now. Between the tame ‘Buen Caminos’ we hear is also a fear that I haven’t seen before in Spain. It’s time to leave. No idea how, but we need to leave. As I said, I’m gutted. If you can cancel now, I would suggest you do so.
Good way Annie and Joe.
I’m doing the ‘cut and run’ very very sadly.
But being alone is daunting when reading about the closures and the ever spiralling situation. I am still having to find out whether I can get a flighT soon but I am heading back to Madrid on bus now. It’s almost 5pm. Friday 13/3/20. You have much more experience than I and would probably find good ways of sorting things out between the two of you.
Thinking of you ..
Annie
I didn’t have a flight so have checked into Hostal Persal. I’m ‘on hold ‘ trying to make contact about a possible flight. My daughter would still be asleep in Australia. I copied her on my email request to travel agent. I’m praying I’ll get a flight - when someone wakes up ‘down there’.If you make it to the airport look us up. We are sitting here until morning just waiting. Have a safe flight home
With the albergue in Mérida now closed, I imagine a lot of people will stop there. Terrible for the hospitaleros, particularly those in small pueblos, but necessary, I fear...
Hey, I am currently on the central route as 80% of the albergues on the coastal route is closed. I also spoke to some locals and they suggest things wouldn’t get worse ( shutdown). Portó was a ghost town yesterday. I am actually stuck in the central routeIs anyone on the Portugese coastal route at the moment and are all the albrgues still open? Me and my friend are flying out to Porto on the March 20th and will start walking 21st.
Oh dear, just saying sorry. You are a long way from home.We are currently in Villafranca del Bierzo. I've been messaging the others that are part of our group. We are spread from Ponferrada to Sarria. All those in our group have decided to try to go home. Some from Italy are not sure what to do as apparently they can not get back into Italy.
One friend was told that the Guardia Civil was telling pilgrims to go home (Can anyone confirm this?)
The general feeling is one of sadness.
We had decided to get private rooms a while ago and we have found it harder and harder to find somewhere open. We had booked a couple of rooms (they are really affordable atm) on booking.com for the next few days, and one has now cancelled.
We are staying in a pension tonight and the man at the desk said that he expected to be closed up within days.
Not sure what we will do as we still have a week and a half until we fly out.
Yes, we are feeling a bit sad at the moment.
Maybe time for chocolate and wine!
Both things Spain does really well.
We are currently in Villafranca del Bierzo. I've been messaging the others that are part of our group. We are spread from Ponferrada to Sarria. All those in our group have decided to try to go home. Some from Italy are not sure what to do as apparently they can not get back into Italy.
One friend was told that the Guardia Civil was telling pilgrims to go home (Can anyone confirm this?)
The general feeling is one of sadness.
We had decided to get private rooms a while ago and we have found it harder and harder to find somewhere open. We had booked a couple of rooms (they are really affordable atm) on booking.com for the next few days, and one has now cancelled.
We are staying in a pension tonight and the man at the desk said that he expected to be closed up within days.
Not sure what we will do as we still have a week and a half until we fly out.
Yes, we are feeling a bit sad at the moment.
Maybe time for chocolate and wine!
Both things Spain does really well.
Are you able to find anywhere to stay? I hope so.Hey, I am currently on the central route as 80% of the albergues on the coastal route is closed. I also spoke to some locals and they suggest things wouldn’t get worse ( shutdown). Portó was a ghost town yesterday. I am actually stuck in the central route
Call Jose Ramon on +34 981582362, address Rua do Vilar 42 & 80 (shop & hostal). Say I sent you. He is a friend. Being brought up at an English boarding school, he speaks English better than you and IIf you're one of the pilgrims i overtook today on the way to Sarria, Hotel Alfonso IX is open, as is El Malecón. I think everything else is closed. You can haggle. Good luck!!
I should arrive in Santiago tomorrow - does anybody know where i could stay until Thursday?
Hugs back, nidarosaI have just cancelled the four lovely private rooms I had dotted along my planned route this May, fully expecting to have to cancel the whole camino. I have some beds booked too but I am keeping these bookings for now, on the off chance it will happen. Even if it doesn't, I intend let them charge the price of the bed from my credit card. Not because I am nice; this is for purely selfish reasons as I want these places to survive financially and be up and running when this virus hopefully has run its course and the world returns to some kind of normal.
Needless to say I am gutted, I have been so looking forward to revisiting Burgos, marvel at the beautiful cathedral, enjoying a tapas meal and some vino in the evening, possibly with some random pilgrims, having a bad night's sleep in a stuffy albergue and starting my walk the next day with no clear plan or time limit. I wanted some time to think in the vast emptiness of the meseta ... but it is what it is, there are tapas in Liverpool, there is a beautiful cathedral in Chester, there is wine in the fridge, and the way things are going with this virus and self-isolation I'll get plenty of time to think.
But still ... I have got a bad case of the Cancellation Blues.
So here's a virtual hug and a large dollop of heartfelt sympathy for all pilgrims who have had to cancel their camino this spring and summer. Santiago isn't going anywhere, and we might still meet on the trail some day.
Stay safe and buen postponed camino!
You may want to check with your airlinesIs anyone on the Portugese coastal route at the moment and are all the albrgues still open? Me and my friend are flying out to Porto on the March 20th and will start walking 21st.
This thread has many comments about the experiences of pilgrims currently or recently in Spain.Hugs back, nidarosa
This morning the news was Spain is on lock down just like Italy. Can someone tell me what this means for the pilgrims en route? Must they leave right away?
This morning the news was Spain is on lock down just like Italy. Can someone tell me what this means for the pilgrims en route? Must they leave right away?
Thanks, Northernlight. It will take me awhile to wrap my head around all this. The airlines must be overwhelmed and maybe the buses and rail systems. Interesting times.According to the news, (and thelocal.es is a good source), as of Monday nobody is allowed to be outdoors in Spain without ‘legitimate’ reason. Walking the camino is not one of those reasons.
Leave the country or find a place to live (until this is over) seem to be the options.
One of the legitimate reasons for being out is ‘returning to place of habitual residence’, so they aren’t going to stop you from trying to get home.
After the post from Ivar and the mods this morning, and after a long night of thinking, Joe and I decided to throw in the towel and head home. Seeing a flock of vultures last night sealed the deal.. A sign from God maybe.
We caught a taxi to Cáceres and a bus to Madrid. My son got us one of the few remaining flights to LAX in the morning at 9. Hopefully it will not cancel.
The airlines are price gouging. Over $2000 for a one way to lax unless you really look. We managed to get out for $580 each and are grateful.
The airport is empty. Most desks are closed unless for current flights. We managed to check in at a kiosk that was supposedly closed. We tried It anyway and it worked.
We added up the savings in lodging and it’s pretty much a wash so we aren’t out too much except for the experience. This is my 3D attempt at the VDLP so maybe it’s my last on this route. Lol.
For those staying, may God watch over you and keep you safe. We will follow you from home and hopefully see some of you next spring 2021.
Buen Camino all!
Annie
Ps. I will post this also on our live thread.
Annie,
Just wondering if you made it home as yet.
Keep us posted.
We are on the freeway headed home now. Just landed in LAX. We were told no more flights from Spain allowed and that we got the last one but not sure what is true and what is not. LAX was a ghost town. There are Orwellian signs on the freeway saying COVID 19 LESS IS MORE. AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS. Weird.
We are on the freeway headed home now. Just landed in LAX. We were told no more flights from Spain allowed and that we got the last one but not sure what is true and what is not. LAX was a ghost town. There are Orwellian signs on the freeway saying COVID 19 LESS IS MORE. AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS. Weird.
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