HaveACuppaTea
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Feb "2018"
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I only regret not doing it sooner. That said, before my first Camino I gave myself permission to quit and go to a beach somewhere if I wasn't enjoying it.This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
I only regret not doing it sooner. That said, before my first Camino I gave myself permission to quit and go to a beach somewhere if I wasn't enjoying it.
I "almost" regretted it in May 2016. It rained non stop for five days, the camino had become ankle deep rivers of mud, then I got a nasty, high fever intestinal something or other, recuperated, more rain and mud, then my husband was hauled off in an ambulance near Palas de Rei for a heart issue. We both recuperated from that and then he caught the flu bug. Was really questioning why we were doing this. But for whatever reason, despite everything being thrown at us, we didn't quit. I cried in the Cathedral in Santiago. Still don't regret it, am leaving in five weeks to do it all again. Hopefully I will be able to laugh if I encounter any mud rivers again.
May I suggest you make your own choice...based on your own criterion...and then...allow the Camino take over...because it will!Bloody hell, that's some determination, you must have been proud of yourselves...and you're doing it again! You must be a masochist.
As you have already found out, apart from people yet to walk, this forum is dominated by people who have positive things to say about a Camino, many of them blinkered by their passion.This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
Don't do it! You will regret it for the rest of your life. You will be trapped in an endless cycle of caminos: forced to walk towards Santiago for ever. Your friends will shun you and their eyes glaze over, should you ever meet, as you tell them of your latest camino just completed or eagerly anticipated. You will clutter your bookshelves with guides and accounts and your computer with links to unreadable blogs and bad videos that you will watch for hours when you could have been doing something enjoyable.
Just tell yourself its only a walk: I could do that instead of getting the bus to work.
Regret the Camino? Of course I regret the Camino. Look at me now, on the forum yet again. Seven different guidebooks piled next to the mouse-mat. Google Earth open with a tentative route through the Sierras de la Demanda mapped out. Lunch still in the concept stage at 4:30 in the afternoon...
Some might suggest that if you don't want to do the Camino. If the Camino isn't calling you then you shouldn't do it. I won't. But I will suggest that you take a long look at the reasons for your hesitation and ambivalence.
Hi, i walked all of May 2016 too, and only had 2 days of rain, one on the 1st day, and one about 3 weeks later (plus 1 on a rest day in Burgo, but i'm not counting that). It's all luck isn't it? Good luck next time.I "almost" regretted it in May 2016. It rained non stop for five days, the camino had become ankle deep rivers of mud, then I got a nasty, high fever intestinal something or other, recuperated, more rain and mud, then my husband was hauled off in an ambulance near Palas de Rei for a heart issue. We both recuperated from that and then he caught the flu bug. Was really questioning why we were doing this. But for whatever reason, despite everything being thrown at us, we didn't quit. I cried in the Cathedral in Santiago. Still don't regret it, am leaving in five weeks to do it all again. Hopefully I will be able to laugh if I encounter any mud rivers again.
It's just one of those things you have to get on with. No matter how introverted you are, someone will be more introverted than you. Same for everything really, if you think you snore loudly, someone will snore louder. If you think your feet stink after a long hot day, someones feet will stink more.I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
I wouldn't worry about this. My experience has been that those who want that space have it respected by the others in a shared sleeping space. On the road ... that's easy ... if you want to be away from others just slow down for a bit or stop to drink/ eat. Others move on at their own pace. The pilgrims who stick to you like glue seem to be a real rarity - I've never encountered anyone who did this (though maybe that's because no-one wanted to once they'd shared the same sleeping area as me - sometimes being a snorer has its advantages!)I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
I did not like my last camino. Things that I didn't like, and couldn't control, happened. I suppose that they will happen occasionally, when one sets out alone on a very long walk. I chose to complete that walk.I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino
One can be surprisingly anonymous and self-sufficient even in a room full of other people, especially in the larger albergues.I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living... I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time
Well, I'll be honest, I'm still deliberating on whether to do it or not, but like you, if I go and hate it, I'll just fast forward the trip and spend a few days in the main cities along the way and then visit Madrid.
Very nicely said! Man I could tell some stories as I am sure most of us could! Know your reason for walking. If the Camino is giving back, then keep going. If not, excellent advice given about trading in your boots. It just isn't for everyone! But you may never know unless you try....I agree that this forum is mostly a self-selected group of Camino lovers. People who hated it are unlikely to be here.
We’ve seen plenty of news stories about the small number of people who have had truly disastrous caminos: serious accidents, psychotic breaks, cardiac arrests. Fortunately those are few.
I suspect that there are many more untold stories of people whose inner lives or personal relationships were not helped by a month-long, physically difficult, potentially isolating experience. There are probably quite a few camino divorces, some of which are ultimately a good thing and some of which aren’t. There are no doubt many pilgrims struggling with mental health issues who would be better off seeking professional help and then going on the camino rather than the other way around.
And then there are just the people who don’t like it after all, trade their boots for a swimsuit and go to the beach until their flight home.
Know your reason for walking.
I'm not sure about "basic survival instincts". The Camino is a nice, occasionally challenging, walk across Spain, with plenty of café con leche, real beds, hot showers and wine!Every serious Pilgrim on the Camino is looking for something...God...adventure...self-realization...but the reality of that Camino is that it strips away everything but the basic survival instincts...which allows most Pilgrims to address personal issues that we never take the time to address or resolve in every day life.
. . . the reality of [the] Camino is that it strips away everything but the basic survival instincts...which allows most Pilgrims to address personal issues that we never take the time to address or resolve in every day life.
This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
Which in my opinion is the number one reason why people quit--they hate being alone with themselves and/or being forced to take inventory of their lives. And they can't wait to get back home to allow the Novocain of life (e.g. watching television, surfing the internet, going shopping, or attending sporting events, etc.) to dull the pain of their souls.
Not for a single heartbeat!This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
Buen camino MichelleRegret is a human thing, conjured up when we do not measure up to our own requirements or those of others who we hold in respect.
I regret my trip in 2016. I damaged my left leg and had to quit, third days out of SJPdP. So, I am going back in exactly five weeks from today, Good Friday.
Last year through recuperation, I walked over 1.3 million steps, enough to get me through the CF and on to Muxia and Fisterre.
Therefore, I also regret that it took two years to get back to it. This year would have been my Dad's 100th Birthday, my Mum's 95th so I am dedicating the pilgrimage to them. Now that they are both gone, I will find a stone from both their graves and take them to the Sea. Mum's ashes made it to Fisterre just before I came home in 2016.
I'm not sure about "basic survival instincts".
Which in my opinion is the number one reason why people quit--they hate being alone with themselves and/or being forced to take inventory of their lives.
AlmostCompeting the Camino proves that "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" is not always correct...you can achieve "Self-Actualization" and "Esteem" without satisfying your "Physiological" and "Safety" Needs...I think that is why you meet so many Combat Veterans and Cancer Survivors on the difficult parts of the Camino...there is a personal desire for these Pilgrims to conquer another goal while dealing with memories of the past.
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I struggled with the dorms but then discovered that some of the private albergues that offered private rooms at reasonable prices. I still did some of the dorms out of necessity, and frankly they were a great way to meet people, but I found a balance and ended up satisfied.I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
It's not a wilderness/survival hike!
I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
Regarding lodging options, I adapted to dormitory sleeping readily. That being said by one who traveled the world for business for over 20 years and stayed in some of the finest hotels and designed 3 and 4 star hotels in SE Asia while I was an architect in Sydney.
What I regret is how unkind pilgrims can be to one who snores. I snore and I have had some very regrettable morning of abuse by total strangers. Strangers who I never plan to associate with again.
Thanks for this! I can see I’ll be browsing this for days.Or you think about this list of "the World's 100 best walks":
https://www.walkopedia.net/100-best.asp
...about half way to Pamplona I noticed a large black cloud ahead moving towards Pamplona...in Colorado we call that type of black cloud a "storm burst"...on the Gulf Coast it would be called a "tropical storm"...Not Good...I arrived at the walled city of Pamplona just as it started raining with 30+ MPH gusting winds...so I lost the Camino again and started hiking up the long entrance ramp into the city center...while the winds increased to 50+ MPH gusts breaking branches off the trees and damaging cars driving down the street...
Well...I walked it 2 years ago. It wasn’t exactly the relaxing experience I’d hoped for. I found the bed rush to be annoying, causing me to either leave earlier and earlier each morning (often walki g in the dark for more than an hour), or booking ahead, which somewhat limited my options for how fat to go each day. And the unexpectedly long stretches walking along highways weren’t conducive to contemplation. I wouldn’t ever dissuade anyone from doing it, and im glad I did it, but I don’t think I’ll be one of the ones that does it more than once.This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
My first Camino was done because I just wanted to walk. I am an introvert. I wasn't looking for anything. Over five years and seven Caminos, I've had a multitude of experiences, met hundreds of people, and learned so much from all of them. Everything in life is a learning experience - how you choose to incorporate those experiences into your life is up to you. I've chosen positivity, and am so glad I went for that first walk on the Camino!Every serious Pilgrim on the Camino is looking for something...God...adventure...self-realization...
The camino is a gift and a giver. If you want, choose whether to stay or leave if your hopes and expectations are not fulfilled. If you want, go with an open mind and just receive what is given. Your choice.
Can't say it better than that.You are not in the middle of nowhere, it is Spain! Buses, trains, taxis, planes are available. You don't like it? Go somewhere else or go back home, no hassle. That is the way I saw it, anyway.And still do. Buen camino
This is an amazing story. To go through all that you did and to finish it and then to choose to do it again, that is simply amazing. I’ve tried to explain the pull that the Camino has on us, but there is no better example I can find than yours. Buen Camino!I "almost" regretted it in May 2016. It rained non stop for five days, the camino had become ankle deep rivers of mud, then I got a nasty, high fever intestinal something or other, recuperated, more rain and mud, then my husband was hauled off in an ambulance near Palas de Rei for a heart issue. We both recuperated from that and then he caught the flu bug. Was really questioning why we were doing this. But for whatever reason, despite everything being thrown at us, we didn't quit. I cried in the Cathedral in Santiago. Still don't regret it, am leaving in five weeks to do it all again. Hopefully I will be able to laugh if I encounter any mud rivers again.
Amen to this! It is your Camino and no one else’s.I don't regret doing the Camino...I knew from the time that I saw the movie "The Way" that I had to complete the Camino...what I regret during my Camino was listening to Pilgrims that attempted to tell me the "Right Way" to walk my Camino...or before my Camino was all of the people I knew that told me that I would never complete the Camino because of my medical history...and afterward my Camino some Pilgrims that attempt to make their Camino seem more important in comparison...so my advice is do your Camino "Your Way" for your own reasons and be proud of what you accomplish.
While the Camino is a communal experience, I think you’ll find that people will give you your space. There are plenty of introverts walking the Camino.I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
I believe you have hit the nail on the head with this insightful and provocative response. The Camino experience strips bare who we are and what we want from life. My only regret is walking my first Camino with a companion who I thought was a friend. It was something of a disaster and now I go it alone, relishing the wonderful pilgrims I meet along the way but loving the freedom that comes from being responsible only for oneself.Which in my opinion is the number one reason why people quit--they hate being alone with themselves and/or being forced to take inventory of their lives. And they can't wait to get back home to allow the Novocain of life (e.g. watching television, surfing the internet, going shopping, or attending sporting events, etc.) to dull the pain of their souls.
I keep thinking of the person I heard recently (I can’t remember where) who said that sitting meditation is the worst possible thing to prescribe for people with certain mental health conditions. When left alone with only their own minds, intrusive thoughts and obsessions and self-loathing take over.Which in my opinion is the number one reason why people quit--they hate being alone with themselves and/or being forced to take inventory of their lives. And they can't wait to get back home to allow the Novocain of life (e.g. watching television, surfing the internet, going shopping, or attending sporting events, etc.) to dull the pain of their souls.
Our only regret is that we started in Pamplona and not at St Jean. Three days after we finish in October 2013 both of us said we wanted to return and do the entire Camino. Unfortunately life got in the way and now with recent total hip surgery our return looks less likely. But who knows, I'm only 72 and the future may present an opportunity after I am completely recovered from surgery.This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
Our only regret is that we started in Pamplona and not at St Jean. Three days after we finish in October 2013 both of us said we wanted to return and do the entire Camino. Unfortunately life got in the way and now with recent total hip surgery our return looks less likely. But who knows, I'm only 72 and the future may present an opportunity after I am completely recovered from surgery.
Expect nothing - be open to everything - Buen CaminoThanks for all of your responses, well, I've bought most of the gear now and I've booked the flight out there for 10th April. No going back now. I'll just take each day as it comes, hopefully I'll enjoy it, if I feel it's not for me, I'll just change my plans.
This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
I hiked El Camino Frances with a group of 17 a couple of years ago and I did not like being in lock step with so many others. This year I am going back to hike it by myself and will go as fast or as slow as I want to go.This site is mostly full of positivity about walking the Camino (which is good) but I was just interested in any different opinions/perspectives of people that didn't like the Camino? I imagine those people wouldn't congregate on here though, but anyway, just thought I'd ask it.
Sure you can , you are the only person who can decide about the things you want or not want to do .I just told myself I could quit any time....
I'm still deliberating on whether to do it or not
Well, I'll be honest, I'm still deliberating on whether to do it or not, but like you, if I go and hate it, I'll just fast forward the trip and spend a few days in the main cities along the way and then visit Madrid.
Spot onDon't do it! You will regret it for the rest of your life. You will be trapped in an endless cycle of caminos: forced to walk towards Santiago for ever. Your friends will shun you and their eyes glaze over, should you ever meet, as you tell them of your latest camino just completed or eagerly anticipated. You will clutter your bookshelves with guides and accounts and your computer with links to unreadable blogs and bad videos that you will watch for hours when you could have been doing something enjoyable.
Just tell yourself its only a walk: I could do that instead of getting the bus to work.
Regret the Camino? Of course I regret the Camino. Look at me now, on the forum yet again. Seven different guidebooks piled next to the mouse-mat. Google Earth open with a tentative route through the Sierras de la Demanda mapped out. Lunch still in the concept stage at 4:30 in the afternoon...
Some might suggest that if you don't want to do the Camino. If the Camino isn't calling you then you shouldn't do it. I won't. But I will suggest that you take a long look at the reasons for your hesitation and ambivalence.
spot on!! Last year my first camino, Francese, this year, starting May the 8 will be my second Camino the Norte, and already thinking about next year the Portougese!!!Don't do it! You will regret it for the rest of your life. You will be trapped in an endless cycle of caminos: forced to walk towards Santiago for ever. Your friends will shun you and their eyes glaze over, should you ever meet, as you tell them of your latest camino just completed or eagerly anticipated. You will clutter your bookshelves with guides and accounts and your computer with links to unreadable blogs and bad videos that you will watch for hours when you could have been doing something enjoyable.
Just tell yourself its only a walk: I could do that instead of getting the bus to work.
Regret the Camino? Of course I regret the Camino. Look at me now, on the forum yet again. Seven different guidebooks piled next to the mouse-mat. Google Earth open with a tentative route through the Sierras de la Demanda mapped out. Lunch still in the concept stage at 4:30 in the afternoon...
Some might suggest that if you don't want to do the Camino. If the Camino isn't calling you then you shouldn't do it. I won't. But I will suggest that you take a long look at the reasons for your hesitation and ambivalence.
Compared to Hemingway or Mozart, my snoring is just pedestrian.But Don, your snoring is truly epic... just sayin...
Thank you!There is no such thing as a tourist on camino. No pilgrim would think there was.
Please don't drag this excellent thread into that petty debate.
I like my own space as well and was feeling the same, not thinking I could do the dormitory thing. I pleasantly surprised myself!I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
I only regret not doing it sooner. That said, before my first Camino I gave myself permission to quit and go to a beach somewhere if I wasn't enjoying it.
Which in my opinion is the number one reason why people quit--they hate being alone with themselves and/or being forced to take inventory of their lives. And they can't wait to get back home to allow the Novocain of life (e.g. watching television, surfing the internet, going shopping, or attending sporting events, etc.) to dull the pain of their souls.
There is no such thing as a tourist on camino. No pilgrim would think there was.
Please don't drag this excellent thread into that petty debate.
I don't know if I'm a better person because of the Camino, but I'm definitely a happier person when I'm on the Camino.I like to think my Camino walks have made me a better person. Not as quick to judgement and just more accepting of things that use to be out of my comfort zone.
There is no such thing as a tourist on camino. No pilgrim would think there was.
Please don't drag this excellent thread into that petty debate.
I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
I walked from May 5th 2016 and arrived in SDP on 8th June. 1 and a half days rain only.Hi, i walked all of May 2016 too, and only had 2 days of rain, one on the 1st day, and one about 3 weeks later (plus 1 on a rest day in Burgo, but i'm not counting that). It's all luck isn't it? Good luck next time.
I lay on my first bunk bed after my first day in the Pyrenees, and thought "Really? Am I going to sleep in such discomfort and listen to the dorm 'noises' for the next 5-6 weeks on the road? Really?" And within three days, I was adapting, enjoying the routine of a pilgrim day............oh, and let my lovely soft ear plugs guarantee a good night's sleep. The magic of the road helps to withstand the discomfort, and people will leave you in peace if you don't want to talk or engage. Buen Camino!I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
Don't do it! You will regret it for the rest of your life. You will be trapped in an endless cycle of caminos: forced to walk towards Santiago for ever. Your friends will shun you and their eyes glaze over, should you ever meet, as you tell them of your latest camino just completed or eagerly anticipated. You will clutter your bookshelves with guides and accounts and your computer with links to unreadable blogs and bad videos that you will watch for hours when you could have been doing something enjoyable.
Just tell yourself its only a walk: I could do that instead of getting the bus to work.
Regret the Camino? Of course I regret the Camino. Look at me now, on the forum yet again. Seven different guidebooks piled next to the mouse-mat. Google Earth open with a tentative route through the Sierras de la Demanda mapped out. Lunch still in the concept stage at 4:30 in the afternoon...
Some might suggest that if you don't want to do the Camino. If the Camino isn't calling you then you shouldn't do it. I won't. But I will suggest that you take a long look at the reasons for your hesitation and ambivalence.
I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
Love your answer... what I tell my friends is that the Camino caused me permanent brain damage --
"Why people do not get it, for century people from all over the world is reaching Santiago the Compostela because the Apostle James is suppose to be resting there and they want to pay they respect to Him, there should be no other reason, if you think otherwise you are on the wrong track, please do something else"
So hate me if you must. Regrets, Yes. I regret seeing posts like this and I do believe I am going to get a shirt printed up that says: Get off MY CAMINO, you are doing it wrong!
Sorry, but DNA was never done on said bones and I am not Catholic. So I guess I am not welcome, as I am doing it wrong!
Well, I'll be honest, I'm still deliberating on whether to do it or not, but like you, if I go and hate it, I'll just fast forward the trip and spend a few days in the main cities along the way and then visit Madrid.
I think I'll struggle most with the dormitory style living (won't be able to afford B&B's etc all the way) I am a bit of an introvert so I like my own space from time to time, I know the physical aspect will be tough, but it doesn't concern me as much.
Well, good morning, hope you have had a cuppa... and are on your way. I look forward to reading something of your experience. Your original post surfaced many angles in responses, and your own reports will hit the nail on the head for someone else who is looking for encouragement. Step it out, one foot after the other, eyes and ears wide open. If you can face it, take the hill up to the church in Zabaldika. A very short diagonal stretch of grass there contains the imprints of the thousands of people who have passed that way: leave your own, pick up theirs... and you do not need to go back downhill, the path connects with the other path leading to Trinidad de Arre after about ten minutes. Buen Camino.Thanks for all of your responses, well, I've bought most of the gear now and I've booked the flight out there for 10th April. No going back now. I'll just take each day as it comes, hopefully I'll enjoy it, if I feel it's not for me, I'll just change my plans.
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