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It's great that we are all free to use technology or not.As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
Of course it is not necessary. I think you do not even need any maps on many caminos. You can just follow the yellow arrows... and talk to the people if you are not sure.... Is it really necessary?...
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
Tim- Thank you for your little mantra: "your Camino, your way" -- I'll keep that in mind as I venture off on my own spiritual journey.One of the things I like about walking the Camino is that one can approach it almost any way. Some prefer simple. Some prefer to walk alone. Others like groups. Some like spontaneity. Others plan in detail. Your Camino your way.
I think the same thing applies to technology. Use it a little, a lot, or not at all. If it enhances your experience, fine. To answer your question directly, does it bother me? No. Not at all. In my opinion if technology gives more people the confidence to do it, that is great.
I really admire the notion of just wandering and letting it unfold. That is fantastic. Enjoy,
My question isn't intended for deep thought but mild humor at the notion of technology being a tool for the trip or not.I am puzzling over your thread title - "Did Pilgrims use iPhones?" Some have done and continue to do so. Others do not. I walked my first Camino without ever seeing a mobile phone, email or any internet site over the entire 800km journey. I have also walked the same route and many others while carrying and using a mobile phone. I do not think there was anything specially rewarding about being technology-free on that first journey: it was simply the norm at the time. And if the medieval pilgrims I suspect you refer to in the thread title could have simplified their journey and maintained contact with home through affordable technology I doubt that the majority would have rejected it as a romantic purist exercise.
Some people say they need to work, some people are addicted to stimulation, and some people would rather do without. I'll own being the in the latter category, but it's not always easy to disengage.but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary?
You put your finger on something no-one talks much about, Marc. Boredom. It's just a mindstate, but most people can't stand it and avoid it all costs. But it's actually beneficial, in ways that are surprising - especially to those among us who never got to experience pre-tech quiet.Walking without technology and internet access is for me a key point of my walking, as I feel it gives me more time for reflection (and for boredom).
Q.E.D.you may find yourself being one of the two people in a cafe not glued to their screen.
That's not my experience at all. But that's just me. I don't book ahead, unless I'm on a remote camino on a stage without alberges, and mostly not even then.I think it would be difficult now WITHOUT a cell phone.
***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
Maybe that was your intention, but it didn't come across as being funny. Rather, you made your negative opinion quite clear about other people's use of cell phones and technology.maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious
I accept that I will be using high technology items every step of the way from the modern fabrics in my clothes, materials in my shoes and pack, food that has been grown and harvested using modern farming technology and distributed using modern transport infrastructure and technology. Suggesting one can walk 'technology free' by just avoiding some particular consumer items of modern communications and computing technology just seems silly to me. I am with @Anamya on this. You will need to go naked, and hungry!Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
Maybe that was your intention, but it didn't come across as being funny. Rather, you made your negative opinion quite clear about other people's use of cell phones and technology.
You say your phone will be deep in your backpack. Is there a particular depth that you think is acceptable?
Try to leave your expectations and assumptions about other people at home.
No worries, my phone has an excellent camera....To be completely tech-free I'd probably have to walk naked, then people would mistake me for a flasher :/
I accept that I will be using high technology items every step of the way from the modern fabrics in my clothes, materials in my shoes and pack, food that has been grown and harvested using modern farming technology and distributed using modern transport infrastructure and technology. Suggesting one can walk 'technology free' by just avoiding some particular consumer items of modern communications and computing technology just seems silly to me. I am with @Anamya on this. You will need to go naked, and hungry!
Please. Enough of this false equivalence.To be completely tech-free I'd probably have to walk naked, then people would mistake me for a flasher :/
And nobody will judge you if you are sitting in a café reading a book, but if you happen to be reading it on your phone.... It reminded me of accounts I've read on here of albergues that announce the fact that they don't offer wi-fi with a sign saying "Talk to each other instead" - as if using the internet and talking to fellow pilgrims were two mutually exclusive options
Then let's be clear that using a word like technology when we really are talking about individual behaviours being problematic is then problematic.Please. Enough of this false equivalence.
On some routes a phone with gps is a safety essential!
Meh. I think this is a disingenuous afterthought rather than a preface to a humorous inquiry.***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
The point I would make again is that it's not about technology! So let's stop mis-using perfectly good words badly to dress up what the problem really
Agreed, Doug. And I think it's both @Kathar1na. I could repeat David's points above, but he said it very well. If you want an inner journey, unplugging from any place other than here and now without distraction is essential. And no-one needs to do that at home, at least not in the same way. And if someone's 'just walking' all that does not apply.Maybe people should start reflecting more about how they use their smartphones in their daily lives instead of trying to manage how other people use their smartphones on a Camino?
On some routes a phone with gps is a safety essential!
Here I agree with Mike. I got lost without a GPS between Santo Domingo de Silos and Covarrubias by taking a GR route by accident. It was anxiety inducing in spite of being a gorgeous walk...and added 3 hours to an already long day.Unless it is some wild winter Camino in deep snow for some mad reason I disagree - much more fun to get lost ... you never know what will happen next!!
Did you ever walk with a smartphone? For me a smartphone is not more than a replacement for a guide book, novels, a map, pen en paper to write my journal or letters home and so on. It saves a few kilos in my backpack. Things I had in my backpack in pre-smartphone . Apart from the smartphone, to be able to walk a camino in Spain most people depend on all kinds of technological developments ( like many other people have pointed out in this thread) Like all means you use things can be abused ( I'll never forget that after Melide when we came on the Frances from the Primitivo a few young people who played very loud music while walking)2006 I walked CF with no phone,no camera, no musicplayer. It`s a big difference compared to walk with a smartphone.
I use it the same that you do. I just think that on the camino I like to be around people not occupied with there phones. Thats all.Did you ever walk with a smartphone? For me a smartphone is not more than a replacement for a guide book, novels, a map, pen en paper to write my journal or letters home and so on. It saves a few kilos in my backpack. Things I had in my backpack in pre-smartphone . Apart from the smartphone, to be able to walk a camino in Spain most people depend on all kinds of technological developments ( like many other people have pointed out in this thread) Like all means you use things can be abused ( I'll never forget that after Melide when we came on the Frances from the Primitivo a few young people who played very loud music while walking)
So, we have always been the same .. some go on Camino, some go on Pilgrimage, and the choice is up to the individual.
I will likely take some flak for this, but over the last decade or so, there has been (at least in my neck of the spiritual woods) and a steady 'dumbing-down' in what constitutes a retreat, in a way that trends to making it more and more palatable, and less challenging. The same trend definitely applies to the camino. There are things that people do now as a matter of course that would never have happened or been necessary before. Booking accommodation ahead, blogging, luggage transport, and bringing and using (or yes, @Antonius Vaessen, abusing) all manner of gadgets.I do suspect true pilgrimage is a thing that shape shifts according to its times. It is an inward journey captured in the timescape we inhabit. The challenge is to make that pilgrimage of heart, within our own time, a meaningful one.
This kind of thing brings out the worst in me, I have to say...I'll never forget that after Melide when we came on the Frances from the Primitivo a few young people who played very loud music while walking)
One year I was walking in early March, at a time when lots of Korean students were on a break from University. One guy had three laptops. He must have been carrying 30 kilos.I didn't see so much "technology" as in GPS, laptops, solar powered rechargers etc, toted by overburdened pilgrims.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
I will look forward to your own view, after you walk in June 2020. I am not being funny, or facetious. I have only skimmed some of the replies, and have no intention of upsetting anyone by having a contrary opinion. Today, I do not need to be on the other end of a disagreement! See how you get on. Consider others at home who might need to know you are ok, and a simple emoji in whatsapp would keep them happy!***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
It depends on their relationship with the gadgets and everything else that makes this path do-able for many who otherwise could never have imagined walking the camino the way it was when it was more spartan.
One guy had three laptops. He must have been carrying 30 kilos.
To each his own***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
I like my google maps and accommodation apps etc. And have no sense of direction at all - so probably would still be going round in circles around Burgos if I didn’t have met apps***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
There was a pilgrim in an albergue I was in last year who carried an old fashioned alarm clock set to 5 am.Being woken up at ten past three in the morning by someone's smart phone finally did it for me!
All this modern technology nonsense! What's wrong with an old fashioned cockerel?There was a pilgrim in an albergue I was in last year who carried an old fashioned alarm clock set to 5 am.
There is also a great loss in knowing exactly where one will stay that night or where one will eat ... really, a great loss ... to throw oneself into the unknown and unplanned allows extraordinary things to manifest, need is answered, sometimes in amazing ways, but to plan oneself out of being open to that, to me, is a loss, changing an open and freeing pilgrimage into just another itinerary.
I will look forward to your own view, after you walk in June 2020.
All this modern technology nonsense! What's wrong with an old fashioned cockerel?
On the contrary in my experience. A year ago I flew to California and brought a book to read during the flight. I was feeling like an extraterrestrial because of the looks. Same in the mountains or on the CaminoAnd nobody will judge you if you are sitting in a café reading a book, but if you happen to be reading it on your phone...
I still think there is nothing wrong with carrying as many gadgets as you want, as long as you are mindful of the world around you.
I feel like this should be the last word on the subject ... though knowing this forum, it won't be.
One of the best ways to guarantee a lot of follow up posts and discussion is to start a thread on "how best to do the Camino".I feel like this should be the last word on the subject ... though knowing this forum, it won't be.
On my first Camino, 2012, (no smart phone!), I found a book in an albergue!!! Wow. It was a rubbish novel, translated from Swedish but I was soooo thrilled. I read it in one sitting until light failed me (on the rooftop ) and my fellow pilgrims were horrified. ‘We thought you were out partying! You did what? ‘ Nobody understood.On the contrary in my experience. A year ago I flew to California and brought a book to read during the flight. I was feeling like an extraterrestrial because of the looks. Same in the mountains or on the Camino
No kidding, different conclusions! I profoundly disagree. And I bet I'm not the only one. But I'm straying off topic...sorry...It is interesting to see how people can come to such different conclusions about what is essential to pilgrimage.
Without planning and preparation it is not a pilgrimage, in his opinion.
Sooo...quietly reading a book is bad but loudly getting soused is good? What kind of weird reality is that? Sorry, but I don't understand them. But what you were doing sounds lovely.‘We thought you were out partying! You did what? ‘ Nobody understood.
All this modern technology nonsense! What's wrong with an old fashioned cockerel?
No weight at all, as they are quite capable of walking between albergues, and could even be trained to carry a small back pack. Feed themselves along the route and are partial to bedbugs and pilgrims scraps. And what would be the point of a quiet one? Plus they provide a pleasant meal at the end!Too much weight! And needs to be fed and kept quiet....
AMEN.the device does not do such a thing. It is how you use it that does it
You have opened my eyes, Domengro! Thank you! So it will be a cockerel next time. Will keep you posted about it. Since I am thinking of the Olvidado he might become a meal before the end!
And the really smart thing about it is that if he ever regrets his decision to get that tattoo, he can cover it with a watch.tattoo of a watch face on his wrist - the time displayed said 'NOW'.
And the really smart thing about it is that if he ever regrets his decision to get that tattoo, he can cover it with a watch.
I read my books on the iPhone, use it as a camera and my diary.And nobody will judge you if you are sitting in a café reading a book, but if you happen to be reading it on your phone...
***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
For me the best part of the Camino was NOT using my cell phone, being off of email, Whatsapp, Facebook etc. It gave me peace and I actually could relax. I just used it to communicate with other pilgrims that I wanted to meet up with.***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
... along with my journal for documenting my journey. ...
My observation over two Caminos is that documenting the journey is the primary use of the phone. The camera is the most convenient, a blog or Facebook post is parallel to a journal. Apps are the paper map and social media allows us to connect to our new camino friends along path. We have friends around the world that we stay in touch with after meeting along the way.
A few mega bytes later , some Siri-ous sins and Pilgrimage was born!I heard that Adam and Eve had an Apple, but I am not sure they were pilgrims.
I heard that Adam and Eve had an Apple, but I am not sure they were pilgrims.
As is the consensus.. we are all on our own camino. I stayed connected every step of the way. My husband followed me from Kansas City using Google (we were connected via google maps). I stopped along the way and took photos a few times during the day and posted them to the family WhatsApp group my son had set up. If I missed too much time, I got messages.. Mom! How're you doin'? They were a lot more impressed about this great-grandmother "out there by herself" than I was, but it helped the comfort level of my family.***maybe I should preface my question as it is intended to be funny; not serious***
(I'm mostly wanting opinions of the experience of others.)
As I was making my decision to walk the Camino de Santiago, I was most inspired by the community, peace, history, stories, self-reflection, etc. I'm not sure why this surprises me, but why are people loading up on technology? Is it really necessary? It really bothers me the number of posts that reference apps and websites to use along the way; no thank you. I'm not heading to work or trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in rush hour, why would I need to use a cell phone to navigate my way on a trail that is supposed to be a path of self-discovery and reflection? Does this bother any else? Yes, I am taking my phone, but it will be turned off in a secret pocket deep in my backpack for emergency only. Even in towns along the way, I plan to enjoy the freedom of just wandering without technology. I know this is possible as I have traveled in many countries this way may years ago. I love talking to locals (providing we can verbally communicate with each other) and navigating or wandering by instinct. I do plan to take a paper map and some notes that I've made ahead of time, along with my journal for documenting my journey. Anyone else have any thoughts on this or want to share technology-free experiences?
You have it backwards - carrying a phone is not a problem for those who carry them.Reading all these posts, it seems carrying a cell phone is a very sensitive subject, more so for the people that carry them than the ones that don't. Relax cell phone users, the lord isn't going to banish you.
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