Envisioning the Camino Post Virus

[Adelina]

As I read some of the posts about returning to Camino - some as early as June/July, I have been wondering what the Camino might look like after everything is lifted - will the albergues continue with shared bathrooms, multiple beds, etc? Will peregrines be able to be in very close quarters (as I was in some of the donativos)?

I wonder how long after the Spanish influenza did things return somewhat to "normal"?

Some of my musings on Saturday mornings when I receive the forum, and as I talk to some of my Camino friends. Take care, everyone!

 

[RJM]

If the virus is not eliminated or controlled to the point of being able to live communally there simply would be no communal albergues. The risks would negate that. That aspect of walking the Camino would be gone. I do not think there is a compromise there.
No communal albergues would mean no Camino as we know it as it would diminish the interest most have in walking it.

 

[Lindsay53]

It's going to take time, even after the pandemic is controlled, however I think the traditional albergue will still be functioning. Communal living was not the cause of the disease and once everything else returns to normal so will the Camino.

 

[trecile]

Communal living was not the cause of the disease

Not the cause, but the method of transmission.

 

[Anto]

I have never done the Camino on the albergue trail but small 1 or 2 star hotels and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We are only doing the Camino in sections as I couldn't get enough time off work to do full CF.
Reckoned we'd get to Santiago in 2022 ,resigned to 2023 now

 

[tpmchugh]

I doubt anyone will be returning to the camino this year. The people of Spain will be suffering from the trauma for a while after travel restrictions are lifted. If I were a hospitalero, I would not want to even contemplate opening again this year

 

[Adelina]

It's going to take time, even after the pandemic is controlled, however I think the traditional albergue will still be functioning. Communal living was not the cause of the disease and once everything else returns to normal so will the Camino.

Happy to see a positive outlook!

 

[Adelina]

Happy to see a positive outlook!

I meant to respond to those with positivity. I'm of the mind that things are shifting in the world right now...

 

[Doug Delfeld]

This virus has turned all our lives upside down. Who knows what life will look like when it’s all over. I pray that during this Caminoless Time we reevaluate our lives and for those of us who don’t count on a weekly pay check to survive perhaps we can pick out our favorite Albergue , tiendas , cafes and send them a donation to help them get through this time.
I was planning on a 2020 fall camino but am going through chemo and am not sure where my energy level will be .
Only God knows....

 

[Lindsay53]

Not the cause, but the method of transmission.

The method of transmission encompasses every avenue of human contact.

 

[RennieArchibald]

As I read some of the posts about returning to Camino - some as early as June/July, I have been wondering what the Camino might look like after everything is lifted - will the albergues continue with shared bathrooms, multiple beds, etc? Will peregrines be able to be in very close quarters (as I was in some of the donativos)?

I wonder how long after the Spanish influenza did things return somewhat to "normal"?

Some of my musings on Saturday mornings when I receive the forum, and as I talk to some of my Camino friends. Take care, everyone!

No vaccine...no Camino

 

[Kitsambler]

I wonder about the restoration of that core aspect of the Camino experience: trust. Trust in the kindness of strangers, including locals, hospitality industry people, as well as fellow pilgrims. I anticipate continued suspicions and hygiene lectures, in the fashion of the anti-bedbug campaigns. And possibly substantial prejudice toward anyone identifiably from a current or recent hotspot. Two years for vaccine, and another two years for trust.

 

[Lindsay53]

I wonder about the restoration of that core aspect of the Camino experience: trust. Trust in the kindness of strangers, including locals, hospitality industry people, as well as fellow pilgrims. I anticipate continued suspicions and hygiene lectures, in the fashion of the anti-bedbug campaigns. And possibly substantial prejudice toward anyone identifiably from a current or recent hotspot. Two years for vaccine, and another two years for trust.

I'm a bit more optimistic Kitsambler. I think once the pandemic is shown to be under control and things have returned to 'normal' ie: no new cases and those affected have recovered, that there will be an attitude of thankfulness that will spread among most people. Those living on or near the Camino will be keen to see their livelihoods recover and will welcome the return of pilgrims.