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Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search ...
I know I rave about the one of the Frances. But it depends on the individual. Like the OP - I have a great deal of anxiety about public speaking and meeting new people. For me, staying in this particular albergue helps me get started. For others it is just too much. Normally I suggest giving these places a try anyway - but the OP has already stated he did a Camino previously and it is too much. I am OK with being asked to introduce myself especially if I am not one of the first couple of people - for me what pushes me over the edge is when people try to force me to sing or something lol. Nope. Certainly not solo and probably not in a small group.I can understand where you're coming from regarding an expectation to speak or perform in front of others. I have stayed in a good number of places over the years where this is considered the norm (I can think of two such places in particular that get frequent gushing reviews on this site, one on the Portuguese and one on the Frances, almost, it seems to me, to the point of being considered some sort of rite of passage). Some clearly revel in it, others are clearly embarrassed.
Not always an easy or popular thing to do, but it's perfectly acceptable to politely opt out...
Edit:
It would be a shame to miss out:
there are lots of great albergues out there that provide a communal meal without the expectation or obligation for you to perform in any way..
I also stayed there once and ate there which I believe was required . My next Camino planning I called them are ask for a reservation and said yes to dinner and no to breakfast, they replied that they require both. I was meeting someone for breakfast. No matter, required . I canceled the reservation. I don’t like to be told what I must do . I stayed at one across the street , I wish I knew the name , they also offered a communal dinner and talked to everyone casually there, my choice. I did see these Pilgrims the whole way and was glad of a friendly face.Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
Actually, the Albergue in Orisson includes the price of the meal in the booking. You are not required to attend or speak, but you will pay!There's no obligation at any albergue to attend a communal meal. I've stayed at albergues before that had a communal meal but I had already made arrangements to meet other pilgrims for dinner at a restaurant. Not that big a deal to not attend the communal.
I also don't care for that whole introduction thing too. It reminds me of alcoholic anonymous meetings I've seen parodied in movies and such. I'd just as soon skip that part. I know some pilgrims like the whole kid's summer camp atmosphere routine that occurs at some albergues but I'll pass.
Just stay where you want to stay and do whatever you want to do in regards to meals.
I am quite sure that the requirement was that you pay for the standard package, which included the cost of breakfast. They are not going to bar the door to prevent you from leaving in the morning if you haven't eaten.they replied that they require both. I was meeting someone for breakfast. No matter, required . I canceled the reservation. I don’t like to be told what I must do .
Nobody has a right to corral you into a situation such as this. Plead the fifth or whatever they call it..In Orisson at the communal meal, we had to state our names, nationality and if it was our first camino, or ... Didn't have to give a reason for walking, which I wouldn't have been happy to do. However, I was asked by a German ex-nurse, who was sitting across the table from me. I didn't ask her or anyone else as I thought it was a very personal question.
I would say that the answer is more personal than the question, and depends a lot on the context.I didn't ask her or anyone else as I thought it was a very personal question.
Oh yes I'm aware of that. I've stayed in albergues where the price included the communal meal and if I already paid for it I eat it, lol. I personally have never stayed at Orisson. Just taken breaks there.Actually, the Albergue in Orisson includes the price of the meal in the booking. You are not required to attend or speak, but you will pay!
I was a hospitallero at old E'spirit du chemin for two weeks meals were excellent and one did not have to eat at the communal meal but only sleep. It was and is expensive to stay there but the service is excellent. I beleive the new owners are operating but better,Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
The hospitalleros were fantastic, as was the albergue. Indeed, the meal too was excellent and I did not suggest otherwise. When I booked my place online, months ahead of arrival in SJPP, there was no mention of introducing ourselves at dinner, if there was I would have looked at other options. There was no mention at all of this until it actually happened, and so, I felt like I was put on the spot. Some albergues are well known for this and I will avoid them (Orisson being one which I would like to stay at to split the pyrenees crossing, but feel unable due to this tradition). As I said in my first post, this is certainly not a snipe and I remain grateful to those providing services to pilgrims on the Camino.I was a hospitallero at old E'spirit du chemin for two weeks meals were excellent and one did not have to eat at the communal meal but only sleep. It was and is expensive to stay there but the service is excellent. I beleive the new owners are operating but better,
You are showing what you are capable of by doing this JTD. Buen Camino peregrino.Thank you all for your replies and suggestions! Very much appreciated and I will have a look at the albergues that have been suggested, thank you.
I should probably elaborate a little about myself and my reasons. I do not mind sharing my reasons for walking in normal conversation, and in fact, I have written about it in the past. It is just the standing up and public speaking that I would struggle with. I have PTSD and am agoraphobic. The reason I walked the first time was to try to overcome this. It was an incredibly difficult journey for me, but by the time I reached Santiago I felt incredible. Not cured, but better.
The first night in SJPP put me in an uncomfortable situation after a difficult day travelling which I was not expecting and I just want to avoid a repeat. Thankfully I was with my cousin last time who stood up for me when it was "my turn". He introduced me and gave my reason for walking, explaining that he was there to support me during the beginning of my pilgrimage. It all felt rather awkward!
To cut a long story short, I now find myself once again afraid to go out and so, off I go to Santiago...
Thank you!You are showing what you are capable of by doing this JTD. Buen Camino peregrino.
You sound very courageous @JTD You have overcome much more than most in walking your first camino - and now you are setting out again. Sending you best wishes. And continued ‘bon courage’I have PTSD and am agoraphobic. The reason I walked the first time was to try to overcome this. It was an incredibly difficult journey for me, but by the time I reached Santiago I felt incredible. Not cured, but better.
The first night in SJPP put me in an uncomfortable situation after a difficult day travelling which I was not expecting and I just want to avoid a repeat. Thankfully I was with my cousin last time who stood up for me when it was "my turn". He introduced me and gave my reason for walking, explaining that he was there to support me during the beginning of my pilgrimage. It all felt rather awkward!
To cut a long story short, I now find myself once again afraid to go out and so, off I go to Santiago
Thank you!You sound very courageous @JTD You have overcome much more than most in walking your first camino - and now you are setting out again. Sending you best wishes. And continued ‘bon courage’
Please don't feel the need to defend yourself or elaborate... we all have our own set of struggles - and everyone has the right to walk the Camino in a way that is most comfortable to them and their situations. Glad you are returning! And I think others have said - there are VERY FEW albergues with communal dinners or other activities in which there is a strong emphasis in group participation in any way shape of form. Just look at information and a few reviews about each albergue you are considering staying at and it will usually be obvious if there are dinner introductions or sing-alongs or prayer services or other activities you are not comfortable with. The ones with these activities - the activities are either raved or complained about often so they are pretty easy to spot!I should probably elaborate a little about myself and my reasons.
Oh it's fine, I didn't feel like a had to defend myself. Just didn't want it to sound like I don't even want to talk to other pilgrims! When I saw that someone has reacted to my first post with a laughing emoji I thought I'd explain in a bit more detail.Please don't feel the need to defend yourself or elaborate... we all have our own set of struggles - and everyone has the right to walk the Camino in a way that is most comfortable to them and their situations. Glad you are returning! And I think others have said - there are VERY FEW albergues with communal dinners or other activities in which there is a strong emphasis in group participation in any way shape of form. Just look at information and a few reviews about each albergue you are considering staying at and it will usually be obvious if there are dinner introductions or sing-alongs or prayer services or other activities you are not comfortable with. The ones with these activities - the activities are either raved or complained about often so they are pretty easy to spot!
Excellent post... I felt exactly the same when I stayed in Gite Beilari in 2016... at one point they had us throwing an imaginary ball from one pilgrim to another... in 2021 I stayed in Gite Makila across the street from Beilari, all very relaxed and no forced participation.Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
This is true, but a couple of the posts were from those who become filled with anxiety and a fear they can not control, even around a communal dinner table with strangers.it is a type of "stage fright" phobia, unfounded and ridiculous it seems to those who do not struggle.- My point is, that if someone asks a question, you can share what you will.
Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
In Orisson at the communal meal, we had to state our names, nationality and if it was our first camino, or ... Didn't have to give a reason for walking, which I wouldn't have been happy to do. However, I was asked by a German ex-nurse, who was sitting across the table from me. I didn't ask her or anyone else as I thought it was a very personal question.
Wow, I can't imagine walking across the Meseta with agoraphobia!Thank you all for your replies and suggestions! Very much appreciated and I will have a look at the albergues that have been suggested, thank you.
I should probably elaborate a little about myself and my reasons. I do not mind sharing my reasons for walking in normal conversation, and in fact, I have written about it in the past. It is just the standing up and public speaking that I would struggle with. I have PTSD and am agoraphobic. The reason I walked the first time was to try to overcome this. It was an incredibly difficult journey for me, but by the time I reached Santiago I felt incredible. Not cured, but better.
The first night in SJPP put me in an uncomfortable situation after a difficult day travelling which I was not expecting and I just want to avoid a repeat. Thankfully I was with my cousin last time who stood up for me when it was "my turn". He introduced me and gave my reason for walking, explaining that he was there to support me during the beginning of my pilgrimage. It all felt rather awkward!
To cut a long story short, I now find myself once again afraid to go out and so, off I go to Santiago...
I sympathise as I have never really understood the necessity. Perhaps being 65 when I first started Camino 2003 didn't endear me to the system. I have met many wonderful people on Camino whom I have known for as little as 4 hours but never forgot. We never formed groups or exchanged addresses or fone numbers and I never found this to belittle my experience or theirs. To me the Camino has always been a very personal experience and I intend to keep it that way. Buen CaminoHello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
The Meseta can be an excellent place for an agoraphobic. No crowds and a possible escape in any direction.Wow, I can't imagine walking across the Meseta with agoraphobia!
Interesting. I had always heard "agoraphobia" casually defined as "fear of open spaces". Hence my remark above. When I just went to look it up, I saw it defined as that, but equally or more so defined as "fear of being trapped". The meseta is a good example of how the more open the space, the less likely one may be to be trapped.The Meseta can be an excellent place for an agoraphobic. No crowds and a possible escape in any direction.
The "fear of the market-place" is more about being trapped in crowded spaces than exposure to the clear and piercing gaze of the gods
Thank you for sharing. As someone who suffers (and overcomes everyday) c-ptsd, I too, tend to shy away from public declarations of anything. To me, it feels a tad invasive.Thank you all for your replies and suggestions! Very much appreciated and I will have a look at the albergues that have been suggested, thank you.
I should probably elaborate a little about myself and my reasons. I do not mind sharing my reasons for walking in normal conversation, and in fact, I have written about it in the past. It is just the standing up and public speaking that I would struggle with. I have PTSD and am agoraphobic. The reason I walked the first time was to try to overcome this. It was an incredibly difficult journey for me, but by the time I reached Santiago I felt incredible. Not cured, but better.
The first night in SJPP put me in an uncomfortable situation after a difficult day travelling which I was not expecting and I just want to avoid a repeat. Thankfully I was with my cousin last time who stood up for me when it was "my turn". He introduced me and gave my reason for walking, explaining that he was there to support me during the beginning of my pilgrimage. It all felt rather awkward!
To cut a long story short, I now find myself once again afraid to go out and so, off I go to Santiago...
Hey Chrissy - I have a very suspicious feeling that chances are slim to none of you encountering a bear in SJPdP. Now the lions and tigers on the other hand..... (...and probably a good number of scarecrows....)I have an irrational fear of bears (a phonia) and can not tent camp in the many mountains in the US with bear populations, and even the hiking has me feeling unsettled...I have digressed a bit off topic.
@CWBuff, I only fear bears in the US in mountainous regions, not on any Caminos I have walked!
Shhhh! Don't tell @Camino Chrissy!Spanish police guide bear back from city centre to mountains
Residents of Ponferrada advised to take care after animal spotted by taxi driver in early hourswww.theguardian.com
extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one's own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult.Wow, I can't imagine walking across the Meseta with agoraphobia!
He probably thought he was the Last of the Templars Bear!Spanish police guide bear back from city centre to mountains
Residents of Ponferrada advised to take care after animal spotted by taxi driver in early hourswww.theguardian.com
This is a useful tip.The ones with these activities - the activities are either raved or complained about often so they are pretty easy to spot!
Don't put too much significance on the choice of emoji. People do not always give the same meaning to them, and sometimes inadvertently hit the wrong one.someone has reacted to my first post with a laughing emoji
Funny how this statement does not surprise me. Maybe because that also describes me!I'm not particularly a sing along kumbaya kind of guy
Too late!Shhhh! Don't tell @Camino Chrissy!
The "fear of the market-place" is more about being trapped in crowded spaces than exposure to the clear and piercing gaze of the gods
Having had a mother with agoraphobia (amongst other phobias) it manifested as a fear of moving out of familiar (safe) areas. It progressed as she aged, and was severely limiting, initially she would travel to the closest town, 15 minutes away, (but only smaller shops not the supermarket), to eventually barely leaving the house or garden (and never meeting visitors - she would fake illness so she wouldn't have to leave her room).extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one's own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult.
Lots of people with agoraphobia are fine outdoors in open areas, but can't deal with crowds anywhere. For many - the Meseta is heavenly
Yep - that is a classic case. Everyone is a little different in how it manifests!Having had a mother with agoraphobia (amongst other phobias) it manifested as a fear of moving out of familiar (safe) areas. It progressed as she aged, and was severely limiting, initially she would travel to the closest town, 15 minutes away, (but only smaller shops not the supermarket), to eventually barely leaving the house or garden (and never meeting visitors - she would fake illness so she wouldn't have to leave her room).
The size of her world decreased until she wouldn't leave the house, meeting people became impossible. She wouldn't shop, talk to people on the phone, or even online.
She spent her life in fear of being in situations she couldn't deal with.
Don't stay at Orrison. That was pretty much the only place I found myself in that situation. Or if you inadverdantly find yourself in a "situation "and it comes your turn just wave and say Buen Camino! Most will understand. You are not powerless in this scenario.Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
Wear a badge saying I walk in silence . I seen a man walking with one on the Portuguese central last yearHello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
If one by chance finds themselves in one of those very rare introduction situations there's no need to lie. Just politely decline.
On one Camino, we picked up a nun in full habit leaving Santiago for Finisterre. Behave yourself, I just mean that we walked parallel with her for the next few days. She never spoke, and when I first spoke to her, she smiled and made the zipper gesture across her mouth, so that we knew she was walking in silence. I wondered too how she would order lunch, and the answer was disappointing and practical. She gestured to the barman to come close, and I assume, whispered in their ears.Yes, don't lie and say you're planning to remain silent the entire Camino. What are you going to do when someone hears you order a café con leche?
Hello. We started a year ago on May 1! We stayed at Maison Ziberoa just outside the wall. Very pleasant, private and comfortable. You will still have a small group of pilgrims to start your adventure. No communal dinner. A very pleasant and knowledgable host.Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
I don't think I ever encountered anyplace like that and even if there was something like a communal meal included and I didn't want to participate I could always just walk out the albergue and eat or whatever somewhere else, or just go into the sleeping quarters and relax, sleep. Nobody would even notice.I didn't like staying in places where I felt obligated to sing, pray or participate. Some big communal meals were not appealing either. In some, it didn't feel like a choice. I liked quiet places and conversation if people were wanting to join in. More contemplative.
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions! Very much appreciated and I will have a look at the albergues that have been suggested, thank you.
I should probably elaborate a little about myself and my reasons. I do not mind sharing my reasons for walking in normal conversation, and in fact, I have written about it in the past. It is just the standing up and public speaking that I would struggle with. I have PTSD and am agoraphobic. The reason I walked the first time was to try to overcome this. It was an incredibly difficult journey for me, but by the time I reached Santiago I felt incredible. Not cured, but better.
The first night in SJPP put me in an uncomfortable situation after a difficult day travelling which I was not expecting and I just want to avoid a repeat. Thankfully I was with my cousin last time who stood up for me when it was "my turn". He introduced me and gave my reason for walking, explaining that he was there to support me during the beginning of my pilgrimage. It all felt rather awkward!
To cut a long story short, I now find myself once again afraid to go out and so, off I go to Santiago...
I was going to point out that the agora was literally the Ancient Greek marketplace and thus the reference….but, you were all over it (as usual).Yes, the origins of the word agoraphobia is from the Greek for market.
"The agora was the marketplace in ancient Greece; thus, agoraphobia often involves fear of public places and crowds. But it also may involve fear of being in shops, or even fear of being in open spaces, or fear of traveling alone. It may also be a fear of experiencing some uncontrollable or embarrassing event (like fainting) in the presence of others with no help available. Agoraphobia can be hard to understand for those who don't suffer from it, especially because it can take so many different forms, but it is often a serious and socially crippling condition."
Definition of AGORAPHOBIA
abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by the avoidance of open or public places… See the full definitionwww.merriam-webster.com
More profound and truthful words were never spoken on the subject of hypocricy.Don't worry.. we all are
LoI also stayed there once and ate there which I believe was required . My next Camino planning I called them are ask for a reservation and said yes to dinner and no to breakfast, they replied that they require both. I was meeting someone for breakfast. No matter, required . I canceled the reservation. I don’t like to be told what I must do . I stayed at one across the street , I wish I knew the name , they also offered a communal dinner and talked to everyone casually there, my choice. I did see these Pilgrims the whole way and was glad of a friendly face.
I would be interested to hear about your journey along the way – if you felt up to sharing. I am planning my first (covid delayed) Camino in Sept/Oct and public speaking scares the bejesus out of me. It is seriously one thing that would keep me away – but for the pull of the Camino which is so strong. Enjoy and take care.Thank you!
However, I'm not sure about that - we all have our own challenges to face. If you could see me today, sat looking out of the window trying to pluck up the courage to go for a walk, you would not call me courageous! I have less than 4 months to get my act together and get outside - yikes!
While it may be nice to wear a badge or otherwise indicate your desire for silence, please be aware that there is no requirement to wear white face paint.Wear a badge saying I walk in silence . I seen a man walking with one on the Portuguese central last year
The only place I know of where walking out before dinner wouldn't work is Orisson (for both Orisson and Borda). There is nowhere else in Orisson to eat dinner if you aren't eating at your albergue. You could pack a dinner - but instead of that you could easily just bypass Orisson. Afterall - the price of your stay in both places includes dinner so why stay there if you aren't going to eat.I don't think I ever encountered anyplace like that and even if there was something like a communal meal included and I didn't want to participate I could always just walk out the albergue and eat or whatever somewhere else, or just go into the sleeping quarters and relax, sleep. Nobody would even notice.
I never felt pressured to do anything on the Camino and I never gave any thought to how others see me on it. Mind you, I do realize that there's almost half a million people walking it every year so being alone and peace and quiet are rather unrealistic expectations if that was what I was looking for.
I actually experienced that after a pilgrim's mass in one of the smaller towns along the Frances. After the mass the priest did the pilgrim's blessing and asked where everyone was from (there was only about 10-15 of us) and to sing a short song from our home country. Definitely caught me off guard, but I played along and managed to croak one out lol. There was a French family of four I believe that sang E Ultreia beautifully. That was really nice. A tough act to followThe only place I know of where walking out before dinner wouldn't work is Orisson (for both Orisson and Borda). There is nowhere else in Orisson to eat dinner if you aren't eating at your albergue. You could pack a dinner - but instead of that you could easily just bypass Orisson. Afterall - the price of your stay in both places includes dinner so why stay there if you aren't going to eat.
But yes - no one can force you to join a communal dinner and no one can force you to get up and speak or sing or whatever. And honestly - the only time on the Camino that I felt "pressured" to do something I didn't want to do was at a group dinner where the pilgrims thought it would be fun for everyone to sing a song from their own country. Had nothing to do with an albergue requiring it. I did stay at Orisson - but that was by choice and I knew they liked to do introductions.
And I concur - don't lie and say you are doing a silent pilgrimage if you aren't - that is only going to get more people asking you questions when they realize you are speaking in other environments. But you could always have a card I suppose that says "I am not comfortable with public speaking" just in case you are in that position unintentionally. But again - very few places highly encourage public speaking or singing.
You are forgiven by a fellow "hypocrite".I must be a hypocrite because although I dislike sharing in public, I do appreciate listening to the stories of others.
Then don’t eat at the communal meal. Just opt out.Hello, a bit of an unusual first post perhaps! I have tried using the search function of the forum but my question is quite specific.
I will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPP starting on or around 1st May (flight not yet booked).
I would really like to hear your recommendation for places to stay in SJPP where there is no communal meal. On my first Camino in 2012 I stayed at L'espirit du chemin and although it was a beautiful albergue, I did not appreciate being expected to introduce myself and state my reasons for walking to the rest of the guests at dinner. I understand that this is to build camaraderie among pilgrims and for many is a special part of their own journey, but it is just something that I personally do not enjoy and wish to avoid. I certainly would not want to be the only pilgrim who refuses to stand up and speak, but it would make me very uncomfortable. This is not a snipe at any albergue or gite where this takes place, and no offence is intended. It is purely down to my own personal anxieties.
In some donativos (at least in France) the communal dinner is not optional, it is required because it is a friendly time, and a donativo is not an hotel.Then don’t eat at the communal meal. Just opt out.
No, that is not being a hypocrite. There is nothing wrong with enjoying different things and accepting that others do, too. Being a hypocrite would be criticizing others for something, and then doing it yourself.I must be a hypocrite because although I dislike sharing in public, I do appreciate listening to the stories of others.
Good point!No, that is not being a hypocrite. There is nothing wrong with enjoying different things and accepting that others do, too. Being a hypocrite would be criticizing others for something, and then doing it yourself. yourself.
I would be interested to hear about your journey along the way – if you felt up to sharing. I am planning my first (covid delayed) Camino in Sept/Oct and public speaking scares the bejesus out of me. It is seriously one thing that would keep me away – but for the pull of the Camino which is so strong. Enjoy and take care.
That is where we are staying in May.Gite Makila is my favorite. Nothing to worry about in regard to meals - great night sleep and hot shower right smack in town.
I tried to get booked in at Gite Makila after recommendations on here but I was too late! Looks like a great place!That is where we are staying in May.Although, I just heard they don’t have meals. Kind of bummed about that, but not a deal breaker.
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