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Your feelings & reactions are far more common on the Camino & other trails than you probably think. Introverts make up a third of the planets population & we are thus represented on the Camino.I walked the Camino in Sept 2018. I thought I would post my thoughts to encourage other potential pilgrim's that struggle with crowded situations. I was led, driven, to walk the Camino after initially being introduced by the movie The Way, but Paulo Coehlo's book The Pilgrimage, and Shirley MacLaine's book The Camino-A pilgrimage of courage, drove me to lose 100lbs and on my replaced my knees actually turn a dream into actually walking the Camino at age 56. But, beyond the physical challenge the part I most dreaded, and I read most people love is the concept of the Camino family. I can have panic attacks in crowded situations and I like, need, lots of alone time. I enjoy people one on one, a couple people, but groups not for me, not judging, just not for me. It took years to accept this in me. I enjoyed a table of four at Pilgrim dinners, but although I cherished my night in Granon, it was amazing being in that 11th century church lying on the pad listening to the rain fall on the roof in the night while listening to everyone sleeping. I felt so, so blessed. But, being in the middle of the table at the large communal table for dinner was almost nightmarish. I wanted out so badly. I was so tense, on edge, felt trapped
I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge. I had many great deep conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world that I will cherish forever on the Camino. The alone time on the Camino was all I thought and hoped it would be and it blessed me and changed my life. If you are out there, my words speak to you and are considering walking the Camino but have issues like me. You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
Like you I often find large groups uncomfortable and I have no desire to be part of a "Camino family". I have occasionally added 10 or 15km to my day in order to distance myself from someone who failed to take the hint that I would prefer solitude and silence to their constant voluble company. Having walked the Camino Frances three times and having seen the enormous growth in numbers walking it I now find myself drawn towards less-travelled routes. Luckily there are Caminos for us all these days.You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
Avoiding any mob scene was one of the reasons I always enjoyed walking in late autumn/winter This is exactly why I have chosen to walk later in the year too. I admittedly have made fewer friendships but have still made some deep connections. I may have given up more lovely landscapes but I have gained more peace, quiet and needed solitude.
I am far from an introvert but I having time alone is at the top of my list. I have noticed on my caminos even when I end up eating in an albergue or a communal dinner with 6 or 7 or more pilgrims it seems to almost always be a mellower vibe. (Except of course when there are some Spaniards at the table as they love to have fun!!) I do like to meet and share with new people in the evenings but it is a different story during the day. For some reason I always feel like later in the year Pilgrims seem to respect each others space and need for privacy a little more. It is nothing I can prove just a feeling I have. Could be entirely wrong.@vwzoo . I can totally relate to your experience.
I love to walk alone, but enjoy the company of other Pilgrims at the end of the day.
But not en masse!
Very well said!! Thank you!!I walked the Camino in Sept 2018. I thought I would post my thoughts to encourage other potential pilgrim's that struggle with crowded situations. I was led, driven, to walk the Camino after initially being introduced by the movie The Way, but Paulo Coehlo's book The Pilgrimage, and Shirley MacLaine's book The Camino-A pilgrimage of courage, drove me to lose 100lbs and on my replaced my knees actually turn a dream into actually walking the Camino at age 56. But, beyond the physical challenge the part I most dreaded, and I read most people love is the concept of the Camino family. I can have panic attacks in crowded situations and I like, need, lots of alone time. I enjoy people one on one, a couple people, but groups not for me, not judging, just not for me. It took years to accept this in me. I enjoyed a table of four at Pilgrim dinners, but although I cherished my night in Granon, it was amazing being in that 11th century church lying on the pad listening to the rain fall on the roof in the night while listening to everyone sleeping. I felt so, so blessed. But, being in the middle of the table at the large communal table for dinner was almost nightmarish. I wanted out so badly. I was so tense, on edge, felt trapped
I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge. I had many great deep conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world that I will cherish forever on the Camino. The alone time on the Camino was all I thought and hoped it would be and it blessed me and changed my life. If you are out there, my words speak to you and are considering walking the Camino but have issues like me. You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
My husband does the same thing!! It works great!!I have found it very easy to distance myself on the Camino from those I don't want to be with. Unlike @Bradypus I don't add kilometres to my day but rather do the reverse - I deliberately fall behind a day. Different method, same result. Or walk off piste, and see something on a side trail.
I try to be kind to those who are lonely, or not social magnets, or having difficulties, but the camino is usually a long walk and it seems sensible to ration my (rapidly decreasing) allotment of time on earth.
I typically do not read long winded posts. But yours … All I can say is thank you and God bless you for the encouragement to others.I walked the Camino in Sept 2018. I thought I would post my thoughts to encourage other potential pilgrim's that struggle with crowded situations. I was led, driven, to walk the Camino after initially being introduced by the movie The Way, but Paulo Coehlo's book The Pilgrimage, and Shirley MacLaine's book The Camino-A pilgrimage of courage, drove me to lose 100lbs and on my replaced my knees actually turn a dream into actually walking the Camino at age 56. But, beyond the physical challenge the part I most dreaded, and I read most people love is the concept of the Camino family. I can have panic attacks in crowded situations and I like, need, lots of alone time. I enjoy people one on one, a couple people, but groups not for me, not judging, just not for me. It took years to accept this in me. I enjoyed a table of four at Pilgrim dinners, but although I cherished my night in Granon, it was amazing being in that 11th century church lying on the pad listening to the rain fall on the roof in the night while listening to everyone sleeping. I felt so, so blessed. But, being in the middle of the table at the large communal table for dinner was almost nightmarish. I wanted out so badly. I was so tense, on edge, felt trapped
I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge. I had many great deep conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world that I will cherish forever on the Camino. The alone time on the Camino was all I thought and hoped it would be and it blessed me and changed my life. If you are out there, my words speak to you and are considering walking the Camino but have issues like me. You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
Well, that’s the only reason I haven’t walked the Camino Francis yet, but three other Caminos. Maybe I’ll give the Francis a try. Thanks for the article it really connected.I walked the Camino in Sept 2018. I thought I would post my thoughts to encourage other potential pilgrim's that struggle with crowded situations. I was led, driven, to walk the Camino after initially being introduced by the movie The Way, but Paulo Coehlo's book The Pilgrimage, and Shirley MacLaine's book The Camino-A pilgrimage of courage, drove me to lose 100lbs and on my replaced my knees actually turn a dream into actually walking the Camino at age 56. But, beyond the physical challenge the part I most dreaded, and I read most people love is the concept of the Camino family. I can have panic attacks in crowded situations and I like, need, lots of alone time. I enjoy people one on one, a couple people, but groups not for me, not judging, just not for me. It took years to accept this in me. I enjoyed a table of four at Pilgrim dinners, but although I cherished my night in Granon, it was amazing being in that 11th century church lying on the pad listening to the rain fall on the roof in the night while listening to everyone sleeping. I felt so, so blessed. But, being in the middle of the table at the large communal table for dinner was almost nightmarish. I wanted out so badly. I was so tense, on edge, felt trapped
I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge. I had many great deep conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world that I will cherish forever on the Camino. The alone time on the Camino was all I thought and hoped it would be and it blessed me and changed my life. If you are out there, my words speak to you and are considering walking the Camino but have issues like me. You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
I too enjoy the company of friends and strangers in social situations it does add life and most often positive energy that we can all feel. I also never really got "camino families". IN MY OWN EXPERIENCE (I write it in quotes to avoid being inundated by those who think completely differently and I am sure some even angered by what I am about to say) .I think it often tends to isolate small groups who walk together and although they are friendly to others, I feel like there is often a wall around them. You can be friendly and chat but there is no chance for any deeper connection as they will quickly retreat back to their family. I have also noticed in my own experience, when I encountered someone who had terrible blisters, or other physical problems from walking or were quite ill that they greatly exacerbated their ailment or injury because they insisted on keeping up with their "family". They say well my "family" can't stop because Joe doesn't want to or Mary needs to be in Santiago by a certain date or whatever very good reason the other members want to keep walking regardless of how bad the injured/sick person is. I have asked straight out if you were walking with your Mom, dad, wife, husband etc would you be walking now? Of course not they are your real family who loves you and would never sacrifice your well being or safety over their personal desire because they love you. They ARE your family.I'm happy in a crowded pub; I'm happy in the mosh-pit at any music festival I attend; I'm even happy in that long queue for the Pilgrims Office that starts around about Sarria. I quite like other people and will often enjoy an opportunity to meet, greet and engage with a total stranger. But, if I'm in search of quiet space and the opportunity for contemplation I'd likely avoid all the above.
I've never really "got" Camino Families but I don't believe that's down to any 'ism. It's just, as in the words of that great philosopher and political thinker Groucho Marx, "I would never want to join the sort of club that would have me as a member".
I too enjoy the company of friends and strangers in social situations it does add life and most often positive energy that we can all feel. I also never really got "camino families". IN MY OWN EXPERIENCE (I write it in quotes to avoid being inundated by those who think completely differently and I am sure some even angered by what I am about to say) .I think it often tends to isolate small groups who walk together and although they are friendly to others, I feel like there is often a wall around them. You can be friendly and chat but there is no chance for any deeper connection as they will quickly retreat back to their family. I have also noticed in my own experience, when I encountered someone who had terrible blisters, or other physical problems from walking or were quite ill that they greatly exacerbated their ailment or injury because they insisted on keeping up with their "family". They say well my "family" can't stop because Joe doesn't want to or Mary needs to be in Santiago by a certain date or whatever very good reason the other members want to keep walking regardless of how bad the injured/sick person is. I have asked straight out if you were walking with your Mom, dad, wife, husband etc would you be walking now? Of course not they are your real family who loves you and would never sacrifice your well being or safety over their personal desire because they love you. They ARE your family.
One of the things I loved about Camino Frances in 2007 was that I could join up with others or 'unjoin' whenever it suited. No worries. All I said was - I would like to walk alone for a while, or, your pace is too fast/slow for me: maybe catch you later. We smiled our goodbyes and that was it.I walked the Camino in Sept 2018. I thought I would post my thoughts to encourage other potential pilgrim's that struggle with crowded situations. I was led, driven, to walk the Camino after initially being introduced by the movie The Way, but Paulo Coehlo's book The Pilgrimage, and Shirley MacLaine's book The Camino-A pilgrimage of courage, drove me to lose 100lbs and on my replaced my knees actually turn a dream into actually walking the Camino at age 56. But, beyond the physical challenge the part I most dreaded, and I read most people love is the concept of the Camino family. I can have panic attacks in crowded situations and I like, need, lots of alone time. I enjoy people one on one, a couple people, but groups not for me, not judging, just not for me. It took years to accept this in me. I enjoyed a table of four at Pilgrim dinners, but although I cherished my night in Granon, it was amazing being in that 11th century church lying on the pad listening to the rain fall on the roof in the night while listening to everyone sleeping. I felt so, so blessed. But, being in the middle of the table at the large communal table for dinner was almost nightmarish. I wanted out so badly. I was so tense, on edge, felt trapped
I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge. I had many great deep conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world that I will cherish forever on the Camino. The alone time on the Camino was all I thought and hoped it would be and it blessed me and changed my life. If you are out there, my words speak to you and are considering walking the Camino but have issues like me. You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
I think like the Granon story I mentioned it was a challenge at times, but all part of my Camino, just like the physical pains.Well, that’s the only reason I haven’t walked the Camino Francis yet, but three other Caminos. Maybe I’ll give the Francis a try. Thanks for the article it really connected.
As an Introvert myself (INFP-T), I need time to accustom into new situations or people.You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
Even 5 years later when I did my first Camino it was very similar. You could easily find solitude or just as easily find a companion(s) to walk with whenever you wished or needed. I think nothing is more important and what I try to preach to people is to walk your own camino and let the camino unfold with each step you take. Buen camino RIta.One of the things I loved about Camino Frances in 2007 was that I could join up with others or 'unjoin' whenever it suited. No worries. All I said was - I would like to walk alone for a while, or, your pace is too fast/slow for me: maybe catch you later. We smiled our goodbyes and that was it.
Intoversion/ extroversion is on a continuum and we all sit in different places at different times in different circumstances.
Walk your own Camino / discover your own Camino - that is the Way.
I know exactly how you feel. A few caminos back I stayed in Madrid for 3 days after my Camino Norte. It was so wonderful the last few weeks as I walked in solitude. I started to feel a little overwhelmed even when the Norte joined the CF for just two days and even a little more when I got to Santiago and it was December. When I got to Madrid it was just way too much for me. I told my wife and she actually gave me a short lecture that of course you are overwhelmed after your experience. Next time you finish and you have time find a place more peaceful and relaxing before you come home to me. Last year I after Santiago (Again in December) I walked to Muxia and Finisterre. I was on that Camino for 8 days and it made a big difference. I again returned to Madrid but just for a day and the next day went home. It really helped a lot.The first time I walked the CF (in February - as is my preference) I experienced only ‘Camino distant relations’ as some faces became familiar. I walked my own walk, however.
I passed through Sahagun on market day and felt genuinely discomforted by the crowds, so carried on through.
I met about 30 other pilgrims in total over the 800km of my first Camino Frances. During my most recent Camino Frances walk in 2016 I could often see more than that in a single glance around an albergue dining room or when looking at the path ahead. I think the days of genuine solitude on the Camino Frances are pretty much behind us now for much of the year. That's why I walk elsewhere these days.As I am retired and can walk when I want I wonder if in the peak of pilgrimage the luxury we discussed is as easy to achieve as it once was years earlier on the Camino Frances?
I'm thinking of doing this... but I'm concerned about the availability of facilities on the Invierno. What is it like? Albergues?If you’re drawn to walk the Francés again and don’t care for the Sarria crowds, take a left when you reach Ponferrada and pick up the Camino Invierno - absolutely beautiful and very few Pilgrims.
You'll find some good information in the Invierno section of the forum.I'm thinking of doing this... but I'm concerned about the availability of facilities on the Invierno. What is it like? Albergues?
hi- i just got back in june from the CF and as a slow walker found i had solitude the majority of the time except bars and albergues- but those weren’t overly crowded until after sarria. in my experience i would not say to avoid the CF due to crowds, solitude is still possible- at least if you are a slow walker!I met about 30 other pilgrims in total over the 800km of my first Camino Frances. During my most recent Camino Frances walk in 2016 I could often see more than that in a single glance around an albergue dining room or when looking at the path ahead. I think the days of genuine solitude on the Camino Frances are pretty much behind us now for much of the year. That's why I walk elsewhere these days.
Or a fast one, ahead of the crowd.hi- i just got back in june from the CF and as a slow walker found i had solitude the majority of the time except bars and albergues- but those weren’t overly crowded until after sarria. in my experience i would not say to avoid the CF due to crowds, solitude is still possible- at least if you are a slow walker!
Or leave late in the morning or even later.Or a fast one, ahead of the crowd.
I walked in July '19 and had very long stretches in total solitude. Very relaxing!
Oh, shortly after Puente de la Reina I was in total solitude until I reached Los Arcos. No other Pilgrim in sight. Only on the stop in Villamayor I had a conversation with the keeper of the Inn.@Roland49 and @DoughnutANZ I think we may have very different notions of "crowded" and "solitude". They are fairly subjective ideas after all. I have made two long walks on pilgrim routes so far this year: the Via de la Plata and one of the Norwegian Olavsleden routes. On both of those I walked for several days at a time without encountering another pilgrim and spent most of my nights alone. A day when I met three other pilgrims on either route counted as a busy one! I choose my routes and seasons these days with that level of contact in mind.
Even 5 years later when I did my first Camino it was very similar. You could easily find solitude or just as easily find a companion(s) to walk with whenever you wished or needed. I think nothing is more important and what I try to preach to people is to walk your own camino and let the camino unfold with each step you take. Buen camino RIta.
As I am retired and can walk when I want I wonder if in the peak of pilgrimage the luxury we discussed is as easy to achieve as it once was years earlier on the Camino Frances
I also have this challenge.I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge.
Last winter on my first Camino I managed to relatively stay solitary until Los Arcos, then Najera, then Grañon. I heard about this camino family talk but I actually wanted to see how far I could go on my own. But a funny thing happened, I kept running into the same people. I softened my view when some of them were willing to stay back or go slower so we can meet up somewhere. A nice gesture that was hard for me to ignore.I too enjoy the company of friends and strangers in social situations it does add life and most often positive energy that we can all feel. I also never really got "camino families". IN MY OWN EXPERIENCE (I write it in quotes to avoid being inundated by those who think completely differently and I am sure some even angered by what I am about to say) .I think it often tends to isolate small groups who walk together and although they are friendly to others, I feel like there is often a wall around them. You can be friendly and chat but there is no chance for any deeper connection as they will quickly retreat back to their family. I have also noticed in my own experience, when I encountered someone who had terrible blisters, or other physical problems from walking or were quite ill that they greatly exacerbated their ailment or injury because they insisted on keeping up with their "family". They say well my "family" can't stop because Joe doesn't want to or Mary needs to be in Santiago by a certain date or whatever very good reason the other members want to keep walking regardless of how bad the injured/sick person is. I have asked straight out if you were walking with your Mom, dad, wife, husband etc would you be walking now? Of course not they are your real family who loves you and would never sacrifice your well being or safety over their personal desire because they love you. They ARE your family.
I agree with you and your experiences like mine I believe illustrate how each pilgrim can assimilate their experiences and their need for walking their own camino. On my Camino in 2019 the people that I met and the people that I grew to love (it was November/December) all walked their own caminos and there were 7 of us who were in a whatsapp group. We would not see each other every day, but most days. Often we would come across each other in bars or on the camino and have a break together and walk a few kilometers together. But most of the time we all decided for ourselves what we would do. By the time we reached Sarria the group had tentacles that extended out to almost 20 people. We were all walking about the same distances that last week or so. So many would stay in the same albergue together. There were 2 young men that were chefs in Spain and Italy. We had communal dinners in albergues and sometimes there were almost 20 people. The meals were devine as these young chefs prepared simple but delicious dinners. We would all chip in for wine, salads, veggies and desserts. We had dinner that knocked the socks of any traditional pilgrim menu or anything I could make. But the best part was we sat in those albergues and talked and laughed for hours. I walked alone for all or most of each day and had the time of my life in the evening. I never had to contribute more than 5Euros and often less for dinners and company t remember night after night.Last winter on my first Camino I managed to relatively stay solitary until Los Arcos, then Najera, then Grañon. I heard about this camino family talk but I actually wanted to see how far I could go on my own. But a funny thing happened, I kept running into the same people. I softened my view when some of them were willing to stay back or go slower so we can meet up somewhere. A nice gesture that was hard for me to ignore.
My point is that any of the scenarios can happen. But sometimes people are put in your way for a reason. Still, up to the person to take it or not.
On my second time to complete my winter walk I didn't assimilate with existing families but met people as individuals. I was fine with this but I found myself in similar situations running into the same folks and they sought my company. We didn't walk together all the time but we kept in touch by Whatsapp.
Do I feel like I'm missing out? No because the Camino is first and foremost a walking experience. Everything else comes after. I feel like others seek the reverse to accomplish the first task, but this is one person's opinion. You walk your own Camino and that's how you make it your own. Otherwise, you are walking someone else's Camino.
It's really that simple. We tend to complicate things....
Never feel guilty about doing what you NEED to do for yourself on the Camino. I know how difficult and uncomfortable a conversation that you wanted to have with her would be. My solution would have been to walk two short days to let her get ahead (if you had the time to do it, of course). I often do that anyway just as a way to rest if I feel I want to walk but don't want to take a full rest day. Of course this depends on which camino you are on and if the infrastructure allows for it.On my first Camino a few years ago I met a pilgrim in O Cebreiro, a woman around my age, who turned into a bit of a problem as she wanted to be with me all the time. I explained that I wanted to walk alone at my own pace during the day, which she respected but every evening she would turn up and stay in the same albergue and follow me round everywhere. If I went to wash clothes so did she, if I went shopping or for a rest she came too. I found this most uncomfortable but didn´t really know how to deal with it without being unkind. After a few days I think she realised I was trying to avoid her and she palled up with someone else. I felt sorry for her and afterwards felt guilty at my lack of charity but like most introverts I needed my own space.
Thank you for this ,another introvert.ciaoI walked the Camino in Sept 2018. I thought I would post my thoughts to encourage other potential pilgrim's that struggle with crowded situations. I was led, driven, to walk the Camino after initially being introduced by the movie The Way, but Paulo Coehlo's book The Pilgrimage, and Shirley MacLaine's book The Camino-A pilgrimage of courage, drove me to lose 100lbs and on my replaced my knees actually turn a dream into actually walking the Camino at age 56. But, beyond the physical challenge the part I most dreaded, and I read most people love is the concept of the Camino family. I can have panic attacks in crowded situations and I like, need, lots of alone time. I enjoy people one on one, a couple people, but groups not for me, not judging, just not for me. It took years to accept this in me. I enjoyed a table of four at Pilgrim dinners, but although I cherished my night in Granon, it was amazing being in that 11th century church lying on the pad listening to the rain fall on the roof in the night while listening to everyone sleeping. I felt so, so blessed. But, being in the middle of the table at the large communal table for dinner was almost nightmarish. I wanted out so badly. I was so tense, on edge, felt trapped
I am writing this for others that may also have this challenge. I had many great deep conversations with other pilgrims from all over the world that I will cherish forever on the Camino. The alone time on the Camino was all I thought and hoped it would be and it blessed me and changed my life. If you are out there, my words speak to you and are considering walking the Camino but have issues like me. You too can do it. Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable. You are who you are and it's ok not to be and feel like everyone else, and by all means be brave and walk it. It will change your life.
I also prefer to walk alone and two experiences confirm, for me, that choice.Plan, strategize the group situations, leave and arrive at odd times, be polite but be brave and decline situations that make you feel uncomfortable
Prayer beads or a mala work too.I remember a like-minded Dutch fellow that had a smart trick: he carried and read a small, cloth bound book, so everybody supposed he was praying and let him alone (actullay, it was Dickens).
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