- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2017 Frances from Saria
2018 Finnisterre
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Anti-climax.I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino
Planning the next one, knowing it wasn't my last one. Never will be until I die, an event that hopefully is some 30 years into the future. If, on your walk, you see something similar to a ghost with a backpack, taking a breath while leaning on a wooden staff, somewhere on the Camino, please say hello: It is me you are seeing.how you deal with it.
Alex,Anti-climax.
Planning the next one, knowing it wasn't my last one. Never will be until I die.
Me neither. I thoroughly enjoy blending in for a couple of days, eating & drinking well, looking at life, just soaking it all up.I always spend a few days somewhere just being a tourist before returning home to "regular life." It helps somewhat with the transition. I can't imagine arriving in Santiago one day and flying home the next.
The Camino never ends. Santiago is the start of a new life, a wonderful new life!I just finished Joyce Rupp's book, Walk in A Relaxed Manner, and the last chapter highlighted conflicted feelings I have struggled with each time I have walked into Santiago, i.e., elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time. She talks about how she and her partner dealt with those feelings. I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino and how you deal with it. I realize this is a very personal subject and possibly not one some like to talk about. But there seems to be a process that reduces it...some of my "completions" have been better than others.
You are SO right. I am happy for all who "get" it. And returning for one more fix just reinforces that...The Camino never ends. Santiago is the start of a new life, a wonderful new life!
Over the last couple of days as I neared Santiago I found myself walking slower and slower, not wanting it to end. This was a major turnaround as previously I had been driven to finish it, ignoring almost everything else. This was part of a promise to myself..... conflicted feelings I have struggled with each time I have walked into Santiago, i.e., elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time.
I always spend a few days somewhere just being a tourist before returning home to "regular life." It helps somewhat with the transition. I can't imagine arriving in Santiago one day and flying home the next.
This captures it well. I have sat for hours in the Cathedral square watching the pilgrims arrive, have attended the pilgrim's mass (although not RC), and have decompressed for a few days before heading home. It all helps, and I usually arrive home invigrtated and can't wait to plan the next one...2020 was hard, I planned at least six different routes.I always have very mixed feelings arriving in SdC.
The joy of visiting the cathedral, being in that wonderful place again, a feeling of having 'made it' once more.
But then sadness too. My simple life 'on the road' is over.
And soon I'll be back in the life I don't enjoy that much.
As I'm on my own, and anyone that I made friends with along the way, has usually finished well ahead of me, I have a deep sense of loneliness too. Particularly as the groups gather in the main square and 'celebrate' their achievements. I feel joy for them though of course.
So I don't hang around in SdC long.
On my first Camino, I had planned to walk on to the Coast, but couldn't due to injury.
But I took the bus to Muxia and back.
That was the best thing I did.
Sitting on the rocks looking out over the ocean, my journey felt complete.
I make the most of the Camino journey itself. Because I know that at some point it will end.
And as I get closer to Santiago, the distance seems to count down too fast, rather like 'ground rush' as you come into land under a parachute.
So I slow down..........to relish those final days, to savour every moment.
For all too soon, it's over.
Until next time
Well yes of course Sara, always with a cold beer in hand!Celebrate with a beer in front of the cathedral - and then start thinking about the next Camino.
Does albarino count? My choice to celebrate.Well yes of course Sara, always with a cold beer in hand!
Very evocative Mspath.Ten times from 2004 through 2014 I have arrived at Santiago de Compostela after 7 weeks walking the long Camino from Saint Jean Pied de Port. Here are some memories of those special days.
Each arrival was filled with mixed emotions, of euphoria and exhaustion. After hiking at least 5 hours daily for over 50 days while always carrying a fully loaded backpack, I was sincerely thankful that I made it!! I had relearned which qualities are most important - caritas, sincerity, tenacity, endurance and, of course, enjoying serendipity.
My heart beat faster as I hurried along the narrow pedestrian lanes. And there it was! The cathedral! At last! Overcome with emotion I put my hand on the stone weeping with thanks. Suddenly the giant bells began to ring; the sound was majestic.
I did not enter then, but searched for the office of the Dean of the Cathedral. The assistant reviewed my Credencial with all its varied stamps representing each day’s stop on my journey, marked it with one final stamp, and issued the treasured Compostela which stated in Latin that I had devotedly completed the pilgrimage. Again I cried....
After entering the cathedral through the great western portal slowly I walked down the dim barrel-vaulted nave towards the altar. In the central niche was the famous statue of Santiago dressed as a pilgrim, gilded and inlaid with precious gems. Above this he is depicted as Matamoras, the Moor-slayer. Beneath the altar in the crypt his relics are enshrined in a splendid silver coffer. Turning I saw the congregation assembling for evening mass. Other pilgrims whom I had met along the Camino were present; we nodded, silently smiled and gestured a euphoric thumbs up, not wanting to break the sacred silence. After mass I sat alone in the cathedral for a long time.
Next day the great bells tolled for the main pilgrims’ mass at noon. There might be many pilgrims or just a few depending on the season and the year. ...In 2004, 2010 and 2011 the cathedral was densely crowded; the service most impressive concluding in a great cloud of fragrant smoke from the botafumeiro, a giant silver censer. Eight churchmen swung it in front of the altar; on a long rope sailing back and forth across the transept it nearly touched the ceiling!...But other years during Lent this was a simple ceremony. Perhaps 15 pilgrims attended; we all sat close to the new altar. In the nave were a few other worshipers. A solitary nun sang the service; her voice rose pure and clear. The places from which we had begun our walks were read. Since this was Lent it was an 'austere' service without any choir or swinging of the famous botafumeiro.
...Whenever one arrives, whatever one believes, however one sees this world, it is impossible not to be touched and moved in this city and at this sacred place. ...All was timeless and perfect; may it always be so.
Of course!Does albarino count? My choice to celebrate.
I have to say that my least satisfying Camino was when I took two friends who saw a presentation I made and asked to go. Dear friends at home do not pilgrims make. I prefer the solitude of going alone and meeting people who are there for similar purpose.I always start to feel a reluctance to finish as I reach Melide Usually spend a week in UK or as many days as I have left before my return flight to Canada. Often a day or two in Bristol & Cardiff my favorites and just poking around returning to loved places aids in absorbing my Camino experience and coming down from Euphoria to normalcy.
Something I would not advise if you are completing your Camino is to do this as I did. Walked first third with a friend who invited me along. She only had 3 weeks and when she went back the next year I was hiking in Tuscany with friends. Went back the next year and did the last section with her leaving me me with the middle still to do. So I duly set off the next year to complete my Camino in Ponferrada. I came out at the Castle and there was not even someone to take my photo. I started to feel immensely sad - all of my Camino pals were heading on without me! As I started the bus trip to Santiago I could see Pilgrims where the path goes alongside the road and saw my pals - brought me to tears. When I arrived in Santiago it poured with rain - The Gods are crying for me I thought!
When I arrive in Santiago, the next day, I always leave for Fisterra and end up in Muxia and there if I have some days left I spend them relaxing in the calm of the village ready to return to Santiago for my flight, with a light heart at the thought of having accomplished my pilgrimage.I just finished Joyce Rupp's book, Walk in A Relaxed Manner, and the last chapter highlighted conflicted feelings I have struggled with each time I have walked into Santiago, i.e., elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time. She talks about how she and her partner dealt with those feelings. I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino and how you deal with it. I realize this is a very personal subject and possibly not one some like to talk about. But there seems to be a process that reduces it...some of my "completions" have been better than others.
Number one complete, now dreaming of number 2.You are SO right. I am happy for all who "get" it. And returning for one more fix just reinforces that...
However, if you found yourself as part of the infamous “camino family” as you walked, then, yes, you will find yourself celebrating in Santiago with your “camino family”.
Very mixed emotions for me.I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino and how you deal with it.
And returning for one more fix just reinforces that..
Yes, I have these, and more.... elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time ...
I don't want to "reduce" it, I try to hang onto all of it for as long as I can.... a process that reduces it...s
The difference is...(you fill in the rest).Yes, walking a Camino is just like an addictive drug.....
When I arrived in Santiago in 1989 it was with an unmixed feeling of elation and completion. It was everything I had hoped for. When I put my hand on the central pillar in the Portico of Glory, I felt a deep sense of connection with the millions of pilgrims who had gone there before me and a unity with them.I just finished Joyce Rupp's book, Walk in A Relaxed Manner, and the last chapter highlighted conflicted feelings I have struggled with each time I have walked into Santiago, i.e., elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time. She talks about how she and her partner dealt with those feelings. I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino and how you deal with it. I realize this is a very personal subject and possibly not one some like to talk about. But there seems to be a process that reduces it...some of my "completions" have been better than others.
I do this too.I always spend a few days somewhere just being a tourist before returning home to "regular life." It helps somewhat with the transition. I can't imagine arriving in Santiago one day and flying home the next.
I had it exactly similar after 14 days on the CP. IMHO, it is to short to get into "Zen mode" of just living in "the now" on the Camino. That's how it is for me, atleast; I need a full month (minimum) to get released from the everyday life.When I arrived in Santiago in 2018 after walking from Porto my feeling was "Already? I'm just getting started!" There was a sense that the Camino was over at that point, that I had completed what I started. But there wasn't that profound sense of completion and unity with the pilgrim tradition that I had felt in 1989 or the huge sense of accomplishment that I felt in 2016 with my son. It was enjoyable and pleasurable and I relished the experience but it wasn't epic.
responding to:I had it exactly similar after 14 days on the CP. IMHO, it is to short to get into "Zen mode" of just living in "the now" of the Camino. That's how it is for me, atleast; I need a full month (minimum) to get released from the everyday life.
IMHO, the CF is the perfect distance for achieving that goal; but VdlP also does a good job of it. That was a great camino.Maybe I should take on the Levante one good day?
When I arrived in Santiago in 2018 after walking from Porto my feeling was "Already? I'm just getting started!" There was a sense that the Camino was over at that point, that I had completed what I started. But there wasn't that profound sense of completion and unity with the pilgrim tradition that I had felt in 1989 or the huge sense of accomplishment that I felt in 2016 with my son. It was enjoyable and pleasurable and I relished the experience but it wasn't epic.
Very good point. I would think exactly likewise.I was able to get into "Zen mode". I find that the more you do it, the easier it is to drop into. It just wasn't an epic journey.
I wonder if it would be different had I done the CP from Porto first. Never having done something like it, perhaps walking the 200+ km would have seemed epic. Then afterward the CF would have been even more epic. But as it was, even though I was trying not to, I ended up comparing it to the longer Camino.
Ditto 're 'thought I was done with Camino Frances - or any Camino in Spain.' Then several months later..the 'it wasn't that bad' popped into my head. Which led to ' maybe I could do it again'....which rapidly led to 'let's do it again". It's an addiction.Camino Frances March 2016 - I arrived in Santiago in the middle of the day after nearly four fantastic weeks - had a flight home three days after. But I cancelled that flight and got a new flight for the next morning - as I was longing to see my two youngest children. When I arrived in Santiago - I was happy and mentally 'on my way home' - and thought I was done with Camino Frances - or any Camino in Spain. Shortly after having arrived home I started dreaming...
Welcome to the Peregrinos Anonymous club...Ditto 're 'thought I was done with Camino Frances - or any Camino in Spain.' Then several months later..the 'it wasn't that bad' popped into my head. Which led to ' maybe I could do it again'....which rapidly led to 'let's do it again". It's an addiction.
When I arrived in Santiago in 2018 after walking from Porto my feeling was "Already? I'm just getting started!"
I had it exactly similar after 14 days on the CP. IMHO, it is to short to get into "Zen mode" of just living in "the now" on the Camino. That's how it is for me, atleast; I need a full month (minimum) to get released from the everyday life.
I'd rather have a glass of rioja in peace and quiet on any Camino (Yes; addicted): Would never pass any airport metal detector with that face...I'm amused at all this addiction talk because of this article I read recently.
The Surprising Reason Why Piercings Are So Addictive
Once you start getting piercings, you'll want more and more. Here's what's going on in your brain, and why piercings can feel addictive.www.refinery29.com
Each piercing equivalent to a sello.I'd rather have a glass of rioja in peace and quiet on any Camino (Yes; addicted): Would never pass any airport metal detector with that face...
View attachment 94177...
Isn't there someone on the forum who has recreations of sellos as tattoos?Each piercing equivalent to a sello.
I have serious plans. A scallop. Have had plans for many years. Next time. There WILL be a next time. Or rather, many.Isn't there someone on the forum who has recreations of sellos as tattoos?
I found him on this thread. @Eric GI
Isn't there someone on the forum who has recreations of sellos as tattoos?
I think it is a pretty well-known fact that Santiago’s image throughout Spain is two-fold — either as a pilgrim or as the moor-slayer. Obviously, we can’t have a forum about the pilgrimage to Santiago without making mention of facts like these, but I hope members can understand that delving into the ”why?” or “is this a good idea?” questions will take us straight down into the prohibited religion rabbithole. As others have noticed on different threads, some statues of Santiago Matamoros (including one inside the Santiago cathedral) have camoflauged the bloody scenes on the ground with flowers and leave Santiago on his horse attacking the floral display below. But beyond that, “affiant sayeth naught.” It just gets too contentious too quickly.Very evocative Mspath.
That the Cathedral should be using St. James as a symbol of Matamoros or Moor slayer is very surprising. I presume it grew out of a legend the saint helped a 9th-century Spanish king massacre 60,000 Moors in a battle. Should this imaginary association of James have any place in a church though?
This is why I dislike the cross of Santiago. I wouldn't wear anything with this cross on it, and I don't put it in the tartas de Santiago that I make.Very evocative Mspath.
That the Cathedral should be using St. James as a symbol of Matamoros or Moor slayer is very surprising. I presume it grew out of a legend the saint helped a 9th-century Spanish king massacre 60,000 Moors in a battle. Should this imaginary association of James have any place in a church though?
However, if you found yourself as part of the infamous “camino family” as you walked, then, yes, you will find yourself celebrating in Santiago with your “camino family”.
I've witnessed such evolution of behaviour too, many times but not just on caminos. I think it's just part of the human condition: what starts out as a shared comraderie can often descend into resentment, jealousy and petty mindedness when some feel they are taking up the slack for others, and of course changing group dynamics. It takes a pretty special and unique group of folk to rise and stay raised above it. For what it's worth, I think forced situations bring out the best and the worst in us.A quick aside...
On one of my caminos, I frequently encountered a group of people who had established a camino family. I watched their evolution as the weeks passed, (and their ever so loud and joyful monopoly of albergue space and resources), and then watched as they fell into recriminations and bad feelings after they arrived in Santiago where those who had been more generous became aware of, and resentful, of those who had been ‘freeloading’ along the way. It wasn’t pretty.
Very practical observation. Yes history (including modern day) is strewn with examples of the toxic mix of religion and politics & its consequences.I think it is a pretty well-known fact that Santiago’s image throughout Spain is two-fold — either as a pilgrim or as the moor-slayer. Obviously, we can’t have a forum about the pilgrimage to Santiago without making mention of facts like these, but I hope members can understand that delving into the ”why?” or “is this a good idea?” questions will take us straight down into the prohibited religion rabbithole. As others have noticed on different threads, some statues of Santiago Matamoros (including one inside the Santiago cathedral) have camoflauged the bloody scenes on the ground with flowers and leave Santiago on his horse attacking the floral display below. But beyond that, “affiant sayeth naught.” It just gets too contentious too quickly.
Arriving in Santiago for me has always felt like an end....an end without guilt or feelings of dissatisfaction. I have always felt that I can take all of my experiences aside and place them in a special mental place to be mulled over later. When I have found problems is where I have only done a segment of a Camino, usually when I dropped in to accompany a friend who was doing a whole Camino to help him. I did the Frances between Pamplona and Burgos and then the Norte between San Sebastian and Bilbao and each time the morning that I was leaving was very difficult. A desire to go home to my wife and loved ones, guilt about leaving my friend, guilt about not finishing the Camino and feeling like a fraud whilst acknowledging the innumerable "Buen Caminos" I received on the way.I just finished Joyce Rupp's book, Walk in A Relaxed Manner, and the last chapter highlighted conflicted feelings I have struggled with each time I have walked into Santiago, i.e., elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time. She talks about how she and her partner dealt with those feelings. I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino and how you deal with it. I realize this is a very personal subject and possibly not one some like to talk about. But there seems to be a process that reduces it...some of my "completions" have been better than others.
I still cannot even look at the word cobblestone after being on the CP without a feeling of dread!I had it exactly similar after 14 days on the CP. IMHO, it is to short to get into "Zen mode" of just living in "the now" on the Camino. That's how it is for me, atleast; I need a full month (minimum) to get released from the everyday life.
IMHO, the CF is the perfect distance for achieving that goal; but VdlP also does a good job of it. That was a great camino.Maybe I should take on the Levante one good day?
Edit: And neither I nor my feet were enjoying all that cobblestone walking on the CP. Painful at times...
I know! I was so happy to cross that bridge into Spain. Though there were a few times where there would be a short stretch of cobblestones, and the dread would return.I still cannot even look at the word cobblestone after being on the CP without a feeling of dread!
I suppose it would vary for me--if someone I love has died the year prior to walking, or if I was walking for 'me,' or whatever--how I deal with feelings when I complete a pilgrimage. In general, coming into the plaza is another milestone, like the ones I passed by all along the route the previous weeks.I just finished Joyce Rupp's book, Walk in A Relaxed Manner, and the last chapter highlighted conflicted feelings I have struggled with each time I have walked into Santiago, i.e., elation, depression, disappointment and anxiety, all at the same time. She talks about how she and her partner dealt with those feelings. I would be interested in hearing if anyone/everyone has such feelings upon completion of their Camino and how you deal with it. I realize this is a very personal subject and possibly not one some like to talk about. But there seems to be a process that reduces it...some of my "completions" have been better than others.
I had never thought of those of you who do partial Caminos due to work commitments, family issues, or living on the "right" side of the pond as possibly having different thoughts than we who come from farther away who walk for longer stretches of time. I don't recall your feelings being addressed on the forum before. You should never feel guilty and you are definitely not a fraud! I hope you can release your negative thoughts and embrace the "buen caminos"...you are entitled as much as any other pilgrim/walker.Arriving in Santiago for me has always felt like an end....an end without guilt or feelings of dissatisfaction. I have always felt that I can take all of my experiences aside and place them in a special mental place to be mulled over later. When I have found problems is where I have only done a segment of a Camino, usually when I dropped in to accompany a friend who was doing a whole Camino to help him. I did the Frances between Pamplona and Burgos and then the Norte between San Sebastian and Bilbao and each time the morning that I was leaving was very difficult. A desire to go home to my wife and loved ones, guilt about leaving my friend, guilt about not finishing the Camino and feeling like a fraud whilst acknowledging the innumerable "Buen Caminos" I received on the way.
I wonder if that dread will last till I die!!I know! I was so happy to cross that bridge into Spain. Though there were a few times where there would be a short stretch of cobblestones, and the dread would return.
This is my sentiment exactly. But, I have only completed one Camino (so far), in 2018. I had firmly believed I would return in 2020, and then 2021... now I walk as much as possible here in Adelaide, hoping to continue the journey in France-Spain, in 2022....All my arrivals in Santiago have pretty much been anti-climactic - not the end and not unpleasant. The Camino, for me, is the journey and will continue, never to end. I'd much rather be walking...
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