CaminoLady
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Completed: English Way
Upcoming: Portuguese Way
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Ha! It's yet to be determined if everyone will think this is crazy, so I might be right there with ya. Excellent advice and exactly what I was hoping to get from this. Thanks so much!What a lovely idea. Everyone else in my family thinks we are nuts for wanting to go back and be pilgrims and volunteer year after year so kudos to your new family!
If you are thinking to bring children, you may be walking in the busy season unless they are home schooled with some timeline flexibility. For a larger group, you may want to consider apartment rentals (like an AirBNB) or casa rurals rather than albergues. If it is only four of you, you may find beds in albergues or be able to go in a less busy season.
It's a wonderful thing you are doing. I have done this with each of my daughters so I did it with a smaller group for sure. Actually the second time doing it will be this June, but I've worked out proposed itinerary's and and am about to book flights and first night stays. Its really fun and exciting and it makes for some great memories!Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
Love this!Yes, trying to set up a group is not just "bananas", it is a complete produce section.
I organize group trips each year and I'm on the edge of retiring.Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
There's probably enough time to order and receive a shell, credential, guidebook, and all kinds of other Camino items like neck warmers and patches from the Forum Store - it's a one stop shop!Perhaps order a credential, that is if it's not too late to have it mailed?
I love the idea about movie night with “The Way” particularly if your father-in-law and others aren’t familiar with it. Not a perfect film by any means, but it captures many of the “truths” people experience who walk. Like many others, the film was my first introduction to this journey called The Camino. It captured my interest enough to plan that first pilgrimage to Spain and walk the CF. Even if your group Camino is down the road always, watching the film together may set the Camino wheels in motion and get your plans closer to reality. Buen Camino!You mentioned books - what about planning a family movie night too and watch "The Way" or another Camino movie/documentary?
You mentioned your father's Catholic faith. I suggest you look for a priest in your area who leads caminos. Here in northern Virginia, Fr David Dufresne who chose to become a priest after walking two caminos in the winter, leads caminos every year. As a coordinator of the capital area chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino, I advise those seeking a more religious camino to choose one led by a priest. Priest-led caminos book everything in advance. Nothing to plan. Fr David leads hikes throughout the year to prepare his group. He also presides at our annual shell ceremony, usually held in late February or early March, a very moving event for those about to embark on their first camino.Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
Best post I have seen on this forum since joining last year!!!!!!! Love it.Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
To be sure, The Way has been a major influence for many to walk the camino. When we reached Santiago at the end of our first camino, we made sure arrived two hours before the cathedral service so we would have a perfect seat for the botafumeiro. A lady was already sitting in this pew. I turned to her and asked if she spoke English, which she did. She was from California. Here was her story: She took her elderly mom to see the movie The Way. Her mother loved the movie and told her that when she dies, please take her ashes on the camino and spread them at Finisterre. Her daughter promised to do so. Three days later she died! The daughter, true to her promise, carried the urn all the way from SJPDP. Not being a seasoned walker, it took her nearly two months. She had the urn with her and wanted this moment with the botafumeiro to be very special.I love the idea about movie night with “The Way” particularly if your father-in-law and others aren’t familiar with it. Not a perfect film by any means, but it captures many of the “truths” people experience who walk. Like many others, the film was my first introduction to this journey called The Camino. It captured my interest enough to plan that first pilgrimage to Spain and walk the CF. Even if your group Camino is down the road always, watching the film together may set the Camino wheels in motion and get your plans closer to reality. Buen Camino!
This is why our friends and family avoid us. We suffer from PCS, Post Camino Syndrome. If anyone just gives a hint of being interested we go full bore.Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
Love the word play.we go full bore
I think it is a lovely idea. Your presents sound like a good start and the planning can be in outline until you are more sure who can go.Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
I really like this idea! Even if they were possibly not brought on the flight, they'd still be very useful for training at home prior.I might go with hiking poles.
You say you’re new to the family and still learning what everyone likes. I wouldn’t spring the “gift” of a group walking trip overseas on my new father in law — it could land like a lead balloon. What do you expect his reaction to be? It could be genuine delight, or it could be an uncomfortable “thank you.” Your gift is really an invitation to commit to a block of vacation time for an excursion that takes a lot of coordination and preparation for each individual. The expenses might not be an issue for this family (?), or you. If the group were larger than, say, six people, it becomes (I would think) a logistical nightmare.Okay, buckle up, friends! This will take some explaining.
For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer. I had this (possibly far fetched) idea to "gift" him the Camino. My gift is partially an idea, paired with some things he can unwrap. My thinking is I'll invite him (and the rest of my partner's family) to join us on the Portugese Way, when the timing is right. My Father in Law is a doctor, still many years from retirement, so I'm gifting this knowing that it may be quite some time before we "cash in" on it! My dream is we could coordinate it in such a way that as much of the family can join as possible, but if it ends up being my partner's parents, my partner, and myself, that'd be beautiful too. So, what am I actually gifting?
All of that said, what I'm hoping to gather from this Forum are the following:
- Shoes
- 3 books related to the Camino- a guide book, a story about someone's experience, and a Lonely Planet book on the hikes of the world
- A detailed itinerary (planned by me with the help of the internet/this Forum) that considers places where a big group of us could stay, places that are child friendly in case kiddos can join us, and would be comfortable. I'm hoping that if the logistics are 95-100% figured out ahead of time, that makes planning for something like this with a big group feel less daunting and more "okay let's just pick the dates, book the flights, and go!"
Thank you all so so much! This Forum was a life saver when my partner and I planned our first Camino, and the prospect of doing it again with my (new!) family is so exciting to me.
- If you have coordinated a family trip like this before, what wisdom can you share? What would you have done differently?
- Is there anything special I would need to do as a "group"? We're informal, self-organized, not associated with a touristic company. Will accommodations have the capacity to have us? Do I need to call that in well in advance? There could be anywhere from 4 to 13 of us!
- Is this idea bananas?
- Anything else I should consider?
You can pick up Credentials in most villages along the Camino.What an exciting prezzie! I agree with the shell idea. Perhaps ordering a credential too? That is, if it's not too late to have it mailed?
What volunteering do you do if you don't mind me asking? I would love to help in some way!What a lovely idea. Everyone else in my family thinks we are nuts for wanting to go back and be pilgrims and volunteer year after year so kudos to your new family!
If you are thinking to bring children, you may be walking in the busy season unless they are home schooled with some timeline flexibility. For a larger group, you may want to consider apartment rentals (like an AirBNB) or casa rurals rather than albergues. If it is only four of you, you may find beds in albergues or be able to go in a less busy season.
I have to see if I can get Six Ways to Santiago. Haven't watched it. I often recommend The Way and I'll Push You - but for very different reasons. They way is better to introduce someone to the Camino. But now that I have a different movie to check out.....Rather than the shoes, I might go with hiking poles. As an alternative to The Way for a movie night (or in addition) consider Six Ways to Santiago. I found it a little more realistic.
@CaminoLady You should maybe also consider the following:For secret Santa this year, I am getting a gift for my soon-to-be Father in Law. I'm still new to the family and learning what everyone likes. What I do know: he loves his Catholic faith, he loves his family, and he has expressed interest in doing the Camino after my partner and I did the English Way this summer.
Excellent adviceI think it's a great idea. Some suggestions jump into my mind... Since it is likely to be a few years or more ahead, you don't need to get that detailed itinerary quite finished yet, but a rough proposal (made to look attractive like a personal brochure) would help make it seem like a real goal.
By giving the shoes, it is helping him get started on the training, which is excellent whether or not he ever walks the Camino. But as you know, if is next to impossible to pick shoes for someone else. Even a gift certificate can be tricky since it would be limited to a particular supplier. The last thing you want to do is make him feel that he needs to keep some shoes because you picked them out! Just keep that in mind when you decide how to proceed.
The books are perfect.
Indeed. It would for me. I'm an avowed Camino addict, and I would be very uncomfortable with receiving such a gift. Unless this gift fulfills some known aspiration that has been blocked by finances, I think it presumes too much. It's not like booking a family spa weekend. As the police captain in That Movie says, "the Way is a very personal journey".I wouldn’t spring the “gift” of a group walking trip overseas on my new father in law — it could land like a lead balloon.
I tend to agree with your sentiment here. While I don't want to play the contrarian to what is certainly an admirable and generous jesture, I agree that the Camino does in fact 'call us' as individuals. It is a completely different state of mind from planning a traditional holiday or vacation.Indeed. It would for me. I'm an avowed Camino addict, and I would be very uncomfortable with receiving such a gift. Unless this gift fulfills some known aspiration that has been blocked by finances, I think it presumes too much. It's not like booking a family spa weekend. As the police captain in That Movie says, "the Way is a very personal journey".
The camino is indeed a calling, even for those who don't recognize it until after they walk their first. It is not easy to persuade others to do what appears to be a journey that seems to promise more misery than pleasure. I'm sure you know well either the blank stares or wide-eyed incredulity (is this dude crazy???) when waxing on about a camino.I tend to agree with your sentiment here. While I don't want to play the contrarian to what is certainly an admirable and generous jesture, I agree that the Camino does in fact 'call us' as individuals. It is a completely different state of mind from planning a traditional holiday or vacation.
My mind literally wouldn't stop until I walked my first one, once the calling was firmly in my head. The pull was just that strong.
I talk up the Camino all the time to family and friends and while some have shown alot of interest in walking one. In nine years not a single one of them has ever walked one...no calling.
So it may be a lack of 'the calling'...or maybe I'm just a terrible 'salesman!'
I ended up ordering the credential instead of shoes. Thanks so much for this idea!What an exciting prezzie! I agree with the shell idea. Perhaps ordering a credential too? That is, if it's not too late to have it mailed?
Thank you so much for such a kind offer! I'll definitely take you up on this. Let's see how the gift goes over with my father in law and then I'll be in touch after the holidays so we can have the line of communication. Thank you again!I organize group trips each year and I'm on the edge of retiring.
I'd be happy to help you organize your own trip in any way I can including sharing places where you can book a group.
This was so affirming, thanks so much for sharing! It's a joy to hear that it was appreciated by those you gifted it too. I'm especially excited to gift the credential based on another's recommendation on this Forum!Hi! This is a wonderful idea and I've done the same myself for several friends and extended family members. The gifts themselves have been a little more indirect, however, as I wanted to avoid making specific decisions for them regarding shoe/boot choices, itineraries, equipment, etc... It was more my hope to spur their curiosity and motivations based on who they were/are. Really the most specific things I gave were a gift card to REI (my equipment store of choice, though there are plenty of others they might want to choose) and one of the Brierley guides. I also directed them to a number of links and videos and books suggestions. But the thing they all appreciated most were the two essential items we all carry with us on the Way: A scallop shell (a shell ceremony is a cute idea, but it's really not necessary - we got ours from an innkeeper in SJPdP) and a new credential from AmericanPilgrims.org. The credential, in particular, was the gift that was most appreciated, as it seemed to be an invitation from the Camino itself.
But whatever you choose to do, I don't think you can go wrong. After all, this is really a gift of yourself.
This is an excellent idea! My father-in-law lives in North Carolina. I'm sure there has to be a priest somewhere in the state that does the same. Thanks so much!You mentioned your father's Catholic faith. I suggest you look for a priest in your area who leads caminos. Here in northern Virginia, Fr David Dufresne who chose to become a priest after walking two caminos in the winter, leads caminos every year. As a coordinator of the capital area chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino, I advise those seeking a more religious camino to choose one led by a priest. Priest-led caminos book everything in advance. Nothing to plan. Fr David leads hikes throughout the year to prepare his group. He also presides at our annual shell ceremony, usually held in late February or early March, a very moving event for those about to embark on their first camino.
Thanks so much for these additional, realistic concerns. I've thought of all of this too. I am absolutely still getting to know his family, but we have been together for almost 5 years now, so I'm not a complete stranger to the family. I'm confident the gift will, at a minimum, be appreciated. I discussed it in detail with my fiance before committing to it, so in that sense it is from both of us.You say you’re new to the family and still learning what everyone likes. I wouldn’t spring the “gift” of a group walking trip overseas on my new father in law — it could land like a lead balloon. What do you expect his reaction to be? It could be genuine delight, or it could be an uncomfortable “thank you.” Your gift is really an invitation to commit to a block of vacation time for an excursion that takes a lot of coordination and preparation for each individual. The expenses might not be an issue for this family (?), or you. If the group were larger than, say, six people, it becomes (I would think) a logistical nightmare.
Also, such an impressive gift to be opened in front of everyone at a Secret Santa exchange could have the effect of making the other gifts seem insignificant. I wouldn’t want to seem like I’m trying too hard on my first Christmas with the new family. I would save this gift idea for later, when you know them better. (You indicate it will be years before he retires - so there’s no rush on this. You may still be high on the Camino experience right now and eager to share it with everyone,) And I would also suggest making it a gift from your spouse and you, together. Surely you’ll get their buy-in before doing this.
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