Douglas Christel
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (May 2019)
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I loved staying at Beilari, and did bond with many of those people - but you can certainly bond (or not, depending on your experience) all along the Camino. And I also recommend booking at Refuge Orrison, you will be happy you stopped!I have stayed here 5 times http://www.beilari.info/en/reservations and Joseph celebrates being a Camino family at dinner. The people I meet that first night I see though out the entire Camino even with so many different paces. The dinner is delicious too.
Given I travel for two days to get there, I dont stay in an albergue in SJPDP, I need my sleep, by myself.How important was the place you stayed in SJPdP the night before you started in creating your "Camino Family?"
I'm about to book my first night's stay at an albergue in SJPdP. The place that I'm considering booking has minimal common areas. I'm wondering whether I should stay at another place with a more communal feel? My intent is to go to mass the night before and find dinner in the town, so I'm hoping to meet people there. This isn't about asking for albergue recommendations, but rather the social aspect of the first night.
Thanks in advance for the insight!
I can relate. Once I did not arrive in Saint Jean until late and it was 9 pm by the time I checked into the accommodations I reserved. The last thing on my mind was playing social butterfly. A shower and a bed was priority.Given I travel for two days to get there, I dont stay in an albergue in SJPDP, I need my sleep, by myself.
Very true. I've only been once but can remember two different occasions on my camino of meeting someone that was in the process of removing themselves from a "family" by walking further or stopping sooner. It is definitely something that can happen organically but I would advise against actively looking. Walk how you enjoy walking and relax how you enjoy relaxing. You'll find other people that are about the same and friendships begin.Camino families, like real families, come in all shapes, sizes and levels of harmony. Don't unduly romanticize them.
Ah, but I met you on my first night in SJPDP! I wrote about what you said in my journal that night. I know my handwriting is awful, but I think you just might be able to decipher my note.If I may put in my useless 2 cents. We all walk the camino for different reasons and as it is often said the Camino gives you what you need not what you want. I never know what I need so that is one of the wonders fo walking for me as somewhere on the Camino I get slapped with it. I could be 100% wrong about you Douglas but based on your question maybe what the Camino will teach you is that you are just fine alone without anyone. Or something like that.
I usually just tell the people or person I was walking with that I now want to walk alone for a while, maybe days and I have had people say the same to me. Then sometimes you see them later on and socialize again. Not a big deal.Very true. I've only been once but can remember two different occasions on my camino of meeting someone that was in the process of removing themselves from a "family" by walking further or stopping sooner. It is definitely something that can happen organically but I would advise against actively looking. Walk how you enjoy walking and relax how you enjoy relaxing. You'll find other people that are about the same and friendships begin.
And you will have another opportunity at the communal dinner at Roncesvalles to get to know more of your fellow pilgrims.@Douglas Christel Even though I stayed at La Villa Esponda last year before starting my camino I still met a few pilgrims walking around St Jean and had dinner at a local restaurant with a couple of them. I managed to see many of them along the way without actually walking any distance with them. We still formed a great bond and I saw many of them in santiago. I think if you you are looking for a communal meal and the full pilgrims atmosphere the first night go with Billari if you are looking for a good night’s sleep and some privacy sleep elsewhere. You can still enjoy, form great bonds and meet many pilgrims walking in and around St Jean and in the Pilgrims office the day before your walk and along the way the next day.
The memory of that first night haunts me to this day!!!!!Ah, but I met you on my first night in SJPDP! I wrote about what you said in my journal that night. I know my handwriting is awful, but I think you just might be able to decipher my note.
View attachment 52022
Yes it was fantasticAnd you will have another opportunity at the communal dinner at Roncesvalles to get to know more of your fellow pilgrims.
There was only one person from my first night in Sjpdp that I ever saw again.
At least you didn't put the pillow over their face!we didn’t know anything to do other than hold a pillow over our own ears!
I agree with this advice. I have stayed there twice and a good rest without restrictions is important the first night.I stay the first two nights, usually at Hotel Ramuntcho. It is centrally located. Not cheap, like an albergue, but not exactly a five-star business hotel either. But, it does offer excellent value for cost. There are many other similar places in town. All are fine. I just have my personal preference.
The reason I always recommend staying for the first TWO nights is that you typically arrive in the evening. The next morning you will be jet lagged and tired from travel. I spend the day in-between touring, topping off supplies, visiting the Pilgrim Office, attending the evening Pilgrim Mass at the ancient church, and buying souvenirs.
The souvenirs are sent to Santiago with one suitcase or duffel bag, using Express Bourricot. This is an excellent, though not inexpensive, way of getting stuff you will want at the end of your pilgrimage at Santiago. They make a van run regularly to store your items securely at the Albergue / Hostal La Salle, at Santiago. Two or more folks could share one suitcase. I usually send a rolling carry-on sized bag ahead with tourist clothes, etc.
Also, the first day's walk contains a VERY steep incline. While mostly paved, it does continue for nearly 10 km.
Even if I sleep for two nights at SJPdP before starting, I still book my first Camino night at Refuge Orisson. It is 8 km up the Pyrenees from SJPdP. While it only takes 2.5 - 3 hours to reach, you will be glad you stopped there the first night.
Many folks, including moi, claim that the first 8 - 10 km out of SJPdP is the most daunting climb of the entire Camino Frances. Yes, there are higher altitudes to walk up to, and steeper inclines to come. But on the FIRST day out, this is a doozie...
Hope this helps.
On reflecting on my own Camino I wish I had stayed 2 nights in SJPP for the very reasons you have outlined and if I do the Frances again this is what I would do.I stay the first two nights, usually at Hotel Ramuntcho. It is centrally located. Not cheap, like an albergue, but not exactly a five-star business hotel either. But, it does offer excellent value for cost. There are many other similar places in town. All are fine. I just have my personal preference.
The reason I always recommend staying for the first TWO nights is that you typically arrive in the evening. The next morning you will be jet lagged and tired from travel. I spend the day in-between touring, topping off supplies, visiting the Pilgrim Office, attending the evening Pilgrim Mass at the ancient church, and buying souvenirs.
The souvenirs are sent to Santiago with one suitcase or duffel bag, using Express Bourricot. This is an excellent, though not inexpensive, way of getting stuff you will want at the end of your pilgrimage at Santiago. They make a van run regularly to store your items securely at the Albergue / Hostal La Salle, at Santiago. Two or more folks could share one suitcase. I usually send a rolling carry-on sized bag ahead with tourist clothes, etc.
Also, the first day's walk contains a VERY steep incline. While mostly paved, it does continue for nearly 10 km.
Even if I sleep for two nights at SJPdP before starting, I still book my first Camino night at Refuge Orisson. It is 8 km up the Pyrenees from SJPdP. While it only takes 2.5 - 3 hours to reach, you will be glad you stopped there the first night.
Many folks, including moi, claim that the first 8 - 10 km out of SJPdP is the most daunting climb of the entire Camino Frances. Yes, there are higher altitudes to walk up to, and steeper inclines to come. But on the FIRST day out, this is a doozie...
Hope this helps.
I started in SJPdP at 7:30 or so and made it to Orisson by mid morning. The weather was perfect (September) and I just had a coffee visited with some fellow pilgrims and headed off. Made Roncevalles about 5 p.m. I walked at a steady but not crazy pace. Looking back I felt that if circumstances are right and you feel well then Orisson is too early in the day to stop for an overnight. I am female, was walking alone and was 69 years old. My advice is to pace yourself and take time to rest and listen to your body.I stay the first two nights, usually at Hotel Ramuntcho. It is centrally located. Not cheap, like an albergue, but not exactly a five-star business hotel either. But, it does offer excellent value for cost. There are many other similar places in town. All are fine. I just have my personal preference.
The reason I always recommend staying for the first TWO nights is that you typically arrive in the evening. The next morning you will be jet lagged and tired from travel. I spend the day in-between touring, topping off supplies, visiting the Pilgrim Office, attending the evening Pilgrim Mass at the ancient church, and buying souvenirs.
The souvenirs are sent to Santiago with one suitcase or duffel bag, using Express Bourricot. This is an excellent, though not inexpensive, way of getting stuff you will want at the end of your pilgrimage at Santiago. They make a van run regularly to store your items securely at the Albergue / Hostal La Salle, at Santiago. Two or more folks could share one suitcase. I usually send a rolling carry-on sized bag ahead with tourist clothes, etc.
Also, the first day's walk contains a VERY steep incline. While mostly paved, it does continue for nearly 10 km.
Even if I sleep for two nights at SJPdP before starting, I still book my first Camino night at Refuge Orisson. It is 8 km up the Pyrenees from SJPdP. While it only takes 2.5 - 3 hours to reach, you will be glad you stopped there the first night.
Many folks, including moi, claim that the first 8 - 10 km out of SJPdP is the most daunting climb of the entire Camino Frances. Yes, there are higher altitudes to walk up to, and steeper inclines to come. But on the FIRST day out, this is a doozie...
Hope this helps.
I am glad to read this because I got confirmation yesterday of my stay at Beilari in SJPDP on April 18th. It sounds like a lovely way to begin a solo walk.I have stayed here 5 times http://www.beilari.info/en/reservations and Joseph celebrates being a Camino family at dinner. The people I meet that first night I see though out the entire Camino even with so many different paces. The dinner is delicious too.
Those first two days (SJPDP to Orisson and Roncesvalles) are also among the most stunning. I hope the Napoleon route is open on April 19th as that is the day I'll see those mountains for the second time. The first time certain songs kept running through my head: "She'll be coming 'round the mountain...," "The hills are alive with the sound of music...," etc. It's difficult but the views are so rewarding.Even if I sleep for two nights at SJPdP before starting, I still book my first Camino night at Refuge Orisson. It is 8 km up the Pyrenees from SJPdP. While it only takes 2.5 - 3 hours to reach, you will be glad you stopped there the first night.
Many folks, including moi, claim that the first 8 - 10 km out of SJPdP is the most daunting climb of the entire Camino Frances. Yes, there are higher altitudes to walk up to, and steeper inclines to come. But on the FIRST day out, this is a doozie...
Hi Judy, I was planning to starting my camino in Roncesvalles on April 21st, but after reading your post, I am thinking maybe I do need to start in SJPP, it does call me...Those first two days (SJPDP to Orisson and Roncesvalles) are also among the most stunning. I hope the Napoleon route is open on April 19th as that is the day I'll see those mountains for the second time. The first time certain songs kept running through my head: "She'll be coming 'round the mountain...," "The hills are alive with the sound of music...," etc. It's difficult but the views are so rewarding.
Yes, do! And maybe reserve a night at Orisson for a night, too. I hope this link to a video of the journey over the Pyrenees works:Hi Judy, I was planning to starting my camino in Roncesvalles on April 21st, but after reading your post, I am thinking maybe I do need to start in SJPP, it does call me...
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I stayed in parish albergue Kaserna. Good standard accomodations, friendly hospitalero; if you have left SJPP a bit late, you probably have noticed him, it is the old monsieur that after breakfast is finished, put a basket of fruits in the sidewalk, free to all passersby.
As for "Camino families"...I like very much the social aspect of the Camino, but I have to say that Camino families are very alike every other family...you have a bunch of people mostly kind, but also some annoying characters.
Very probably. I have always suspected so.If there there are no annoying characters in your camino family, does this mean that You are the annoying one ?????
“The Camino always provides”. Don’t over think it. You’ll have many hours of walking and experience ahead of you. Shed the burden of over planning. Each day ( and night) is a new day. A comfortable bed is a wonderous thing.How important was the place you stayed in SJPdP the night before you started in creating your "Camino Family?"
I'm about to book my first night's stay at an albergue in SJPdP. The place that I'm considering booking has minimal common areas. I'm wondering whether I should stay at another place with a more communal feel? My intent is to go to mass the night before and find dinner in the town, so I'm hoping to meet people there. This isn't about asking for albergue recommendations, but rather the social aspect of the first night.
Thanks in advance for the insight!
I dont think it will matter. You will meet some people there but a lot of people you meet along the way on the trail.How important was the place you stayed in SJPdP the night before you started in creating your "Camino Family?"
I'm about to book my first night's stay at an albergue in SJPdP. The place that I'm considering booking has minimal common areas. I'm wondering whether I should stay at another place with a more communal feel? My intent is to go to mass the night before and find dinner in the town, so I'm hoping to meet people there. This isn't about asking for albergue recommendations, but rather the social aspect of the first night.
Thanks in advance for the insight!
That is exactly what happened to us on our first two Caminos. Just let it happen..........I don't think I found a Camino family, I think they found me!
Thanks the video was stunning, I'm definitely starting my camino at SJPDP if weather permits!! Thanks, DeborahYes, do! And maybe reserve a night at Orisson for a night, too. I hope this link to a video of the journey over the Pyrenees works:.
I also recommend using Express Bourricot, for all sorts of good reasons. Travelling from Australia and planning for a few days with friends in Provence after our walk, we packed our backpacks and poles in a suitcase for the trip from Adelaide to St Jean PP. We realised on our rest day in St Jean PP that we had to jettison stuff from the packs, to lighten our load, so it all went in the suitcase. Eventually, the case was transported to Hostal LaSalle in Santiago de Compostella, where we found it all safely stored on our arrival. A bonus is that customers of Express Bourricot get a discounted rate on their accommodation if they choose to stay at Hostal LaSalle- we did, and were very comfortable. The Express Bourricot staff are very efficient and friendly. It was all worth the €70, for sure.I stay the first two nights, usually at Hotel Ramuntcho. It is centrally located. Not cheap, like an albergue, but not exactly a five-star business hotel either. But, it does offer excellent value for cost. There are many other similar places in town. All are fine. I just have my personal preference.
The reason I always recommend staying for the first TWO nights is that you typically arrive in the evening. The next morning you will be jet lagged and tired from travel. I spend the day in-between touring, topping off supplies, visiting the Pilgrim Office, attending the evening Pilgrim Mass at the ancient church, and buying souvenirs.
The souvenirs are sent to Santiago with one suitcase or duffel bag, using Express Bourricot. This is an excellent, though not inexpensive, way of getting stuff you will want at the end of your pilgrimage at Santiago. They make a van run regularly to store your items securely at the Albergue / Hostal La Salle, at Santiago. Two or more folks could share one suitcase. I usually send a rolling carry-on sized bag ahead with tourist clothes, etc.
Also, the first day's walk contains a VERY steep incline. While mostly paved, it does continue for nearly 10 km.
Even if I sleep for two nights at SJPdP before starting, I still book my first Camino night at Refuge Orisson. It is 8 km up the Pyrenees from SJPdP. While it only takes 2.5 - 3 hours to reach, you will be glad you stopped there the first night.
Many folks, including moi, claim that the first 8 - 10 km out of SJPdP is the most daunting climb of the entire Camino Frances. Yes, there are higher altitudes to walk up to, and steeper inclines to come. But on the FIRST day out, this is a doozie...
Hope this helps.
If you are coming from afar, you will want to rest up the night before and deal with jet lag and the new time zone.How important was the place you stayed in SJPdP the night before you started in creating your "Camino Family?"
I'm about to book my first night's stay at an albergue in SJPdP. The place that I'm considering booking has minimal common areas. I'm wondering whether I should stay at another place with a more communal feel? My intent is to go to mass the night before and find dinner in the town, so I'm hoping to meet people there. This isn't about asking for albergue recommendations, but rather the social aspect of the first night.
Thanks in advance for the insight!
I agree - Beilari was the perfect start to the caminoI have stayed here 5 times http://www.beilari.info/en/reservations and Joseph celebrates being a Camino family at dinner. The people I meet that first night I see though out the entire Camino even with so many different paces. The dinner is delicious too.
I have stayed here 5 times http://www.beilari.info/en/reservations and Joseph celebrates being a Camino family at dinner. The people I meet that first night I see though out the entire Camino even with so many different paces. The dinner is delicious too.
Not important at all! I met people who came to matter to me 1) waiting for the bus outside Biarritz airport, 2) in Roncesvalles 3) somewhere in the middle of nowhere (vineyards!) after I’d got lost 4) in a cafe in Burgos....How important was the place you stayed in SJPdP the night before you started in creating your "Camino Family?"
I'm about to book my first night's stay at an albergue in SJPdP. The place that I'm considering booking has minimal common areas. I'm wondering whether I should stay at another place with a more communal feel? My intent is to go to mass the night before and find dinner in the town, so I'm hoping to meet people there. This isn't about asking for albergue recommendations, but rather the social aspect of the first night.
Thanks in advance for the insight!
Orisson has blankets, but Roncesvalles does not.Also, planning to take sleeping bag liner only which will be sufficient for most of the way. Will it be sufficient in St Jean, Orrison and Roncesvalles, do you think?
I've walked three Caminos, and I haven't finished in Santiago with a single person that I met in St Jean.
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