AlexandraVreme
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- Time of past OR future Camino
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It is extremely safe. It is safest if you do not walk alone in isolated areas. The path itself may have dozens of pilgrims ahead and behind you within easy shouting distance. Take a whistle which will get faster attention, and you can dial 112 on your cell phone to instantly get police.I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
I think that your nervousness is more about the idea of going off on this adventure on your own, not quite knowing how it will evolve. That is fully understandable, especially if you haven't traveled much by yourself.I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Hi Alexandra:Welcome Alexandra, you will get plenty of advice here on safety while walking.
Have a great Camino.
Buen Camino.
I have the same nervousness about doing this alone although my choice and aim is to do this alone. I have never done anything on my own so this is a big challenge for me. I started out so excited now I wake in the night thinking 'what am I doing? What if I'm hurt or mugged or even killed?' . I have just read your reply to another worried solo female walker with a smile on my face, you have just eased my nerves and put the fire back in my belly. Thank you.Hi Alexandra:
My daughter will be walking it alone beginning first of March, and though I don't know your age, I will tell you what I told her. Be as vigilant as you are wherever you live now, and use the usual common sense. If you feel at all uncomfortable, trust your instincts. Find or call others. Join a group. Consider being within yelling distance of others. Personal belongings such as credit cards/passport need to stay on your person always, and be placed in a plastic bag with you in shower facilities. I have done part of the Frances (not by myself though) and really found people more than willing to help - in fact, moreso than I would expect at home. You are going to have a wonderful journey. It's a bit scary when thinking about it now, because it's new and unknown. But soon it won't be either of those things. Buen Camino!
Kinda off the subject, but your post made me think about it. When I was walking the CF in 2013 there was an older Spanish couple I would frequently see along the Way. They were very charming and cute to see walking together. One day they were staying in the same albergue I was, and I was trying to take my afternoon siesta in the dorm room of the albergue and they were the only other two in there at the time and they were moving about, messing with their bunks and packs, etc and the entire time the wife was talking away non-stop, in a normal tone of voice. The husband wasn't talking at all. It was keeping me from napping and after about 15 minutes of this I blurted out, more to myself, but louder than I intended, "God, do you ever stop talking?".....well they heard that, ha ha. It got quiet real quick and I looked over at them and they were both just staring at me with serious looks. Yikes. It was like mom and dad giving me the unapproving look I remember.Oh, don't fear offending others. Camino winter 2014, I was the only women in a room with three of the oddest and most unkempt male pilgrims I'd ever seen, who proceeded to discuss my "assets" within earshot. I politely, quietly, and quickly moved my things to another dorm and felt quite safe.
Buen camino.
Wonderful! It's so easy to scare ourselves to death. But....I refuse to miss out on great pieces of life and experiences due to fear. I remind myself constantly that I COULD get hit by a bus at home. And the person who posted just after this about needing to switch accommodation due to three pilgrims discussing her "assets" also had a good point. When in doubt, get out of the questionable situation. In my case, RIDE the bus, don't get hit by it!I have the same nervousness about doing this alone although my choice and aim is to do this alone. I have never done anything on my own so this is a big challenge for me. I started out so excited now I wake in the night thinking 'what am I doing? What if I'm hurt or mugged or even killed?' . I have just read your reply to another worried solo female walker with a smile on my face, you have just eased my nerves and put the fire back in my belly. Thank you.
I read this in the middle of the night... My usual 3am much resented natural wake up twilight zone time... So funny and a story to tell for years to come.. I drifted back off, smiling with the hilarious images in my half asleep mind.. If that's the worst that's happened to you, then I can live with that. Thanks MarkKinda off the subject, but your post made me think about it. When I was walking the CF in 2013 there was an older Spanish couple I would frequently see along the Way. They were very charming and cute to see walking together. One day they were staying in the same albergue I was, and I was trying to take my afternoon siesta in the dorm room of the albergue and they were the only other two in there at the time and they were moving about, messing with their bunks and packs, etc and the entire time the wife was talking away non-stop, in a normal tone of voice. The husband wasn't talking at all. It was keeping me from napping and after about 15 minutes of this I blurted out, more to myself, but louder than I intended, "God, do you ever stop talking?".....well they heard that, ha ha. It got quiet real quick and I looked over at them and they were both just staring at me with serious looks. Yikes. It was like mom and dad giving me the unapproving look I remember.
Naturally I'd run across them from time to time all the way to Santiago and they'd give me wide berth. I felt telling them, "hey, I'm really a nice guy". ha ha
Thank you so much. So many kind and encouraging words from so many members on here.. I'm so glad I joined this forum and asked the 'silly' questions I wanted to ask without sounding 'stupid'. Thanks for your inspiring message. Though I'm reluctant to ask you about your camping outside experience...!!I walked from Avila to Toro, and from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela alone in the summer of 2015. I had no problems at all (notwithstanding camping out one night, getting sick, and breaking a toe), and it was one of the most blessed experiences of my life. Members of this forum stayed in touch with me by email during some of the trickier parts (thanks again, K1!) I would do it again in a heartbeat, and in fact this year(at 68 years old) I will be walking again with just one friend. I walked alone for the express purpose of being an example that fear should not prevent women from living rich, full lives.
Hi Alexandre, the goosebumps are ok.I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
i am a 60 year old woman walking alone, also for the first time, and understand totally how you feel. thank you for expressing it so well--i couldn't put all my feelings into words so it was great to read what you wrote. and i really liked hearing everyone's stories. people have been so helpful and kind on this forum. i am walking end of may-end of june, so who knows, i may run into you!Wow, so many encouraging answers! Thank you all for taking the time in replying and for all you kind advice and sharing your stories, it really means a lot even though this topic has been several times discussed on this forum!
Indeed, I read many stories about women walking alone feeling very safe all the way. C clearly was right, I am nervous because this is my first experience alone and it's not a few days, but a month. I do not want to miss an extraordinary experience only because of fear. I felt all the time that this walk is safe, but...I don't know, I just wanted to hear it again maybe.
I am travelling from Romania and will walk the Camino Frances in May - June. All your advice found on this forum are really helping and making me feel comfortable. And who knows, maybe this will be just my first pilgrimage and many others will come.
Thanks again,
Alexandra
Alexandra, I walked alone last May from Astorga to Santiago. I'm planning to start in SJPP this year, alone again. Enough said?I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
I walked it solo fromSept. 21 until Oct. 30 of last year. Only spent one day walking with one other person; totally by choice. No problems that I couldn't easily handle. EnjoyI am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
Although I did not walk the Camino alone the friend I walked with walked much faster than me. I spent 80-90% of my time alone. I loved the serenity of walking alone. You are rarely alone as there are many pilgrims and they look out for you. I would recommend book into Orbison the first night - you need to book. We meet about 15 people there are at the pilgrims dinner. We saw those people frequently, shared meals and wonderful memories and finished in Santiago on the same day and shared a farewell dinner before all heading in a different direction. We are all still in contact. When these people saw me they would have a chat and always check how I was. I never felt unsafe. My only slightly scary moment was a little dog that was very territorial. Buen CaminoI am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
I walked the Camino Frances and Camino Invierno alone last spring. I had some days with other men and women walkers, and lots of day by myself--literally by myself, with no other walkers in sight for hours (especially on the Invierno, which goes through rural Galicia.) I felt unsettled occasionally by the situation of being alone in an isolated area--but never afraid of a specific person. I had wonderful experiences walking alone, both internal and social, that I would not have had if I had traveled with a friend or family member.
The advice to "keep others in sight or join others" that the OP is being given by some here is not always workable--or welcome--on the Camino. You will be on stretches where no one will be in sight. If you have it in your head that this is a dangerous situation, it could spoil your walk. Try to think of being alone-- alone in nature--as normal, rather than a situation to be avoided.
My conclusion after walking the Camino was that it's a mental as much as a physical experience and test. Those that I saw having trouble were often younger folks who became upset over social situations, who went too fast to keep up with new friends, or who panicked over blisters or a bad cold. A five hundred mile walk is a "head game" as much as a trial for your feet.
Women are fed a steady diet of being the victim. Our heads are full of images--largely invented--of women murdered, assaulted, kidnapped and abused. These images end up isolating us, keeping us in "safe" situations, and afraid of exploring the world without a protector. We give up so much of our power because of this irrational fear. And fear is such a painful emotion to feel.
So go and have a blast! I felt liberated walking alone on the Camino, and I bet you do, too.
Hey girls. I'm walking alone end may. From Australia. Let's go Girl Power!Hi Alexandra, my friend and I (both 49 y.o. women from Australia) are walking the Camino for the first time in May/June this year too. Who knows ... we might meet you along the way!!!Good luck and Buen Camino!
I have the same nervousness about doing this alone although my choice and aim is to do this alone. I have never done anything on my own so this is a big challenge for me. I started out so excited now I wake in the night thinking 'what am I doing? What if I'm hurt or mugged or even killed?' . I have just read your reply to another worried solo female walker with a smile on my face, you have just eased my nerves and put the fire back in my belly. Thank you.
In our society we used to say yes at info days. Now we dont. It is still safe but sometimes we advise that you should either walk with a group or within sight of other pilgrims in front and behind. On a few occasions I had ladies ask if they could walk with me until the sun came up then off they went when it was bright enoughI am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
I came alone and for the most part walked alone and with spirit. It was a much needed and healing spiritual experience.Alexandra
Hi Alexandra. I walked the Camino last year and it was perfectly safe. I started on my own, was apprehensive, but very quickly made some great friends. Walked a lot on my own, though and felt just fine. Safer than my home town.I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
I walked the Camino Frances and Camino Invierno alone last spring. I had some days with other men and women walkers, and lots of day by myself--literally by myself, with no other walkers in sight for hours (especially on the Invierno, which goes through rural Galicia.) I felt unsettled occasionally by the situation of being alone in an isolated area--but never afraid of a specific person. I had wonderful experiences walking alone, both internal and social, that I would not have had if I had traveled with a friend or family member.
The advice to "keep others in sight or join others" that the OP is being given by some here is not always workable--or welcome--on the Camino. You will be on stretches where no one will be in sight. If you have it in your head that this is a dangerous situation, it could spoil your walk. Try to think of being alone-- alone in nature--as normal, rather than a situation to be avoided.
My conclusion after walking the Camino was that it's a mental as much as a physical experience and test. Those that I saw having trouble were often younger folks who became upset over social situations, who went too fast to keep up with new friends, or who panicked over blisters or a bad cold. A five hundred mile walk is a "head game" as much as a trial for your feet.
Women are fed a steady diet of being the victim. Our heads are full of images--largely invented--of women murdered, assaulted, kidnapped and abused. These images end up isolating us, keeping us in "safe" situations, and afraid of exploring the world without a protector. We give up so much of our power because of this irrational fear. And fear is such a painful emotion to feel.
So go and have a blast! I felt liberated walking alone on the Camino, and I bet you do, too.
Alexandra I walked the Camino Frances last Fall. I had a whistle and it was never used. I had my cellphone but often there is no range or I had no charge on it. When I needed help in certain situations, there was always a friendly hand to reach out. Walking in solitude was awesome and the times when walking with another pellegrino for part of the way, were equally wonderful. Enjoy the adventure. Use common sense. Buen Camino!I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
Where are you starting? I will begin in Pamplona May 8.Hey girls. I'm walking alone end may. From Australia. Let's go Girl Power!
Starting in Leon on May 18. Really looking forward to it but getting a little nervous too.Where are you starting? I will begin in Pamplona May 8.
Oh, don't fear offending others. Camino winter 2014, I was the only woman in a room with three of the oddest and most unkempt male pilgrims I'd ever seen, who proceeded to discuss my "assets" within earshot. I politely, quietly, and quickly moved my things to another dorm and felt quite safe.
Buen camino.
I will also be walking May/June, and travelling solo, so I will look out for you. Buen Camino!I am planning to walk this year on Camino Frances. I've read some post from past years that is it pretty safe for women to walk alone, but I just wanted to see if any woman from this forum had a recent experience and how I felt. I don't know...I just maybe need some reinforcements that all is good...I have goosebumps.
Thanks,
Alexandra
I will also be walking May/June, and travelling solo, so I will look out for you. Buen Camino!
Hi Alexandra and welcome to the Forum. Check your backpack for a whistle, my Ospreys all have one in the strap that goes across the chest.
I have walked 2500 km on different Caminoes and I have had one experience in 2014, where I did not feel safe. Other than that I have always felt very safe! Most of the time I walk solo and I would not hesitate to plan another solo Camino. And you will meet lots of good people on the Camino Frances.
All the best and buen Camino to you.
I'll be truthful - it's not perfectly safe. But nothing is. But it's probably safer than walking around late at night in many major cities of the developed world, or travelling in a bus in India, or cycling in London, all of which I have done. You can be as clingy to other pilgrims or gloriously solitude seeking as you like: you can get up before dawn and go off with a head torch and get barked at by unseen dogs, or you can sit by the albergue door and wait for a bunch of people to leave, or you can arrange the night before to walk with someone, or you can go the whole way in a guided group. As other posters have said, the only hard part is not letting your instincts drift completely off in the glorious camaraderie of it all.
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