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Please don't get me wrong, I don't suggest fencing off Cruz de Ferro completely, just enough to stop these bikers, true pilgrims can then lay their stones in the confidence that they will not be abused or disrespected.What the others have said, plus I am absolutely against fencing off the Cruz de Ferro. Buen Camino, SY
They may not have consumed the same modern pilgrim literature as you have. They may not be aware of the significance that you attribute to this place. They may even resent what this landmark is being turned into in recent decades. Did you ever consider any of these possibilities?we were disgusted to see a group of about eight selfish, Spanish cyclists ride their mountain bikes up to the top of the stone pile as though it was an extra hazard for them to enjoy. They then posed for photos holding their bikes aloft.
Many thousands of people have carried their stones from the four corners of the earth to place on the pile, often as a token of a loved or lost one.
I had already corrected my reply, I had mixed up thousands of years with thousands of people ... a mistake easily made in the context of this recurring discussion.I would hate to get into an argument, however, my last sentence is factually true.
However, I noticed a big difference between the two Camino's in that: on the Primitivo pilgrims were walking to the albergues and knocking on the doors to ask if there were any beds available. On the Frances many "pilgrims" were pre-booking accommodation by telephone, text, email and Booking.com often for days in advance. Many of these "pilgrims" were also having their luggage shipped each day and carrying a small day sack.
I also saw bus loads of "pilgrims" being dropped of and then picked up a few kilometres further along and then taken to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch they would be taken to another drop off point and picked up again a little further along before being driven to their hotel for the evening. These were clearly able bodied tourists.
Maybe the fence could stop so called pilgrims leaving what the Spanish think is litter. Where did this "tradition" of leaving a rock from a foreign land start. It's all litter that must be cleaned up by the local authority.I personally would like to see some sort of fence around the pile so as to stop this unacceptable, egotistical, self-centred behaviour in the future.
Most of the tour bus tourigrinos stay in hotels in places like A Coruna and are bused each day to a starting point. In general they are not taking pilgrim beds, though they may be competition for a cafe con leche. Customers of Jacotrans and Correos do use pilgrim beds, but municipal and parochial albergues generally do not accept them. The pilgrims who are pretty much like you and me are the ones creating the apparent crunch. If it is you or them, who should stay home?try to understand the tourigrinos
"Let's not lose sight of what it's all about" is exactly what is all about, an individual quest and experience. Our lives are all different.......... Ultreya....... Willy/Utah/USAI have just completed my second Camino. My partner and I walked the Primitivo together last September, and I started the Camino Frances in late April, was joined by my partner in Leon in May and we finished it together in June.
However, I noticed a big difference between the two Camino's in that: on the Primitivo pilgrims were walking to the albergues and knocking on the doors to ask if there were any beds available. On the Frances many "pilgrims" were pre-booking accommodation by telephone, text, email and Booking.com often for days in advance. Many of these "pilgrims" were also having their luggage shipped each day and carrying a small day sack.
I also saw bus loads of "pilgrims" being dropped of and then picked up a few kilometres further along and then taken to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch they would be taken to another drop off point and picked up again a little further along before being driven to their hotel for the evening. These were clearly able bodied tourists.
Also, the number of new albergues and guest houses springing up all over the place as entrepreneurs seek to make a quick Euro out of the pilgrims purse.
Sadly I feel strongly that within a few years the Camino will be nothing more that a long distance holiday resort where tourists can get a certificate to prove that they've spent some time in Northern Spain.
I am extremely proud of my Compostelas, I have one already framed and I shall have the second one framed. I am now busy researching the Portuguese route.
I have one more negative comment, whilst my partner and I, accompanied by a lovely German lady, laid our stones on the pile at Cruz de Ferro we were disgusted to see a group of about eight selfish, Spanish cyclists ride their mountain bikes up to the top of the stone pile as though it was an extra hazard for them to enjoy. They then posed for photos holding their bikes aloft.
Many thousands of people have carried their stones from the four corners of the earth to place on the pile, often as a token of a loved or lost one. I personally would like to see some sort of fence around the pile so as to stop this unacceptable, egotistical, self-centred behaviour in the future.
I'm sorry to sound so negative but this is how I sometimes felt during my Camino. On my walk I met lots of wonderful people from many countries and for the most part of it I had a wonderful experience. If I was forty years younger I'd have a go at doing the Frances in both directions.
Let's not lose sight of what it's all about.
Buen Camino
Ian Hooper
It happens all the time. If I became roiled every time I saw a piece of litter, I could not possibly enjoy the walk. I resolve not to be one of the litters, and plod on.Throwing litter by the trail for example.
The conflict arises because some see it as a heap of stones and part of the natural environment while others see it as a sacred place which demands appropriate behaviour by everyone present, such as (perhaps) moving slowly, quietly, etc. Note that the definition of appropriate behaviour also depends on individual background/cultural context, just think of some Christian cemeteries where it is ok to drink, eat and party at special occasions while unthinkable in others.Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see any difference in walking on other peoples "sacred" stones to plant mine on the top and someone else riding to the top on a bicycle. I don't see any difference in photographing a walker amid the stones and a biker amid the stones.
It's core 'identity' has survived for well over 1000 years under all sorts of pressures ... What changes are our own expectations and those of fellow pilgrims. The numbers of pilgrims (no matter how they travel), ... have as much right to be there as I do...
I try to ask myself ... what do I contribute to the Camino/Chemin/Jakobsweg/Via I'm walking- how do I impact other pilgrims or the people whose towns and villages I walk through? In essence what is my defining pilgrim identity as a experienced by others?
I have just completed my second Camino. My partner and I walked the Primitivo together last September, and I started the Camino Frances in late April, was joined by my partner in Leon in May and we finished it together in June.
However, I noticed a big difference between the two Camino's in that: on the Primitivo pilgrims were walking to the albergues and knocking on the doors to ask if there were any beds available. On the Frances many "pilgrims" were pre-booking accommodation by telephone, text, email and Booking.com often for days in advance. Many of these "pilgrims" were also having their luggage shipped each day and carrying a small day sack.
I also saw bus loads of "pilgrims" being dropped of and then picked up a few kilometres further along and then taken to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch they would be taken to another drop off point and picked up again a little further along before being driven to their hotel for the evening. These were clearly able bodied tourists.
Also, the number of new albergues and guest houses springing up all over the place as entrepreneurs seek to make a quick Euro out of the pilgrims purse.
Sadly I feel strongly that within a few years the Camino will be nothing more that a long distance holiday resort where tourists can get a certificate to prove that they've spent some time in Northern Spain.
I am extremely proud of my Compostelas, I have one already framed and I shall have the second one framed. I am now busy researching the Portuguese route.
I have one more negative comment, whilst my partner and I, accompanied by a lovely German lady, laid our stones on the pile at Cruz de Ferro we were disgusted to see a group of about eight selfish, Spanish cyclists ride their mountain bikes up to the top of the stone pile as though it was an extra hazard for them to enjoy. They then posed for photos holding their bikes aloft.
Many thousands of people have carried their stones from the four corners of the earth to place on the pile, often as a token of a loved or lost one. I personally would like to see some sort of fence around the pile so as to stop this unacceptable, egotistical, self-centred behaviour in the future.
I'm sorry to sound so negative but this is how I sometimes felt during my Camino. On my walk I met lots of wonderful people from many countries and for the most part of it I had a wonderful experience. If I was forty years younger I'd have a go at doing the Frances in both directions.
Let's not lose sight of what it's all about.
Buen Camino
Ian Hooper
On the Frances many "pilgrims" were pre-booking accommodation by telephone, text, email and Booking.com often for days in advance. Many of these "pilgrims" were also having their luggage shipped each day and carrying a small day sack.
The first time I walked the Camino it was with "rose" colored glasses. There was nothing like the "wow" of the newness of the experience and the unending awe inspiring days.How about just posting on the wonderful experiences you had and not dwelling on how you would have liked it to be. My wife and I walked it last sept during a very busy time and it was nothing like I expected, so I made the best of it and the only time I think of negatives is when I read a post like this. Sorry to bum you out, but those are my feelings
A couple favorite quotes which apply:
"Never ever judge anyone. You don't know their story and what's really going on. A smile can hide so much."
"There's a story behind every person. There's a reason why they're the way they are. Pain alters our personality."
... true pilgrims can then lay their stones in the confidence that they will not be abused or disrespected.
Ian
Wonderful words my friend.There are no true nor non-true pilgrims for me, there are just pilgrims. All of the 250,000+ that arrived, f.e., last year in Santiago, no matter there mode of transport. If we start to judge others the danger is we are also judged by others and are we really ready to for that? Buen Camino sin jucio, SY
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Maybe yes, maybe no!Regarding the actions of others along the Way: maybe yes; maybe no.
To paraphrase the wise comments of previous responders, when one recognizes a strongly held jusgment about the actions of others, it can be helpful to remember a famous Chinese proverb:
"Once there was a Chinese farmer who worked his poor farm together with his son and their horse. When the horse ran off one day, neighbors came to say, “How unfortunate for you!” The farmer replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
When the horse returned, followed by a herd of wild horses, the neighbors gathered around and exclaimed, “What good luck for you!” The farmer stayed calm and replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
While trying to tame one of wild horses, the farmer’s son fell, and broke his leg. He had to rest up and couldn’t help with the farm chores. “How sad for you,” the neighbors cried. “Maybe yes, maybe no,” said the farmer.
Shortly thereafter, a neighboring army threatened the farmer’s village. All the young men in the village were drafted to fight the invaders. Many died. But the farmer’s son had been left out of the fighting because of his broken leg. People said to the farmer, “What a good thing your son couldn’t fight!” “Maybe yes, maybe no,” was all the farmer said."
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Maybe yes, maybe no!
Thank you ZenPeregrino!“Maybe yes, maybe no”
Sy, I have a question: you call the 250k+ people who asked for a Compostela last uear pilgrims. You are an avid walker, walking all sorts of different paths, in different countries. Do people walking those routes consider themselves pilgrims, even on routes that have no ties to religious history?
Thank you ZenPeregrino!
That's a favorite story...that reminded me of another. As with pilgrimage, what matters is intention. And we need to take care of our intention rather than minding other people's business. Especially when it bugs us:
A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her cross to the other side.
The two monks glanced at one another because they had taken vows not to touch a woman.
Then, without a word, the older monk picked up the woman, carried her across the river, placed her gently on the other side, and carried on his journey.
The younger monk couldn’t believe what had just happened. After rejoining his companion, he was speechless, and an hour passed without a word between them. Two more hours passed, then three, then half a day. Finally the younger monk could contain himself any longer, and blurted out “As monks, we are not permitted a woman, how could you then carry that woman on your shoulders?”
The older monk looked at him and replied, “Brother, I set her down on the other side of the river hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?”
short sweet and to the point,perfect!maybe there is a need to just remind also respect and a smile to all you meet ,,oh and a cheery buen camino .Peace and safe travel to all that walk the Camino no matter how or why.
short sweet and to the point,perfect!maybe there is a need to just remind also respect and a smile to all you meet ,,oh and a cheery buen camino .
"And what percentage of those on the Frances do people in your friend's situation represent?".
...
I see that my post above (far above now) was accurate. I really CAN behave as I want, for example go on throwing litter along the camino. Other pilgrims will just take a deep breath of mindfullness, "choose" not to see me, and in an act of kindness say nothing to me. I draw a lot on conclusions from this. Well, I guess you learn something every day.
Good bye.
/BP
Last general observation:
I see that my post above (far above now) was accurate. I really CAN behave as I want, for example go on throwing litter along the camino. Other pilgrims will just take a deep breath of mindfullness, "choose" not to see me, and in an act of kindness say nothing to me. I draw a lot on conclusions from this. Well, I guess you learn something every day.
Good bye.
/BP
I am planning my first Camino (Frances) in Sept/Oct 2017. I will have just turned a ripe 73 years old and have a number of pains and infirmities from 73 years of "life."
It is not my plan, but if I had to use a courier to transport my backpack on a few occasions, I would hope that others not see me as an "invalid" pilgrim.
I do my best (and I have to work at it!) to not judge others, lest I be judged.
Buen Camino
Fr. Jeff, it makes me sad that you would think that transporting your backpack would invalidate your pilgrimage. As a 70 year old, who also has infirmities, who just completed the Camino Francés with some use of transport, here is my take. The downside to transporting your bag is that you must decide in advance where you are stopping, and lose the spontaneity of walking until you are ready to stop. BUT the upside is you know where you are staying (if you are slow) and you can keep going. You know your own body. When it is steep, slippery, and muddy, sending your bag on can make it possible to continue your pilgrimage. It is inexpensive to ship ahead, and I don't think there is anything magical about backpacking everything. I hope your pilgrimage will be wonderful! Take care of yourself and don't get injured, listen to your body and you will know what to do.I am planning my first Camino (Frances) in Sept/Oct 2017. I will have just turned a ripe 73 years old and have a number of pains and infirmities from 73 years of "life."
It is not my plan, but if I had to use a courier to transport my backpack on a few occasions, I would hope that others not see me as an "invalid" pilgrim.
I do my best (and I have to work at it!) to not judge others, lest I be judged.
Buen Camino!
Fr. Jeff+
Fr. Jeff, it makes me sad that you would think that transporting your backpack would invalidate your pilgrimage. As a 70 year old, who also has infirmities, who just completed the Camino Francés with some use of transport, here is my take. The downside to transporting your bag is that you must decide in advance where you are stopping, and lose the spontaneity of walking until you are ready to stop. BUT the upside is you know where you are staying (if you are slow) and you can keep going. You know your own body. When it is steep, slippery, and muddy, sending your bag on can make it possible to continue your pilgrimage. It is inexpensive to ship ahead, and I don't think there is anything magical about backpacking everything. I hope your pilgrimage will be wonderful! Take care of yourself and don't get injured, listen to your body and you will know what to do.
There's judging and there's judgement in the sense of discernment.
2 reasons: super inexpensive and filled with convience and "amenitites": cafe con leche bars every few km, restaurants with pilgrim meals served early and at a low coast, albergues wvery few km, buses, taxis, mochileros, and relatively easy terrain with lots of people in fron and back of you for a sense of security and companionship/distraction making the km go by faster.
That is confirming the point that @Anemone del Camino was making, in answer to the question "Why is today's Camino such a global success in contrast to other past routes?" If those amenities disappeared, the number of people on the route would be reduced drastically, including many or most of us!And those are exactly the reasons that the Camino appeals to me.
Not me. You'd just be that guy from Michigan called Fr. Jeff.I would hope that others not see me as an "invalid" pilgrim.
The examples you gave are quite reasonable ways to judge - I'm with you on that. However, even this type of judgement should be made and communicated with "discernment"! That is true as true for childraising as for discussions about pilgrimage.And what is wrong with juging, as in comdenmation?
You can choose to be confined by other's people's limitationsLast general observation:
I see that my post above (far above now) was accurate. I really CAN behave as I want, for example go on throwing litter along the camino. Other pilgrims will just take a deep breath of mindfullness, "choose" not to see me, and in an act of kindness say nothing to me. I draw a lot on conclusions from this. Well, I guess you learn something every day.
Good bye.
/BP
The examples you gave are quite reasonable ways to judge - I'm with you on that. However, even this type of judgement should be made and communicated with "discernment"! That is true as true for childraising as for discussions about pilgrimage.
The "problem" judgement is where we start to judge a person's worth at a higher level in the scheme of the universe - are they "real pilgrims" or not. We need to be very careful there, and should have the humility to understand our own limitations.
The examples you gave are quite reasonable ways to judge - I'm with you on that. However, even this type of judgement should be made and communicated with "discernment"! That is true as true for childraising as for discussions about pilgrimage.
The "problem" judgement is where we start to judge a person's worth at a higher level in the scheme of the universe - are they "real pilgrims" or not. We need to be very careful there, and should have the humility to understand our own limitations.
What you said is perfectly true and spoken/written without rancor. Where I differ tho, is in making how they label themselves my business. I simply don't care how anyone portrays oneself.Not sure how/if "defining" what a pilgrim is or if one is one equates with attributing worth in the scheme of the universe. I certainly have never even thought about linking the two. I just look at the Camino, its history, its rules and culture, and how those on that route behave against them while still patting themselves on the back and demanding to be considered a pilgrim. A person may be a turigrino and still be a most excellent human being; what I dislike is those who insist on disreagarding the rules, culture, etc., while accusing those who may be calling them on it of ""juging".
Nothing wrong being a tourist, just own it, don't try to labble yourself something else, and accusing those who see right through you of juging. Simple ;0)
I completely agree. I just thought you went a bit far in your enthusiasm!d demanding to be considered a pilgrim. A person may be a turigrino and still be a most excellent human being; what I dislike is those who insist on disreagarding the rules, culture, etc., while accusing those who may be calling them on it of ""juging".
I'll try to curb my enthousiasm and try to put on a goody two shoes air. ;0)I completely agree. I just thought you went a bit far in your enthusiasm!
You know, I have never felt the need to keep score of my good actions. Just thought it was something that came naturally or at least from a good upbrining. I also thought that one could ask or share what is on their mind on this forum and that one did not have to respond if not interested. Clearly the OP felt what he had to say was important, perhaps more than tallying his good deeds.Please, Please.Please can we just accept each other and each others views there is a lot more important things to talk about, like how many people did you smile at today or how many did we offer help. If the CF is to busy or annoying there are a lot more Camino's to walk, I love reading the helpful Camino forum but we are getting very very thin skin of late. BUEN CAMINO
But don't you represent the majority? For every general observation, one can find counterexamples, often heart-tucking ones. Is there much doubt that the (comparatively low) cost factor is a major reason for the huge numbers of people on the Camino de Santiago and the effects this masificacion (not sure how to translate this, overcrowding does not have the same ring to it) brings with it?I do not represent the rest of the world.
No I don't think so Katharina, on this forum yes, but not on the Camino - as I experienced it... To be fair, my husband walked it at a different time and met a very different crowd. April/may, mostly retired people... I walk in July/August, lots of (poor) students, people without jobs (esp. On the VdlP) and lots of people from not so well-off countries... Eye-opener.But don't you represent the majority?
Please don't apologise, I was going to myself!@domigee : Sorry for my long reply which did not address the issue you raised. I think there is a difference between qualifying something as cheap/expensive and affordable/not affordable.
Well, I agree with David, and I experienced the same in my first Camino. I wanted to be a poor and humble pilgrim and I still looked down on a professional biker team, who seemed to be well-organised and rich. Yes, I just realised later that we are the same pilgrims en route to Compostela. And I must not judge what makes somebody a pilgrim (beacuse I do not know where people came from etc...)
However, I can imagine that makes Ianhooper sad... Maybe there are too many people, I do not know. At the same time, there are plenty of pilgrim ways throughout Europe. For example in my country (Hungary) six unfrequented routes offer a great opportunity of silent and undiscovered pilgrimage. I made one of them in 2013 - and it was wonderful! I think, people will discover their own "caminos" in their own country.
Not enough albergues, bars and accommodation along the way. Note: not enough fullstop, no matter of the quality and price. Poorly marked "camino" paths, they often walked along the highways (unthinkable today), for example they walked on the road for cars when crossing the Alto del Perdon. .
@David, I think you put your finger on it--at least for those of us who remember a 'different 'Camino.I suppose that the core of this thread is about nostalgia? and as we all know, even nostalgia isn't what it used to be
Yes, also from me.Thank you all contributors for making this an interesting thread, and to the mods for not censoring us.
I have just completed my second Camino. My partner and I walked the Primitivo together last September, and I started the Camino Frances in late April, was joined by my partner in Leon in May and we finished it together in June.
However, I noticed a big difference between the two Camino's in that: on the Primitivo pilgrims were walking to the albergues and knocking on the doors to ask if there were any beds available. On the Frances many "pilgrims" were pre-booking accommodation by telephone, text, email and Booking.com often for days in advance. Many of these "pilgrims" were also having their luggage shipped each day and carrying a small day sack.
I also saw bus loads of "pilgrims" being dropped of and then picked up a few kilometres further along and then taken to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch they would be taken to another drop off point and picked up again a little further along before being driven to their hotel for the evening. These were clearly able bodied tourists.
Also, the number of new albergues and guest houses springing up all over the place as entrepreneurs seek to make a quick Euro out of the pilgrims purse.
Sadly I feel strongly that within a few years the Camino will be nothing more that a long distance holiday resort where tourists can get a certificate to prove that they've spent some time in Northern Spain.
I am extremely proud of my Compostelas, I have one already framed and I shall have the second one framed. I am now busy researching the Portuguese route.
I have one more negative comment, whilst my partner and I, accompanied by a lovely German lady, laid our stones on the pile at Cruz de Ferro we were disgusted to see a group of about eight selfish, Spanish cyclists ride their mountain bikes up to the top of the stone pile as though it was an extra hazard for them to enjoy. They then posed for photos holding their bikes aloft.
Many thousands of people have carried their stones from the four corners of the earth to place on the pile, often as a token of a loved or lost one. I personally would like to see some sort of fence around the pile so as to stop this unacceptable, egotistical, self-centred behaviour in the future.
I'm sorry to sound so negative but this is how I sometimes felt during my Camino. On my walk I met lots of wonderful people from many countries and for the most part of it I had a wonderful experience. If I was forty years younger I'd have a go at doing the Frances in both directions.
Let's not lose sight of what it's all about.
Buen Camino
Ian Hooper
I have just completed my second Camino. My partner and I walked the Primitivo together last September, and I started the Camino Frances in late April, was joined by my partner in Leon in May and we finished it together in June.
However, I noticed a big difference between the two Camino's in that: on the Primitivo pilgrims were walking to the albergues and knocking on the doors to ask if there were any beds available. On the Frances many "pilgrims" were pre-booking accommodation by telephone, text, email and Booking.com often for days in advance. Many of these "pilgrims" were also having their luggage shipped each day and carrying a small day sack.
I also saw bus loads of "pilgrims" being dropped of and then picked up a few kilometres further along and then taken to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch they would be taken to another drop off point and picked up again a little further along before being driven to their hotel for the evening. These were clearly able bodied tourists.
Also, the number of new albergues and guest houses springing up all over the place as entrepreneurs seek to make a quick Euro out of the pilgrims purse.
Sadly I feel strongly that within a few years the Camino will be nothing more that a long distance holiday resort where tourists can get a certificate to prove that they've spent some time in Northern Spain.
I am extremely proud of my Compostelas, I have one already framed and I shall have the second one framed. I am now busy researching the Portuguese route.
I have one more negative comment, whilst my partner and I, accompanied by a lovely German lady, laid our stones on the pile at Cruz de Ferro we were disgusted to see a group of about eight selfish, Spanish cyclists ride their mountain bikes up to the top of the stone pile as though it was an extra hazard for them to enjoy. They then posed for photos holding their bikes aloft.
Many thousands of people have carried their stones from the four corners of the earth to place on the pile, often as a token of a loved or lost one. I personally would like to see some sort of fence around the pile so as to stop this unacceptable, egotistical, self-centred behaviour in the future.
I'm sorry to sound so negative but this is how I sometimes felt during my Camino. On my walk I met lots of wonderful people from many countries and for the most part of it I had a wonderful experience. If I was forty years younger I'd have a go at doing the Frances in both directions.
Let's not lose sight of what it's all about.
Buen Camino
Ian Hooper
I just finished the Camino and when I was in Santiago I saw a fellow pilgrim and I was so happy and I said, "We did it!" and he said in reply, "No, you took a bus." I was crushed. I did take the bus and the reason doesn't matter...injury, illness, running out of time, whatever...but I walked 400 miles and that was "my camino". I felt at times that some people were too harsh and judgmental if you did things like send your pack ahead or "take a bus". I wasn't sure why that was happening. It's okay to have a different opinion or even to smile a little when you hear a pilgrim using a tour bus say, "I need to get on the bus and change into my other hiking shoes before it leaves." (which is something I heard)... but it takes maturity and love not to judge. It's a personal journey and how it's done is really no one's business but your own.
I just finished the Camino and when I was in Santiago I saw a fellow pilgrim and I was so happy and I said, "We did it!" and he said in reply, "No, you took a bus." I was crushed. I did take the bus and the reason doesn't matter...injury, illness, running out of time, whatever...but I walked 400 miles and that was "my camino". I felt at times that some people were too harsh and judgmental if you did things like send your pack ahead or "take a bus". I wasn't sure why that was happening. It's okay to have a different opinion or even to smile a little when you hear a pilgrim using a tour bus say, "I need to get on the bus and change into my other hiking shoes before it leaves." (which is something I heard)... but it takes maturity and love not to judge. It's a personal journey and how it's done is really no one's business but your own.
You certainly did do it, Debora. Well done and congratulations! How many people do you know who have walked that far?I just finished the Camino and when I was in Santiago I saw a fellow pilgrim and I was so happy and I said, "We did it!" and he said in reply, "No, you took a bus." I was crushed.
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