- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2017 Camino Frances,
2019 C. Portuguese (inland).
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Yes, that would be me. First it was raising children, then it was money issues, it still is a money issue now that I have the time. That might ease up but with a looming recession, some of us will never know until we go.I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.
I recently read that Rick Steves, Inc had something like 10,000 people booked on their tour busses in Europe during Summer 2020. My O My. It might be interesting to be on one of those bus tours. But on the other hand it might be interesting to see the local penitentiary or it might be interesting to go to a paint factory or it might be interesting to see the local landfill.I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.
That was me as well. I retired and wanted to travel, but I don’t have a lot of money. Then I discovered the Camino, and it is an inexpensive way to travel, get a lot of exercise, and see beautiful countries ( a little of France and then Spain) and be awe inspired all in one!Yes, that would be me. First it was raising children, then it was money issues, it still is a money issue now that I have the time. That might ease up but with a looming recession, some of us will never know until we go.
That is true, and a lot of people prioritise their money differently. For some people possessions are important. For others they like to holiday in tourist spots. And for others they cant comprehend why someone would ever want to go.I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.
Oh, yes! So many places to go, so little time....Lately I’ve been thinking about all the beautiful places that my wife and I have been to around the world and just how lucky we are. The Camino Frances and Portuguese is up there among the best. I count those as my most joyful and fulfilling trips. Now, with the world shut down, I realise more than ever what a privilege, what a wonderful thing it is to travel and to be with new people in different places. That, for most people, is a far away dream. I’m beginning to understand just how that must feel. Even for the local people that we met along our Camino walks it was a dream. It’s humbling.
John, during this lock-down I have so much enjoyed your virtual caminos 0n YouTube. Many thanks.Not to be an elitist, but it amazes me how many people in America have never gone overseas for any trip or vacation. I think it is somewhere near 50%. When you think back, you find that you are truly blessed that you have had the chance to talk with others who have different cultural bases. And yet, despite these, you end up coming away with the same common elements: belief, family, food, drink, and fun (please order as appropriate). Travel for me is not an option. It is the only way to keep life and self-interest in perspective and control. Buen Camino to those that I have met and to those that I will on future walks.
This is a great argument for the 'haves'. It is only a question of priorities. This doesn't include the 'have nots', people that are focused on having the basic needs met and a limited budget: food, shelter, warmth, clothing.That is true, and a lot of people prioritise their money differently. For some people possessions are important. For others they like to holiday in tourist spots. And for others they cant comprehend why someone would ever want to go.
Comments from people have varied:
Why would you want to do that? (the idea of walking for a month doesnt make sense to a lot of people)
You went on your own, isnt that risky? (mainly from women but some men as well)
Why do you have to go to Europe to walk (some people can never understand)
You could buy some nice jewelry for that price (I could but I'd rather spend it on air fares)
You could have updated your car (last year when I had to buy 3 airfares, and 13 years counts as an adult fare)
You only have 2 outfits, you have to be joking (from people who cant be seen in the same thing twice)
What if he didnt like it? (thinking we were mad to take our grandson)
You went for a month, and you only saw one country! ( they think I didnt get my money's worth of countries)
I just hope I get the chance to go again
Yes we have, and primero Dios we will be backWhen I got to Santiago last year after an epic walk from Irun along the Vasco, Frances, and Invierno, I thought— "If this is my last Camino, I will die satisfied." I sure hope it isn't, but who knows?
We have been SO lucky.
You don’t realise how lucky we are, even the amount of holidays you get from your company you work for. I spent last night ringing up and cancelling all the pre booked Albergues for May and June.Lately I’ve been thinking about all the beautiful places that my wife and I have been to around the world and just how lucky we are. The Camino Frances and Portuguese is up there among the best. I count those as my most joyful and fulfilling trips. Now, with the world shut down, I realise more than ever what a privilege, what a wonderful thing it is to travel and to be with new people in different places. That, for most people, is a far away dream. I’m beginning to understand just how that must feel. Even for the local people that we met along our Camino walks it was a dream. It’s humbling.
I am so very sorry you to cancel everything. I know how much that must hurt. I had planned a Camino in Sept but at least I hadn't make reservations yet. Good luck. I hope you can make it in 2021You don’t realise how lucky we are, even the amount of holidays you get from your company you work for. I spent last night ringing up and cancelling all the pre booked Albergues for May and June.
I felt so sorry for the Albergue owners, they are so nice and friendly, hopefully we will return next year.I am so very sorry you to cancel everything. I know how much that must hurt. I had planned a Camino in Sept but at least I hadn't make reservations yet. Good luck. I hope you can make it in 2021
Yes Ive been in that group too, which is why I walked my first Camino when I was 58, after decades of working. Before that there were always costs and commitments for kids, schooling, housing etc, and I would never have been able to get enough time off work. It was a long time before I could indulge in something for me.This is a great argument for the 'haves'. It is only a question of priorities. This doesn't include the 'have nots', people that are focused on having the basic needs met and a limited budget: food, shelter, warmth, clothing.
You have your priorities right ... I too have sold up accumulated treasures to be free!I had thought about doing a camino for some years but could never afford it. In 2016 I sold a lot of accumulated possessions and raised enough to do the CF. I caught the camino bug. Last year I sold a car that I hardly used and did the CF with my daughter. This year I sold an expensive classic car and bought a cheaper one realising enough to do the CP and the CM. (When we can travel again). Friends have asked me why I am selling my assets "just to go walking" (they just don't get it). I am nearly 77 (and a pensioner) and have decided that I would rather use my assets to walk caminos, which I thoroughly enjoy, while I can. I will stop when I either run out of assets or am physically unable.
Me too, I had a great job - but the company I worked for made a big chunk of its income from Aviation fuel.....Well, Anamiri, I hope you get another job and a better one in due course so that you can do another Camino!
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