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Live on the Camino for one year

dadaperegrino

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2023 - Camino Francés
I believe many of us, Camino lovers, had this thought at least once in their life: “wouldn’t it be nice to live on the Camino? To break free from societal conventions and just live and breathe what we love everyday? Perhaps by helping other pilgrims and making the Camino a better place?”

I must confess life has brought me to a place where I have this thought a lot. I value happiness and experiences over money and I know that when I am on the Camino I am a better person.
So I began asking myself whether it would be possible to take a sabbatical and live on the Caminos.
Maybe be an hospitalero in different places, help pilgrims, study more the history of the Camino. I speak fluently Italian and Spanish, I also have decent level of Portuguese and French. Surely these would help.

But where do I start? Is it really possible?

I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories on this. Thank you!
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I would suggest contacting one of the organizations that provide services on the Camino like FICS. Look up a German pilgrim named Oliver Kliot, he has been "homeless" wandering the Camino for years serving as an excellent hospitalero and spending winters refurbishing and painting albergues. Bruno in Moratinos might help you find him.
 
Thanks! Just to clarify, are you suggesting I reach out to FICS, explain my wish and ask to be put in touch with the above mentioned people?
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
As I see you are from the Netherlands, I would suggest contacting the Jacobsgenootschap. (or maybe you have already done this, I don't know)

They have two working groups for (potential) hospitalero's: one for Roncesvalles, and one for other albergues (in Spain, but also in other countries).

Hospitaleren - Santiago

De werkgroep Hospitaleren adviseert en ondersteunt (potentiële) hospitaleros met informatie, een workshop en een tweedaagse cursus hospitaleren.
www.santiago.nl
 
Last edited:
The Madrid friends of the Camino website, https://demadridalcamino.com/quienes-somos/. says that they provide more hospitaleros than any other organisation. Perhaps you can contact them via their website.
 
dadaperegrino said:
Thanks! Just to clarify, are you suggesting I reach out to FICS, explain my wish and ask to be put in touch with the above mentioned people?
Click to expand...
No, I would go about making separate contacts to each party. They are in no way connected. You have since received some very good contact information.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Phil and I have met more than one person living on the Camino. Most with limited means.. It seems glamorous, but I think it would be a hard life, especially if you become ill or get an injury. If you want to be a full time hospitalero, that could also be interesting, but it is generally hard work. Not a lot of time off for your own walking, etc.
 
If you are as young as your photo might imply, yes, of course it is really possible! Unequivocally.
The practical suggestions above are all worth pursuing.
Do you have more holiday time coming up? You could use it to explore the options either by going physically to discuss it with specific people/organisations, and/or arrange zooms to tease it out.
Another separate pair of albergues is run by the UK St James' Confraternity, they also might appreciate a presence off season...
Hosvol is another fantastic source, they arrange to send hospitaleros to albergues, and arrange trainings. https://www.caminosantiago.org/cpperegrino/comun/portal.asp
Wishing you well.
I add a comment I saw earlier today...the second quote.
Post in thread 'Family Guy, or not'
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/family-guy-or-not.82905/post-1178965
 
If it is really your Heart’s desire and a part of your true purpose then it will happen. Absolutely.
Just ‘start starting’ and follow the energy. You will know if this is right for you. And in pursuing this dream you may find something completely different. Who knows ….
As my dear Mum used to say - do things when you are young and when you can. She always said yes when I asked her if I should go on my next seemingly outlandish adventure.
I wish you good fortune and Buen Camino.
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
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