S
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
One is never so lonely as when in a group who are all sticking to themselves.
This doesn't surprise me, on 4 caminos I have met only 2 English, I have met Americans, Australians and Irish but not that many of them. English is not the main language of the camino, except as the international language, it maybe that others did not feel comfortable chatting in English, they also would not have had the need if they were walking with companions, though it sounds like you speak French. It was very sad and not the spirit of the camino. I hope you soon feel better and manage to try againAnother surprise was the noticeable lack of English pilgs
But perhaps it's a reminder to us all, to be positive and maybe even look out for the solitary pilgrim, and offer our friendship immediately.
This is a good point, but in making the offer, one should also understand that some solitary pilgrims are seeking the moments of quiet reflection that comes from walking alone. I know that I find this, and I always hoped that I have the good grace to understand the kindness behind any offer to converse, while retaining the good manners to politely indicate my preference to walk alone at that specific time.Stephen Nicholls said:But perhaps it's a reminder to us all, to be positive and maybe even look out for the solitary pilgrim, and offer our friendship immediately.
Stephen Nicholls said:I think that's the right attitude, bromeliad!
Take and enjoy whatever the camino offers.
Last year I was passed by a pilgrim who said "Hi! Can't stop - doing over 40kms today!" and disappeared over the horizon. I thought then - just look at all the wonderful things he's missing! Did he see that river in the valley? Could he hear those birds singing? And all those ancient churches - he went steaming past all of them!
I always travel alone and prefer it that way, as I'm very slow, take loads of photographs, talk to the animals - and even to the swallow tail butterflies - and offer up a prayer whenever the mood takes me. But I also appreciate a short conversation [or sometimes a long one in the evening] with fellow pilgrims. Then, after a bit, I always say "Off you go! You walk faster than me!" and return to my preferred solitude. It is solitude, not loneliness!
Each to his own, but remember the camino is not a race. So walk and enjoy!
Buen camino!
Stephen
http://www.calig.co.uk/camino_de_santiago.htm
WendyL said:I am planning my journey for July or Aug. and appreciate knowing that I may be alone for the entirety of the Camino. Wendy
... maybe I'll start planning the next try - I do hate to be beaten!!
I did and nobody recognised it. Or maybe they recognised me and decided to avoid at all costs!Sojourner47 said:Just a small afterthought.
No-one I encountered had a forum patch on their pack...
texastrekker said:It is really good to know this is a possibility on the Camino so I don't expect to be asked to join folks all the time (but I sure hope at least some of the time)
and if it was VERY crowded in late march early April does that mean it will be even busier in late august & September when I do my Camino???
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?