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Camino Frances right now thank you for the ideas.Not sure what route you’re walking but you may want to head to the northern route if you’re not on it.....at the very least you will walk along the beautiful northern coast, eat awesome fresh seafood and other local food, drink good local wine, and have some stops in some happening small cities—-San Sabastian, Bilbao, and Gijón....there are live music venues in these cities if that’s your thing, and a host of other fun stuff which you can partake in if the Camino is not working for you.....there is also the Feve that runs across the northern coast if you choose not to walk every day...that gives you plenty of flexibility (at least until you arrive in Galicia)....also, ask about local feast day celebrations in the towns along the route so you are able to partake in the celebrations....we were blessed to come upon a couple of those!!!! Or.....head to Picos de Europa (Cavadonga) and check out that area....just some ideas...
You were inspired by "I'll Push You."the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
Mary, I feel so helpless, but just want to say, thank goodness you are saying it 'out loud'. Now you have said it, what is happening? Is there a chink of, ok let me get to a city and have a day or so to see how it feels..? are there other pilgrims near that you can talk to? Or a Hospitalera/a? I hope you get some peace to make a decision about the next step for you. and what about daily distances? Have you been going too far? Just know you have good thoughts and wishes reaching out to you from everyone.Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
Sorry to hear @Mary Ward that this Camino does not seem to give you a sense of fulfillment. Like others already wrote : there is no shame to change your plans.
Maybe it will be different if you walk a bit longer than just this week to get into a certain flow. If not...please do not punish yourself....
All the best.
Actually that documentary came out well after my initial interest in the Camino - I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluateYou were inspired by "I'll Push You." That pilgrimage was entirely about doing something for someone else. Perhaps you can change your outlook by making the pilgrimage about others. Sometimes a person wrapped up in himself can make a very small package.Just a thought. I could be wrong.
Thank youPilgrimages are a bit like Marmite (if you know what that is) - you either like it or you don't. It doesn't make you a bad person.
The main thing is you tried. So many people have a dream and never do anything about it so well done you.
Whatever you decide to do thank you for being so honest.
Good luck.
And that can be so exhausting in itself - double best wishes!Actually that documentary came out well after my initial interest in the Camino - I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluate
And that can be so exhausting in itself - double best wishes!
This opinion is more about me than it is about you but it might be something to consider if none of the other ideas resonate with you. Is it possible the person you are walking with is inhibiting you from breaking free of the fixed relationship constraints you live with back home in your normal life? I felt the Camino to be so liberating because I arrived alone. With family and/or friends along it would have been difficult if not impossible to shed the subconscious habits and roles and feelings of responsibility which takes up lots of space...you always carry it with you so it seems normal but when you have a chance to leave it behind, you then realize how much extra emotional weight you've been lugging around. If nothing else helps, I'd suggest walking a few days without your friend. It is much easier to be "closed" to new people, opportunity and spontaneity on the Camino if you brought along with you a secure comfortable relationship. The few people I know who did the Camino with a friend(s) found out they needed to break away from those familiar sources of security to really find the full spectrum of benefits the Camino offers. They did it for a day or 2 each week and did not abandon their friends for the rest of the trip. Leaving your friend for a few days might be the biggest gift you can give them that also benefits you. Good luck with your journeys.
That may be a very important factor. I agree with what @twh said.I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluate
I can't "like" this post enough! Really sums up how I feel. I feel like I can be more my authentic self than I am at home.This opinion is more about me than it is about you but it might be something to consider if none of the other ideas resonate with you. Is it possible the person you are walking with is inhibiting you from breaking free of the fixed relationship constraints you live with back home in your normal life? I felt the Camino to be so liberating because I arrived alone. With family and/or friends along it would have been difficult if not impossible to shed the subconscious habits and roles and feelings of responsibility which takes up lots of space...you always carry it with you so it seems normal but when you have a chance to leave it behind, you then realize how much extra emotional weight you've been lugging around. If nothing else helps, I'd suggest walking a few days without your friend. It is much easier to be "closed" to new people, opportunity and spontaneity on the Camino if you brought along with you a secure comfortable relationship. The few people I know who did the Camino with a friend(s) found out they needed to break away from those familiar sources of security to really find the full spectrum of benefits the Camino offers. They did it for a day or 2 each week and did not abandon their friends for the rest of the trip. Leaving your friend for a few days might be the biggest gift you can give them that also benefits you. Good luck with your journeys.
Walking the camino is a pilgrimage also blood sweat and tears blisters or worse bed bugs but it grows on you buen camino
Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
This opinion is more about me than it is about you but it might be something to consider if none of the other ideas resonate with you. Is it possible the person you are walking with is inhibiting you from breaking free of the fixed relationship constraints you live with back home in your normal life? I felt the Camino to be so liberating because I arrived alone. With family and/or friends along it would have been difficult if not impossible to shed the subconscious habits and roles and feelings of responsibility which takes up lots of space...you always carry it with you so it seems normal but when you have a chance to leave it behind, you then realize how much extra emotional weight you've been lugging around. If nothing else helps, I'd suggest walking a few days without your friend. It is much easier to be "closed" to new people, opportunity and spontaneity on the Camino if you brought along with you a secure comfortable relationship. The few people I know who did the Camino with a friend(s) found out they needed to break away from those familiar sources of security to really find the full spectrum of benefits the Camino offers. They did it for a day or 2 each week and did not abandon their friends for the rest of the trip. Leaving your friend for a few days might be the biggest gift you can give them that also benefits you. Good luck with your journeys.
TWH you said it perfectly! The added responsibility of looking after another persons and surely detract from the camino experience. It's why so many of us walk alone and flourish because of it!! Mary?I can't "like" this post enough! Really sums up how I feel. I feel like I can be more my authentic self than I am at home.
Couldn’t agree more! Well put.This opinion is more about me than it is about you but it might be something to consider if none of the other ideas resonate with you. Is it possible the person you are walking with is inhibiting you from breaking free of the fixed relationship constraints you live with back home in your normal life? I felt the Camino to be so liberating because I arrived alone. With family and/or friends along it would have been difficult if not impossible to shed the subconscious habits and roles and feelings of responsibility which takes up lots of space...you always carry it with you so it seems normal but when you have a chance to leave it behind, you then realize how much extra emotional weight you've been lugging around. If nothing else helps, I'd suggest walking a few days without your friend. It is much easier to be "closed" to new people, opportunity and spontaneity on the Camino if you brought along with you a secure comfortable relationship. The few people I know who did the Camino with a friend(s) found out they needed to break away from those familiar sources of security to really find the full spectrum of benefits the Camino offers. They did it for a day or 2 each week and did not abandon their friends for the rest of the trip. Leaving your friend for a few days might be the biggest gift you can give them that also benefits you. Good luck with your journeys.
You have just begun your Camino. This is not an uncommon experience. The first week (yours) is often spent on getting adjusted, how to get around, what am I doing here, why. etc. One can become quite disinspired. The second week you are getting more into the routine of daily walking, and it gets easier. You understand the "system". On week 3, you are well organised and completely confident (some call it Zen mode). So keep on truckin', my lady, and look out for that moment when the Camino "hits" you. It can come quite unexpecedly. I sincerely hope you will experience it, because it is a great feeling/relief of freedom.Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
I respectfully disagreeAThe Camino is not a jolly walk in the park washed down by a nice Spanish red at the end of the day.
I can't "like" this post enough! Really sums up how I feel. I feel like I can be more my authentic self than I am at home.
Finding an alburgue with a cold beer dispenser.What is better than arriving in the albergue, securing a lower bed, then going shopping and making a big omelette or a caserole of soup with mussels, tuna, fresh bread, etc., with lots of garlic, washed down with a delightful Spanish red, and invite to share it with strangers who will becomre your best friends the nen?
This is such a wise decision, Mary.I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluate
Hi Mary, I agree with the rest who suggest patience but also that you shouldn't punish yourself. Maybe you try too hard to "get the Camino Zen". Maybe you should just stop thinking, literally, and just let it come to you? Anyway it will be interesting to hear what you decide to do since others can learn from it. Including a possible decision to stop. There's a lot to be learned from that. And it takes a bit of courage to decide not to follow in others tracks and not to like what the majority like.Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
Please persevere for at least another week, then make a decision. In 2016 I experienced the same sort of thoughts and feelings and returned home after only walking 6 days! I felt I was ok with my decision until I'd been home for a couple of weeks and then it really hit me. I still to this day cannot fathom why I would give in so easily after spending so much time, energy and money on preparing for this trip of a life time. I was so mad with myself. For a long time I completely disassociated myself with all things Camino......then, little by little it started to creep back under my skin. And now, once again I'm planning to head off. This time with my sister, Sept/Oct 2019. Hang in there, everything will fall into place - you WILL get it. Buen Camino!Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
Hi Mary! Just finished week one. We are in Los Arcos. If you’re close by, I’ll hope you’ll join us. Great camaraderie!Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
That’s hard. I was in the same boat for the latter half of my second Camino, and the responsibility for - in my case - someone who put their whole experience in my hands weighed heavily. It was difficult, disheartening and ultimately disappointing for us both.Actually that documentary came out well after my initial interest in the Camino - I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluate
This opinion is more about me than it is about you but it might be something to consider if none of the other ideas resonate with you. Is it possible the person you are walking with is inhibiting you from breaking free of the fixed relationship constraints you live with back home in your normal life? I felt the Camino to be so liberating because I arrived alone. With family and/or friends along it would have been difficult if not impossible to shed the subconscious habits and roles and feelings of responsibility which takes up lots of space...you always carry it with you so it seems normal but when you have a chance to leave it behind, you then realize how much extra emotional weight you've been lugging around. If nothing else helps, I'd suggest walking a few days without your friend. It is much easier to be "closed" to new people, opportunity and spontaneity on the Camino if you brought along with you a secure comfortable relationship. The few people I know who did the Camino with a friend(s) found out they needed to break away from those familiar sources of security to really find the full spectrum of benefits the Camino offers. They did it for a day or 2 each week and did not abandon their friends for the rest of the trip. Leaving your friend for a few days might be the biggest gift you can give them that also benefits you. Good luck with your journeys.
Good thinking and wise words. I thought of starting a thread about ‘it’s easier to walk alone’ as advice to new pilgrims but chickened out.
I can't "like" this post enough! Really sums up how I feel. I feel like I can be more my authentic self than I am at home.[/QUOTE
Excellent posts! As somebody suggested try a different camino, the Norte, the Primitivo, the Salvador.....
Questions: what triggered your wish to do the camino? How did the friend come to walk with you? Did he/she ask and you did not dare to refuse?
In any case best wishes for a buen continuation!
Maybe that is the issue? You do all the work and have all the responsibilities? I wouldn’t enjoy that either. It has to go both ways otherwise you may risk ending up being responsible for your friends good or bad experience.Actually that documentary came out well after my initial interest in the Camino - I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluate
Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
If the responsibility is a bit exhausting... you can tell your friend that it is like that.... and the friend should organise his/her part on his/her own. If he/she can not, he/she can always ask for help.Actually that documentary came out well after my initial interest in the Camino - I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting- will give this all a few more days and reevaluate
Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it....
Help!
I'd like to contribute two points. First, the "it" of the transformative Camino experience does not just arrive on one's doorstep as if a parcel delivered by the postman. This is an inner experience, which means some quiet time for reflection must be incorporated into the daily routine. And, this is often something only discerned in retrospect.I actually have a friend traveling with me and am responsible for making all of the arrangements- finding that a bit exhausting-
Hi Mary @Mary WardHi Mary! Just finished week one. We are in Los Arcos. If you’re close by, I’ll hope you’ll join us. Great camaraderie!
Maybe that is the issue? You do all the work and have all the responsibilities? I wouldn’t enjoy that either. It has to go both ways otherwise you may risk ending up being responsible for your friends good or bad experience.
And again, please let us hear what you do since others may learn from it - whatever you decide to do.
No I don't care for things like that I find pleasure in sitting in my rocking chair and listening to the birds and watching the sun come up
It wasn't until we were well over 100 miles into our Camino that my husband really began to enjoy and appreciate it. Prior to that he had been pushing himself too hard - trying to cover more miles than his body was happy with, and generally wondering why he had come. Once he realized this and went at his own pace walking maybe 5 miles a day and meeting up with the rest of our small group each evening everything changed. He enjoyed the challenge each day working out how he could arrive at our destination - whether by bus, train, taxi and be waiting for us to arrive with a beer or glass of wine in his hand.Hi @Mary Ward ! It may not be your thing, we aren’t all the same thank goodness! If it were me, I would either return home (if practical) or visit Spain in a different way....
PS: Actually, on my 4th Camino francés, I became boredand decided to leave it whilst having breakfast in Belorado! I thought I was ‘camino-ed out’ but.... the Camino had other plans and I not only stayed but also walked the Inglés too after reaching Santiago.
Who knows? You may change your mind.
I wish you all the best whatever you decide.
What is the Feve?Not sure what route you’re walking but you may want to head to the northern route if you’re not on it.....at the very least you will walk along the beautiful northern coast, eat awesome fresh seafood and other local food, drink good local wine, and have some stops in some happening small cities—-San Sabastian, Bilbao, and Gijón....there are live music venues in these cities if that’s your thing, and a host of other fun stuff which you can partake in if the Camino is not working for you.....there is also the Feve that runs across the northern coast if you choose not to walk every day...that gives you plenty of flexibility (at least until you arrive in Galicia)....also, ask about local feast day celebrations in the towns along the route so you are able to partake in the celebrations....we were blessed to come upon a couple of those!!!! Or.....head to Picos de Europa (Cavadonga) and check out that area....just some ideas...
FEVE is the network of metre gauge trains which runs along the northern coast of Spain and links a few of the inland towns too. Slow, cheap and very scenic.What is the Feve
The slower, smaller local train system that runs across the northern coast....I think it used to be independently owned ...but was at some point acquired by Renfe....someone can correct me though I’d that is incorrect info...What is the Feve?
I remember not thinking about much at all, quite often actually. Just put one foot in front of the other. It amazed me how often I had no thoughts, let alone profound thoughts. I also did not sing much either when I was walking. Don't know what 'zone' I was in. I was happy enough, sore feet and all.Hi Mary, I agree with the rest who suggest patience but also that you shouldn't punish yourself. Maybe you try too hard to "get the Camino Zen". Maybe you should just stop thinking, literally, and just let it come to you? Anyway it will be interesting to hear what you decide to do since others can learn from it. Including a possible decision to stop. There's a lot to be learned from that. And it takes a bit of courage to decide not to follow in others tracks and not to like what the majority like.
I like your honesty and doubt.
So what ever you decide to do I also wish you a buon Camino.
Yes it used to carry Sheet steel and coal and was and was a separate company Ferrocarriles Espanol Vias estrechas ( FEVE) a narrow gauge railwayThe slower, smaller local train system that runs across the northern coast....I think it used to be independently owned ...but was at some point acquired by Renfe....someone can correct me though I’d that is incorrect info...
Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
No I don't care for things like that I find pleasure in sitting in my rocking chair and listening to the birds and watching the sun come up
Mary, I think all of the above posts have something to ponder, particularly the advice about walking alone....
The Camino is not for everyone. There are thousands of people who've sampled and pulled out, and never returned, and not regretted that decision. For some it might have been different had they persisted, but not always. My husband was with me on numerous caminos, and no-one can say that he did not persist - he walked the whole of the Norte. But he really does not enjoy walking. He has not joined me on any of my last five caminos, and he now refuses to even contemplate another. That's OK - he flies small planes and they terrify me!
I hope not. I was concerned that all the "just walk another week, then you'll get it" posts might have been off putting.Did we scare Mary away with all our peer pressure?
I hope not. I was concerned that all the "just walk another week, then you'll get it" posts might have been off putting.
Many including myself gave the advice to walk another week in order to reflect. I don't think that anyone said "then you'll get it". As I posted, maybe there is nothing to get.
We may never know what Mary decided.
Get off the couch and walk keyboard warriors
I get it!! I totally get it. I made it to Astorga before the pain of an attack of sciatica forced me to stop. Yes there were boring days, and painful days interspersed with joyous moments with other pilgrims. Kind of like life, I guess. Now that I am healed, sort of, I feel I must complete what I started. Next year from Astorga, God willing. I even long for a tortilla. The Camino isn't for everyone. Take the time to think about what you want and what you need. Maybe it is the Camino...maybe not.Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
that sounds the opposite of walking all day long every day for many days. At least for a day or two stop in a town or the countryside and stay in a hotel with a balcony or terrace or porch and sit and watch.No I don't care for things like that I find pleasure in sitting in my rocking chair and listening to the birds and watching the sun come up
Hi Mary - some may say it's courageous to continue. But it's just as courageous - and more so, in my opinion, to say 'this is not for me', if that's where you end up. You have an opportunity to follow your heart and intuition - and if that leads you in another direction, hopefully your travelling companion will understand. No shortage of other people to help out your companion if he/she continues on. Bon courage, Mary.Hi have been on the Camino for a week after waiting for about 4 years to walk it and frankly I am not getting it. While I like the surprises of quaint churches and cow bells the whole experience is proving to be a bit of a big bore.
I told myself to come with no expectations to be open to what each day brings and it seems so far like a lot of work and not much joy in return.
Help!
Is it possible the person you are walking with is inhibiting you from breaking free of the fixed relationship constraints you live with back home in your normal life? ....... If nothing else helps, I'd suggest walking a few days without your friend.
Perhaps you will get your nerves back and start the thread if you title it, "It might be better to walk alone." Then you are free to discuss the pros and cons and not feel like you're giving advice, but rather food for thought.Good thinking and wise words. I thought of starting a thread about ‘it’s easier to walk alone’ as advice to new pilgrims but chickened out.
Pilgrimages are a bit like Marmite (if you know what that is) - you either like it or you don't. It doesn't make you a bad person.
The main thing is you tried. So many people have a dream and never do anything about it so well done you.
Whatever you decide to do thank you for being so honest.
Good luck.
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