Burton Axxe
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- April-May 2023
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Biggest surprise came at the end of my first Camino in 2019, I started it as a 'bucket list' once in a lifetime thing and was shocked at the amount of people I met on their 3rd, 4th, umpteenth! camino...but as I sat overlooking the sea in Finisterre I knew I would do it again. This year I'll be walking my 4thI’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
I was surprised at how friendly and helpful the Spanish people were. Especially in the earlier sections. Later after Sarria maybe a little less so….probably due to tourist fatigue. Also, I was surprised at how friendly and helpful other pilgrims were….again more so in the earlier sections. I hope your experience is as positive as mine was. I am going back for my second Camino this fall and hoping to find the same wonderful magic. Good Luck!I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
It is a surprise how it does grow on youBiggest surprise came at the end of my first Camino in 2019, I started it as a 'bucket list' once in a lifetime thing and was shocked at the amount of people I met on their 3rd, 4th, umpteenth! camino...but as I sat overlooking the sea in Finisterre I knew I would do it again. This year I'll be walking my 4th
On the morning of the fifth day... nothing was sore! And every day after that!
Strangely (and fortunately!) I have no recollection of flies bothering me. Maybe it depends on the route and time of year? I walked the Francés in May/June and the Português in September.The flies - not many people mention the flies.
As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.
Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
Absolutely! And little things, like the friendly tooting of horns from passing lorry drivers on the less pleasant occasional main roads, the willingness of local people to give directions and to give snippets of useful information about everything from local farming practices to ecclesiastical architecture. I would like to think that we English are as welcoming to visitors, but am not entirely convinced that this is always the case.the friendliness of the general population of Spain
I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
....
At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October. Even to the point that when I was shown a room in a small hotel, I was told not to open the window because of the flies.The flies - not many people mention the flies.
As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.
Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
They tortured me starting at Cruz de Fero until about Villafranca de Bierzo. Now I have a head net to go over my hat. Weight and space negligible, but there when I have needed it.At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October. Even to the point that when I was shown a room in a small hotel, I was told not to open the window because of the flies.
I didn't expect how physically hard it was. Also, I remember feeling a loss of God on the Meseta, and then after Melide when I was a little drunk from orujo, having a conversation with another peregrino and realizing God was in the small details of my life, "the Camino provides." That God wasn't something far away and mysterious, untouchable, but present and interested in the mundane details of my life.What surprised me was the friendliness of the general population of Spain . Of course I had heard of and read of it , though nothing is quite so charming and delightful as finding out that for the most part , it's absolutely true .
I've also found that knowing too much one of the difficult parts of a second, or third or fourth, Camino, though there is always more to experience, or to experience on a deeper level.I would say - I did too much research and watched too many video blogs and the Frances did not hold enough surprises as a result. It didn't help that I spent all of 2019 planning for a 2020 Camino and then like the rest of the world - had to postpone my plans for another year. So what did I do? I watched more videos. Bad idea!
Don't get me wrong - it was still an amazing journey - I just wish I didn't know so much ahead of time. I wish I wasn't looking forward to seeing all of the sites I had seen so many times in so many videos.
For the Norte - the only video blogs I watched were more about planning as opposed to watching people on their journey.
For the Via Francigena - I am watching Efren's videos - but only those. I am sure there are many others out there - but I don't want to spoil my adventures with seeing all the same sights in everyone's videos again and again.
I was unable to train at all (1st Camino) before I came (finishing up a demanding job) so I quickly wished I had. Luckily I only hiked from Roncesvalle to Burgos--but I was doing full sections, even when I started, and developed a bad case of plantar fasciitis and my endurance was low. On my 2nd and 3rd Camino, I made sure I built up my endurance and strength before I came back to hike and this made a big difference.I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
To be perfectly honest… my first and only Camino, so far, was the greatest experience because I went completely unaware and “unprepared “ …. I went expecting and that is exactly what I needed… I didn’t read any guide books or check my “pack list”. God lead, and I followed!!! The greatest experience I could’ve asked for!!!!I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Burton, you ask a fairly simple queston. My fairly simple answer: the wonder of waking up each day with the pain of the previous day absorbed and gone!I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
The flies were so bad in September October 2016. I have walked twice since in spring and no flies. The worst was walking to O Cebrero. The horses poop added to the flies. I bought a net for the next one and didn't need it. The flies are really bad in California in fall as well.At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October. Even to the point that when I was shown a room in a small hotel, I was told not to open the window because of the flies.
the wonder of waking up each day with the pain of the previous day absorbed and gone!
Wow, you nailed it! I agree 100%1. I was surprised at how resilient my body was.
2. I was surprised at the blending of my Camino family - gender, ages, nationalities; we all fit together like a glove (10 years later, we are scattered around the world, yet remain fast friends).
3. I was surprised by the unimaginable experiences I had - for example, a city girl from the projects of NYC like me, going to, and enjoying, a bullfight (no animals were harmed in the making of that bullfight).
4. I was surprised by the actual miracles I experienced (2). No kidding, no other possible explanation.
5. I was surprised by how many of the local people seemed to sincerely enjoy and welcome pilgrims into their cities, towns, villages, homes.
6. I was surprised by how moved I was when I finally arrived in the Cathedral in Santiago. How blessed I felt.
7. I was surprised by how cheap good wine is.
8. I was surprised by how well my packing list served me that first Camino.
9. I was surprised by how little I needed to eat and drink to feel fulfilled and healthy and how strong I felt at the end.
10. I was surprised by how soon afterwards I started planning my next Camino.
Adrian, that is one of the most illustrative passages in all literature. I am so proud of you…and I don’t even know you…except through your prose. My first Camino will be in May along the central Portugal path. I pray my heart will be joined with yours in the same sentiment. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope your production is a resounding success. No doubt it will be.This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.
You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.
I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.
I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.
But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head ……but mostly for happy reasons
One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.
With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.
Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.
We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.
At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.
I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.
So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. View attachment 140734I'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.
Buen Camino!
Oh gods. The Meseta is Beelzebub’s garden! So many flies and worse were the grey worms on the paths! Blergh!The flies - not many people mention the flies.
As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.
Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
Yes - I am avoiding that so far by doing different routes. Eventually I hope to repeat routes - but as long as their are routes I haven't explored I will attempt to explore those first!I've also found that knowing too much one of the difficult parts of a second, or third or fourth, Camino, though there is always more to experience, or to experience on a deeper level.
I want you to know that I absolutely love these words of yours!"Stepping on My Shadow"
I did alternate paths, stopped in different towns, walked different times of year, and of course, you are always changing and the people will be new to you. That said sometimes I drove myself nuts remembering what was coming up next.Yes - I am avoiding that so far by doing different routes. Eventually I hope to repeat routes - but as long as their are routes I haven't explored I will attempt to explore those first!
Some of us unfortunately seem to attract flies and bugs. Regardless of what season we walk in, I am constantly swatting at a swarm of flies while my husband walks beside me without a single fly buzzing around his head. I even carried the extra weight of bug repellent this past June which did nothing for the flies, but did save me from having red spots on all exposed skin.P.S. I usually walk in Spring and have seriously never encountered even one fly or mosquito!
The flies - not many people mention the flies.
As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.
Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
I want you to know that I absolutely love these words of yours!
I have only glanced so far at the 50+ responses to your question, but assume that I will mesh with a majority of them.
P.S. I usually walk in Spring and have seriously never encountered even one fly or mosquito!
I think I may have just shed a tear or two.This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.
You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.
I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.
I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.
But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head ……but mostly for happy reasons
One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.
With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.
Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.
We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.
At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.
I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.
So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. View attachment 140734I'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.
Buen Camino!
Agree 100% with @Liam55 and @VNwalking . IMHO it's best to leave all expectations at home and be surprised (or not) by what crosses your path. Magic happens when you least expect it.
As I've said many a time, my only expectations were to walk, eat, wash clothes and sleep. All else I discovered while walking. This was made possible I believe by not reading any blogs, books or watching videos about the Camino. I still don't 12 years on and many more Caminos.
I was surprised by how fast I became comfortable referring to myself as a "pilgrim". I was very resistant beforehand - I'm not at all religious, and previously thought the term was silly to apply to myself. However, I quickly realized that I identified with a community that needed a label, and that was the appropriate one!What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
I have walked the FC 3X and will leave Pamplona on 2 March for the 4th. What surprised me the most was the fact that what I learned about myself and the issues that came to my attention for reflection and action have continued to impact my life to this day.I’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
Hi Robo -I expected them, but never encountered them.
What time of year were your Caminos?
Mine are generally April/May/June.
How lovely and absolutely accurate/appropriate. This really captures my experience as a pilgrim. Thank you for sharing!This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
(Takes boots off) Farewell, my faithful footwear friends. You’ve served me well. But now it’s time to say goodbye.
You’ve supported me for one million steps, over mountain ranges and ancient bridges. Across arid plains, through towns, cities, fields and vineyards. On my first day on the Camino, I raised my right foot and stepped on my shadow. And then my left repeated the action and made the same connection with the earth. I did that 40,000 times that day, and then the next day. And the day after that, and again the day after that.
I started this with fear of failure. But now I know I needn't have. I had high expectations, all of which have been greatly exceeded.
I'm ten times physically stronger, more resilient and more determined than I ever thought I could be.
But ten times closer to my emotions. Pause
I’m very quick to cry….. lowers head Pause.
Slowly raises head ……but mostly for happy reasons
One day passed seamlessly into another. Each day, another 40,000 steps. Another 20 miles of progress, a little wiser, a little calmer, a little stronger, a little lighter, a little more in awe of the magic of the world.
With strangers who became good friends. I've made some wonderful friendships, which I hope will last for ever.
Something about the Camino makes people share their deepest thoughts with complete strangers. We were just thinking out loud. All of us.
We didn’t need to look at each other, because we were always looking ahead. We shared the weather, we shared the joy and we shared the pain. We shared the same path, and now we have shared the destination. This is what made us a Camino Family.
At no point on the way have I ever wished for it to stop, and I genuinely wish I could just keep going.
I don’t know exactly what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Moving forward. Others may choose to walk with me, but no one can walk it for me. I know now that it is my road, and mine alone.
So, for me, and my new friends my first Camino is over. View attachment 140734I'd start it all again tomorrow, if I could.
Buen Camino!
How much I enjoyed it. I had down a fair bit of cycle touring in Australia and Europe. Just carrying a bag, and then getting rid of things I didn’t need. It made life so simple. In only walked because it is something my wife wanted to do. We didn’t book anywhere and didn’t worry about a bed until the last bit. We got some advice from an old hand. Book the last 100 or so kms. Really meant we could really enjoy those last days. EnjoyI’ll be starting my first Camino in just over a month. Like many of you, I’ve read the guidebooks, travel literature, perused this site quite thoroughly, followed blogs, have watched vlogs and YouTube Camino videos. I think I have a good idea of what to expect.
But how about you non-first timers? What was it on the CF that was unexpected for you? What surprises were there that were not mentioned in the various media?
Positive or negative - anything’s ok.
Might be a time of year thing. I have read quite a few posts about flies. My first Camino Frances was in 2007 in June and I don’t remember flies at all. BUT I will now take one of those hats with fly mesh when I walk in October this year. Coming from Australia I am used to flies but don’t want to spend the whole day swishing a branch in front of my face.At last. Someone else admits to seeing a fly. LOL. I found them quite prevalent, especially when eating last October.
Wholeheartedly agree. And the joy of discovery is underrated. I am forever grateful that I knew so little about the Camino when I first walked. I didn't know anyone who'd walked a Camino, if The Way had been released, which I don't think it had, I'd never heard of it.. and I didn't know about this forum. I've loved every Camino I've walked since then, but the joys and challenges of discovery on that first Camino were exhilarating.The mind of a beginner is underrated.
Hi Robo -
I second @JWilhaus’s thoughts - buy a head net. The flies were a shocker for me early last May on the VDLP - they were everywhere and were in casts of thousands. In desperation I bought a fisherman’s head net in Salamanca and after that had no problems. It’s joining me on all future caminos.
Buen VDLP & Sanabrés Camino -
Jenny
I brought one on the Frances. Used it one day for a little bit. Didn't bother to bring it and didn't miss it the following year on the Norte/Primitivo. I am sure route matters and I had heard about the flies on the Frances - but really it was just a few hours. Sounds like one is needed for the VDLP.Hi Robo -
I second @JWilhaus’s thoughts - buy a head net. The flies were a shocker for me early last May on the VDLP - they were everywhere and were in casts of thousands. In desperation I bought a fisherman’s head net in Salamanca and after that had no problems. It’s joining me on all future caminos.
Buen VDLP & Sanabrés Camino -
Jenny
My everyday mantra was “when I’m stepping on my shadows head, it’s time to stop and find a bed!”This might be too long, but these are the words I wrote when I finished my first Camino in 2017 (I've now walked 8!). It's become the final scene of a play I have written, "Stepping on My Shadow" which is going to be performed in England in May. I think that it answers your question, and I sincerely hope that you have the same experience;
Totally love this answer!I was surprised, how simple life can be, just walk, eat, sleep, repeat ;-)
Much as I love a beach vacation (but make my drink a margarita), if I had to choose between a beach vacation and the Camino, the Camino will also win.Great question...hence all your responses!
I was surprised that on some days I thought, "What the heck am I doing? I could be on a beach right now sipping a Pina colada!"
I'm a magnet for mosquitoes. Are they active on CF?The flies - not many people mention the flies.
As you walk, you'll attract your own personal escort of salt-seeking insect irritants.
Not a huge issue and a swish with a little leafy twig or a handkerchief will provide some solace, but they will always be there!
The biggest surprise for me was simply how quickly it went. When you are about to Leave SJPDP or Roncevalles with close to 800 kms to walk, it feels like such a long way off. Then, suddenly you're standing in Plaza Obradoiro looking at the Cathedral.
I think that those of us who say that we went with no (or minimal) expectations mean that we didn't watch umpteen Camino movies and videos, or read dozens of personal accounts of the Camino. I certainly went prepared for weather and terrain with appropriate gear, but I didn't have a preconceived idea of what my actual experience would be, or any expectations that it would be life changing.OP here. I’m surprised at how many responded with comments to the effect that they arrived on the Camino with no expectations or pre-planning. And, further, that this is preferable and more liberating.
Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?
Anyway, all responses are appreciated.
Everyone plans many of those things...at least on this forum they do.Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?
I did meet people who were completely clueless,
Actually not but I speak Spanish and in my youth lived with a Spanish family during two summers. Also I had lived, worked and travelled in several different European countries before I went. I therefore had no angst about going somewhere unfamiliar although I hadn't practiced my Spanish in almost 30 years!OP here. I’m surprised at how many responded with comments to the effect that they arrived on the Camino with no expectations or pre-planning. And, further, that this is preferable and more liberating.
Really? You didn‘t have any expectations regarding climate, terrain, distance, language, history, geography, food, or culture? You didn’t pre-plan clothing, equipment, or footwear?
Anyway, all responses are appreciated.
Music to my ears!7. I was surprised by how cheap good wine is.
I agree...it's probably more about timing...I did the Frances in two parts, In June SJPP to Hontanas, no recollection of flies...returned to Hontanas in late September and it was infested all through the Meseta and a bit beyond Leon...Strangely (and fortunately!) I have no recollection of flies bothering me. Maybe it depends on the route and time of year? I walked the Francés in May/June and the Português in September.
I did have an unpleasant encounter with bedbugs on the Francés, but flies - nope.
Came home with a sense of peace that was unlike any I’d had for as long as I could remember. That, and the fact that I found EVERY day hard, but got up and did it again, the next day, and then the next, for 40 days. I was far more emotional than I’d expected. I can’t imagine ever doing it again. It could never be as good as my first (and last) time.The impact on me personally. Alone with my thoughts for hours... days on end brought a sense of peace
Yes most of us don’t have dramas just fun, that’s why it is addictiveThings I got wrong:
I had seen a video of a common room in an albergue where a dude with dreadlocks was playing Grateful Dead songs on the guitar. Oh no, I thought, it's gonna be all hippies. I thought I might have to avoid the public albergues.
I thought there'd be nuns who'd want me to pray and go to mass in the morning. I thought I might have to avoid the convents and monasteries.
I thought I'd be pushing myself to the point of physical and mental exhaustions, and that I'd have to find reserves of inner strength to complete the Camino. It turns out it was fun, easier than my regular life, and that I didn't want it to end. Other people around me were having struggles, and emotional and spiritual break throughs. Somehow I missed having any of those. I almost felt sheepish that I didn't have any breakdowns or major struggles.
vasoline is great on the Camino for your feetForewarned is forearmed.
You can go out there with no real planning and expect to walk 600 miles and for it to be easily do-able. It's your journey after all. But your chances of success are much less and mainly depend on how mentally strong you are and how much ibuprofen/co-codamol you are happy to abuse when you destroy your feet. When I first walked I was shocked at how much people were using, especially on the last 100km. People were dropping 3-4 max strength caps a day because their feet were covered in blisters and generally not in a good way, just to remove (as someone said to me) 50% of the pain they were experiencing. Taking painkillers to cover the fact your feet are in a bad way isn't a good thing.
There have been a number of threads over the years from pilgrims that walked without any preparation and within 200 miles had wrecked their feet and bodies and had to end their journey.
If you do decide to do it blind, at least make sure to instill a decent foot care regimen into your daily routine. Get your feet out of your shoes/boots, wash them and moisturise them (with proper foot cream) at least every night and ideally a couple of times per day. Wear proper walking socks with cushioning and use decent inner soles on your shoes/boots (gel or decent cushioning foam type ideally). Oh and break your shoes/boots in prior to starting. If you do that and manage to avoid blisters, you at least have some hope of making it.
Most people do not have dramas. That is part of the addictionThings I got wrong:
I had seen a video of a common room in an albergue where a dude with dreadlocks was playing Grateful Dead songs on the guitar. Oh no, I thought, it's gonna be all hippies. I thought I might have to avoid the public albergues.
I thought there'd be nuns who'd want me to pray and go to mass in the morning. I thought I might have to avoid the convents and monasteries.
I thought I'd be pushing myself to the point of physical and mental exhaustions, and that I'd have to find reserves of inner strength to complete the Camino. It turns out it was fun, easier than my regular life, and that I didn't want it to end. Other people around me were having struggles, and emotional and spiritual break throughs. Somehow I missed having any of those. I almost felt sheepish that I didn't have any breakdowns or major struggles.
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