Perfume/cologne on the Camino

[Diane Kinney]

I have just returned from walking Camino Frances from Ponferrada to Santiago. So much of the walk was beautiful and inspiring but unfortunetately I had to miss two stages due to ill health (norovirus followed six days later with cold, fever, etc).
One thing I did notice this time and it may be because I was feeling ill, was how many people used strongly scented grooming products whether body wash, perfume, cologne, aftershave, etc. I am not referring to scented shampoos or soaps but the very strongly scented products.
Staying in albergues meant these scents lingered. I do have some sensitivity/allergies and I know of many people who suffer from the same. When exposed I suffer anything from mild headaches to severe migraine like headache that can bring on vomiting.
Please understand this is not a preference for certain scents over others. Some of the products that make me feel terrible are scents I actually like. And in my day to day life I am also exposed but it is often fleeting, a seat mate on a city bus, patron at a restaurant and in those cases I can move. Harder however in an albergue when my bed neighbour has used these products.
I am asking perigrinos to maybe think about the products they are packing and keep in mind we are living in very close quarters.
And an aside for those who find themselves sick while travelling, the albergue staff could not have been nicer. Three of my fellow perigrinos also became ill with norovirus and were able to lie in after checkout until feeling well enough to arrange alternate transit for those days.
Buen Camino

 

[Seabird]

I have just returned from walking Camino Frances from Ponferrada to Santiago. So much of the walk was beautiful and inspiring but unfortunetately I had to miss two stages due to ill health (norovirus followed six days later with cold, fever, etc).
One thing I did notice this time and it may be because I was feeling ill, was how many people used strongly scented grooming products whether body wash, perfume, cologne, aftershave, etc. I am not referring to scented shampoos or soaps but the very strongly scented products.
Staying in albergues meant these scents lingered. I do have some sensitivity/allergies and I know of many people who suffer from the same. When exposed I suffer anything from mild headaches to severe migraine like headache that can bring on vomiting.
Please understand this is not a preference for certain scents over others. Some of the products that make me feel terrible are scents I actually like. And in my day to day life I am also exposed but it is often fleeting, a seat mate on a city bus, patron at a restaurant and in those cases I can move. Harder however in an albergue when my bed neighbour has used these products.
I am asking perigrinos to maybe think about the products they are packing and keep in mind we are living in very close quarters.
And an aside for those who find themselves sick while travelling, the albergue staff could not have been nicer. Three of my fellow perigrinos also became ill with norovirus and were able to lie in after checkout until feeling well enough to arrange alternate transit for those days.
Buen Camino

So sorry about your illness. Any idea how you contracted the norovirus?

 

[Diane Kinney]

Thank you. I am guessing on the plane coming over Friday night/Saturday as the symptoms did not hit until Sunday mid day, then my friends Tuesday and Wednesday. I am sure I was responsible for others and I feel awful. If I had been ill before I left, it would not have come! The only good thing for all of us was it was a quick 24 to 36 hour course. In my case just left me susceptible to cold viruses going around. Oh well.
As I have told my friends the Camino always teaches something. In this case it taught me to embrace the Serenity Prayer especially accepting the things I cannot change. The beauty and serenity of the camino was still appreciated in spite of feeling unwell or maybe because I felt unwell.

 

[palmah]

I am sorry you were sick! I have to admit perfume is a pet peeve of mine. I stopped wearing perfumes when I started taking public transportation to and from work. We have so many great wineries here in Virginia it just irks me when people wear perfume which can definitely interfere with the smell and tasting experience. I know several people have named perfume as their one "guilty pleasure" on the Camino and of course that is their choice. I personally prefer lipstick as my "guilty pleasure". Good post!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

In Lugo,this spring I overheard a dorm converation. Woman from my area, but I had never met or seen, had bronchitis or neumonia. She was telling her friends, from home, not walking buddies, how until she got ill she did not understand what the Camino hype was all about: easy walk, goo weathwr, what have you. Only when sick, and with real limitations, did she begin to understand. Sorry about the virus. About the perfume? It is a guilty pleasure, but I don't use soap or shampoo and my perfume is not synthetic. Does that make it ok ?

 

[JillGat]

It is a guilty pleasure, but I don't use soap or shampoo and my perfume is not synthetic. Does that make it ok ?

No, I'm afraid not. *Especially* not using soap to clean and adding a scent - even a "natural" essential oil would be pretty hard to take. I may end up staying in pensiones, I guess. I used to make fun of people who had chemical sensitivities, but then I started having problems with them, too. Doesn't matter if they are synthetic or not.

 

[SeaHorse]

At a glance this appears a nice request to take into account others when indulging in "a guilty pleasure" of over-perfuming. But then actually, its the author of the post who is not simply overdosing some nice thing, she is exposing everybody to nasty virus, there is no way that can be perceived as a pleasure by anyone. Several days feeling ill and giving "free gifts" to everybody in those crowded rooms. Not giving a damn about somebody who might not have top class immunity. Why not use private rooms in such a case? Aren't some people just ....?

 

[Diane Kinney]

Actually I did use private rooms as soon as I became ill and until I was symptom free. Unfortunately norovirus is highly contagious before symptoms appear. Believe me had I known I would have stayed home.

At a glance this appears a nice request to take into account others when indulging in "a guilty pleasure" of over-perfuming. But then actually, its the author of the post who is not simply overdosing some nice thing, she is exposing everybody to nasty virus, there is no way that can be perceived as a pleasure by anyone. Several days feeling ill and giving "free gifts" to everybody in those crowded rooms. Not giving a damn about somebody who might not have top class immunity. Why not use private rooms in such a case? Aren't some people just ....?

lly

 

[Diane Kinney]

In Lugo,this spring I overheard a dorm converation. Woman from my area, but I had never met or seen, had bronchitis or neumonia. She was telling her friends, from home, not walking buddies, how until she got ill she did not understand what the Camino hype was all about: easy walk, goo weathwr, what have you. Only when sick, and with real limitations, did she begin to understand. Sorry about the virus. About the perfume? It is a guilty pleasure, but I don't use soap or shampoo and my perfume is not synthetic. Does that make it ok ?

I am honestly not sure whether it's synthetic or natural and I so wish it didn't bother me. I love perfume and havecseveral bottles but can no longer wear any. I don't want to offend anyone, I am just asking that people be aware in close quarters that sometimes people are sensitive to scents.

 

[VNwalking]

Diane and JillGat, you have to take care of yourselves because this kind of thing is no joke, nor is it imaginary. And it's good to try to raise the awareness of others so that there is more understanding.

But I trust that you're not hoping too much that others will take care of your needs; trying to change the world so that you never are exposed is a fruitless and very frustrating enterprise.
As you say, perhaps it's better for you to have some space?

An old quote, that really applies on the Camino, and not only about scent, but about myriad other challenges along the way:

“Where would I find enough leather
To cover the entire surface of the earth?
But with leather soles beneath my feet,
It’s as if the whole world has been covered.”

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am honestly not sure whether it's synthetic or natural and I so wish it didn't bother me. I love perfume and havecseveral bottles but can no longer wear any. I don't want to offend anyone, I am just asking that people be aware in close quarters that sometimes people are sensitive to scents.

Another reason to avoid the last 100km on the CF: Spanish teenage boys splashing their drugstore bought cologne to impress their female companions I have a perfume fettish, and even that was too much for me.

 

[Diane Kinney]

Diane and JillGat, you have to take care of yourselves because this kind of thing is no joke, nor is it imaginary. And it's good to try to raise the awareness of others so that there is more understanding.

But I trust that you're not hoping too much that others will take care of your needs; trying to change the world so that you never are exposed is a fruitless and very frustrating enterprise.
As you say, perhaps it's better for you to have some space?

An old quote, that really applies on the Camino, and not only about scent, but about myriad other challenges along the way:

“Where would I find enough leather
To cover the entire surface of the earth?
But with leather soles beneath my feet,
It’s as if the whole world has been covered.”

Thank you and no trust me I have no expectation that others will alter their ways. Just hoping some people reading this may reconsider their use of strong scents when sharing close quarters with others.

 

[Rayne Stroebel]

Interesting. I would personally orefer the smell of perfume (hateful as it is when people seemingly marinade in it) to the smell of body odours that have not been toned down by deodorant. The price on pays for communal living....

 

[TerryB]

Interesting. I would personally orefer the smell of perfume (hateful as it is when people seemingly marinade in it) to the smell of body odours that have not been toned down by deodorant. The price on pays for communal living....

Unfortunately for many of us (females AND males) it is not a matter of preference. In modern day living everyone is exposed to chemicals including those known to be dangerous like formaldehyde. Many, like the OP and myself have developed intolerances, which if they are severe enough can lead to pulmonary health problems.
Fortunately there are now a number of private albergues with individual rooms, I have found that this can give the best of both worlds: interaction with fellow pilgrims in a common room and at mealtimes, and control over one's personal environment.
It does mean that some detailed planning is necessary but it can be done

Blessings
Tio Tel

 

[oursonpolaire]

There is also a cultural aspect, perhaps-- pilgrims better-versed than I might comment more helpfully. I have found that Spanish, Polish, and Italian male pilgrims were fairly free with their aftershaves and colognes (and anyone who rode the buses of Turkey and Syria will likely recall the attendant walking about and spraying passengers with cologne or rosewater) and, although I have no real allergies, I was sometimes left gasping. TerryB's suggestion of private rooms at albergues might be a useful idea.

 

[Diane Kinney]

There is also a cultural aspect, perhaps-- pilgrims better-versed than I might comment more helpfully. I have found that Spanish, Polish, and Italian male pilgrims were fairly free with their aftershaves and colognes (and anyone who rode the buses of Turkey and Syria will likely recall the attendant walking about and spraying passengers with cologne or rosewater) and, although I have no real allergies, I was sometimes left gasping. TerryB's suggestion of private rooms at albergues might be a useful idea.

That will definitely be my solution in the future. Private rooms and private baths.

 

[JillGat]

Albergues with private rooms. That sounds perfect. Is there a list of these?

 

[jsalt]

Albergues with private rooms. That sounds perfect. Is there a list of these?

Hi, many albergues have private rooms, but I found that sometimes they are more expensive than a room in a nearby pension, which is invariably of better value, so check out all the options in town if looking for a private room. Also, don’t forget, if staying in an albergue, you will still be tossed out at 8am (which is still dark in winter), but not from a pension. Also Jill

 

[Lachance]

“Where would I find enough leather
To cover the entire surface of the earth?
But with leather soles beneath my feet,
It’s as if the whole world has been covered.”

What language was it originally written in?

 

[TerryB]

Albergues with private rooms. That sounds perfect. Is there a list of these?

A site like Gronze:- http://www.gronze.com/ has a list of accommodation for the various Caminos. Gronze is in Spanish but easy to understand. We have had no problems with using "Booking.com" for reservations, even at the cheaper end of the Hostals. However we have found that armed with a list of phone numbers it is easier (and often cheaper) to phone ahead the day before and just book as you go. It does give some flexibility and is well worth the extra effort needed to get a good restful night's sleep, without wheezing and coughing (and keeping other people awake).

blessings
Tio Tel

 

[Tia Valeria]

To add to Terry's post:-
We stayed in private accomodation this year, no albergues and in a mix in previous years. This year we still carried our travel towels, not because we needed them for showers but to wrap the pillows at night. Sometimes the wash powder affects Terry (and me to a lesser extent) so we wrapped them each night rather than wait to see if there was a problem. Prevention is better than cure and we had no sleeping bag or liner as in the past but the towels worked well.
Ours have the name on one side so it was easy to always have the same side to our faces and not the side which had been in contact with the pillow.
When you have a problem with perfume/cologne etc every little helps.
Buen Camino

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Albergues with private rooms. That sounds perfect. Is there a list of these?

If we ever walk together, we could room together. I would be fine with staying completely off perfumes, and as assertive as we both seem to be, we would certainly get our needs met and our peeves known! Ha!

Seriously, I may need a friend to walk and room with someday that will a) give me some assertive companionship without annoying me by yammering all day long....and b) doesn't mind my light snoring, and I could give you a 30-minute head start to fall asleep!

 

[JillGat]

That would be great! My plan is to walk so far every day that I'm so tired, nothing will wake me up. I'm jealous you're leaving in two days! I'm sure we'll each meet folks on the trail who we can buddy up with to share rooms. But we can pencil each other in for next time. Buen Camino/Happy Trails.
Jill

If we ever walk together, we could room together. I would be fine with staying completely off perfumes, and as assertive as we both seem to be, we would certainly get our needs met and our peeves known! Ha!

Seriously, I may need a friend to walk and room with someday that will a) give me some assertive companionship without annoying me by yammering all day long....and b) doesn't mind my light snoring, and I could give you a 30-minute head start to fall asleep!

 

[Armando B. Gonzalez]

All the fuss about cologne, or perfume....not real issues...who cares....just walk the 550 miles and thank God you were able to accomplished your pilgrimage.... just imagine the pilgrims of early years taking a shower now and then.......and at the end inside the cathedral they had to burn a ton of incense to overcome body odors
A little bit of deodorant works just fine...it is far better a bit much ofcologne or perfume...then to smell like rotten onions.
Thanks,

 

[dcorrea951]

How about unscented soap ? Who needs perfume? They only attract insects.

 

[Tia Valeria]

All the fuss about cologne, or perfume....not real issues...who cares....just walk the 550 miles and thank God you were able to accomplished your pilgrimage.... just imagine the pilgrims of early years taking a shower now and then.......and at the end inside the cathedral they had to burn a ton of incense to overcome body odors
A little bit of deodorant works just fine...it is far better a bit much ofcologne or perfume...then to smell like rotten onions.
Thanks,

The people who are concerned about perfume and cologne are not considering 'smell' but real issues and genuine health problems which are caused by the perfume or cologne. Some scented soaps can be a problem too - eg we cannot go into Lush shops - but somehow the soap on the Camino isn't as pervasive as scents. We are not suggesting that people don't get washed or wash their clothes but we all need to consider others as we go through life so moderation in all things maybe, including scent, on the Camino.

 

[Jacobus]

The harsh reality is that people will continue to use products that contain harmful substances because of effective marketing, excessive sweating caused by Spanish weather and the "short shower" etiquette. Having said that there is goodt advice in this thread. That is to take control of your space. Walk apart from groups or persons that affect you and stay in suitable accomodations. In most towns you will find refugios, hostels, private albergues, pensions, country homes and hotels where complete isolation is not necessary but available if you need it. Same goes with avoiding snorers, partyers, early morning bag shufflers etc.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and for this reason, I choose to mainly stay in private rooms.
I always call or email ahead and ask that they do not spray any scent in the room.

It's not that I do not LIKE perfume.
I love perfume.
But my body will not tolerate it.

Simple osmosis FORCES every single pilgrim in the room to ingest your perfume or cologne.
They have no choice.
Put a drop of food coloring in a glass of water and watch what happens...

Whether or not the fragrance is organic makes about as much difference as if a peanut is organic when a person has a peanut allergy.

Also, saying, "I just have a little bit on" is pretty much the same as saying, "There's only one peanut in that salad."

For those of us with this overactive immune system issue, which has gone entirely out of whack, the best and only medicine is chelation, chemical or natural, according to my specialist. I choose long distance walking instead of IV administering of even MORE chemicals.

And so that you might understand it better, my specialist explains it like this:

You're walking down a mountain trail and suddenly, under your foot is a 4 foot RATTLESNAKE!
You JUMP back and a host of chemicals flood your system.
You are in absolute FIGHT OR FLIGHT mode within seconds.

Then you notice it is only a stick across the path.

It doesn't matter.

The body is on high alert.
Your body has been flooded with chemicals.
And unlike those with a normal immune system, once stimulated, ours just refuses to quit.
The response goes on and on and on.

One encounter with the wrong perfume can put me in bed with flu-like symptoms for up to 4 days.
Migraine, aching swollen stiff joints, brain fog, and nausea... all refusing to go away.

A whiff of Febreze will put me down in about 3 minutes if I can't get out of the area.
The brain gets HOT and I get confused and/or angry and unreasonable.
If I can't get away, I will FIGHT to get out of the area - literally.
The changes in personality are dramatic and until I had a diagnosis, my life was a nightmare.

We think of ourselves as the canaries in the coal mine.
People might want to take notice, as we warn of substances that are dangerous to your well-being.
Maybe you don't have a reaction... yet.
Maybe you won't have a reaction until it's too late.

Lastly, you may want to do a little research on the substances that are the ingredients in your favorite cologne or perfume or body lotion. You may be SHOCKED at what you are so mindlessly slathering on your skin, your largest organ.

And if you're putting it on your skin, you may as well eat it - it's entering your system, just as though it were on a medicated skin-patch.

All of this said, I can't control others.
And so, as I said, when I walk the Camino each year, I book private lodging for myself unless I'm walking off-season or on a lonesome route.

But I would dance a jig if I could convince pilgrims not to wear perfume, saving themselves a bit of weight and myself a bit of sanity.

 

[VNwalking]

What language was it originally written in?

It's originally in Sanskrit, From Shantideva's "The Way of the Bodhisattva" written in the early 8th C AD.

Annie has summarized the situation people face when they have chemical sensitivity very well.
I'm not at all chemically sensitive and used to think of it as imaginary, or as out of control fear. But working with many people who have this, and then reading about it have convinced me otherwise. It is very real. And what can come across as stridency or a demands that others change their ways is often simple desperation.

Just wanting to clarify what may seem to be a contradictory message...That verse I was quoting applies to all of us all the time, whether we're chemically sensitive or not. Wisdom and compassion are definitely a two-way dance.

Annie and Diane and Jill 'cover their feet' by knowing their limits and making adjustments--and obviously do not have an attitude of entitlement. Those who do, and who insist that others cater to their needs, are not here on the Forum.

We who are not yet chemically sensitive can 'cover our feet' by looking at our own attitudes about people who are—and by increasing our understanding so that we aren't judging chemical sensitivity as dramatic or thinking that people who have it can get simply over it. This is no more physically possible than stopping hayfever or a peanut allergy.
[Edit...to say this: It can be an uncomfortable process. For example, I had to face the fact that I felt entitled to use whatever soap I wanted to regardless of whether it was causing harm to someone else or not. Not a pretty thing to acknowledge...and we who do this are unfortunately in the majority.]

So thanks Annie. I hope everyone reads what you wrote with an open heart and that someday you get to dance that jig.

 

[Anniesantiago]

All the fuss about cologne, or perfume....not real issues...who cares..,

I care!

(I wrote this then went for a swim - and came back to be sure you could see the smile on my face. I don't want to come off as being preachy. I just want people to understand this is a real issue.)

My MCS is a "real enough issue" that my government has granted me full 100% Disability. It is 'real' enough to keep me from entering theaters, malls, churches, offices, markets, public restrooms or any other place where prancing peacocks perfume themselves to the point of making everyone else's eyes burn and water. It is real enough that your scented laundry detergent residue on your clothes will put me in bed for 3-4 days if I get too close.

And it is so real that my social life is zero except for when I'm outdoors walking. It is as real a disability as any other, with varying pros and cons. One 'pro' being I most likely won't get cancer associated with dangerous chemicals sprayed or slathered on my body. I would only ask that you educate yourself before making such a dismissive statement.

If your cologne is so strong I can taste it from 5 feet away, it's excessive, IMO.

 

[Bumpa]

I care!

(I wrote this then went for a swim - and came back to be sure you could see the smile on my face. I don't want to come off as being preachy. I just want people to understand this is a real issue.)

My MCS is a "real enough issue" that my government has granted me full 100% Disability. It is 'real' enough to keep me from entering theaters, malls, churches, offices, markets, public restrooms or any other place where prancing peacocks perfume themselves to the point of making everyone else's eyes burn and water. It is real enough that your scented laundry detergent residue on your clothes will put me in bed for 3-4 days if I get too close.

And it is so real that my social life is zero except for when I'm outdoors walking. It is as real a disability as any other, with varying pros and cons. One 'pro' being I most likely won't get cancer associated with dangerous chemicals sprayed or slathered on my body. I would only ask that you educate yourself before making such a dismissive statement. But then, being blind or autistic is only an issue if you are the one who is blind or autistic or (fill in the blank with any disability).

If your cologne is so strong I can taste it from 5 feet away, it's excessive, IMO.

I don't post here often and am a recent member of this group, however, this topic raises issues for me. While not allergic to strong scents, I do find them offensive and have friends who are severely affected. To even suggest that this is not a real issue, shows a lack of knowledge and concern for others. To suggest that if you are allergic, you should not be allowed to use communal areas of the Camino and should be forced to use private quarters away from the rest of the "normal" pilgrims reeks of a lack of communal spirit. Perhaps, if for some reason it is so important to douse yourself with something so offensive and dangerous to others, it is you who should be segregated into private quarters

 

[Bumpa]

I don't post here often and am a recent member of this group, however, this topic raises issues for me. While not allergic to strong scents, I do find them offensive and have friends who are severely affected. To even suggest that this is not a real issue, shows a lack of knowledge and concern for others. To suggest that if you are allergic, you should not be allowed to use communal areas of the Camino and should be forced to use private quarters away from the rest of the "normal" pilgrims reeks of a lack of communal spirit. Perhaps, if for some reason it is so important to douse yourself with something so offensive and dangerous to others, it is you who should be segregated into private quarters

Just a further thought before people jump on me Having an allergic reaction is much harder to control than putting a strong scent on your body. Just my two "scents" worth

 

[Icacos]

My MCS is a "real enough issue" that my government has granted me full 100% Disability........

That's good news, Annie. Happy to hear it.

 

[Rob Pruitt]

What is more offensive, someone that smells good or someone that stinks? I shower at least twice per day and each time I put on a splash of cologne after. People that don't shower are usually the problem and overcompensate with a large dose of cologne. Just take showers people.

 

[mountaingoat999]

What is more offensive, someone that smells good or someone that stinks? I shower at least twice per day and each time I put on a splash of cologne after. People that don't shower are usually the problem and overcompensate with a large dose of cologne. Just take showers people.

Hi Rob

I also shower at least twice a day on camino
There are unscented deodorants....and those that arrive at a albergue and just don't bother showering is off putting....something to be said for bringing my tent at times.
nothing worse than the mixture of heavy body odour and cologne...

 

[Anniesantiago]

If

What is more offensive, someone that smells good or someone that stinks? I shower at least twice per day and each time I put on a splash of cologne after. People that don't shower are usually the problem and overcompensate with a large dose of cologne. Just take showers people.

If you shower with soap and wear deoderant, a 'splash' of cologne is unnecessary, especially on the Camino where weight is an issue. Like you said, just shower.

 

[SeaHorse]

I prefer company who has showered, put that "splash" on, and washed their clothes!

 

[mountaingoat999]

Albergues with private rooms. That sounds perfect. Is there a list of these?

I take a tent all the time (lovely superlite terranova tent) sometime I camp in a albergue garden ..private room-privacy..no smells no snoring.....use it when I need or want......

as mentioned the young lads starting at Sarria .. I have often seen them splashing on the cologne ......to such an extent it hard to breath..."bless them"

 

[Icacos]

I also shower at least twice a day on camino

I take a tent all the time

How do you manage two showers a day on Camino, especially if you stay in a tent. Having to give up my morning shower was the hardest part of my Camino. The one time I tried to have a morning shower, there was no hot water.

And @Rob Pruitt, I agree with @Anniesantiago, if you've showered with soap, you already smell good. No need for a splash of cologne.

Actually, I don't think it was all that long ago when just about everyone used some kind of cologne/perfume/eau de toilette. When people started to become aware that there are some persons who are affected negatively by these various scents, there began a decrease in their use. Now I think it's almost rare to notice a perfumed person, at least it seems so where I live. It'll take some time, but if those who have difficulties with these scents continue to speak up, hopefully, eventually it will raise some awareness.

 

[JillGat]

It's a losing battle to expect everybody else to change in order to accommodate our issues with perfume. Whenever you travel, you have to compromise. I first started to realize my sensitivity when every time I woke up in a hotel room, my eyes would be swollen and I'd have a terrible sinus headache. Finally realized it's from all the chemicals they spray all over. I just have to do whatever i have to do to avoid the scents.

 

[Tia Valeria]

@JillGat One other precaution we take, apart from wrapping our pillows, is to check if the room has a plug in de-odourizer. If it has we remove it, replacing it when we leave. They give out little spurts of scent....

 

[mountaingoat999]

How do you manage two showers a day on Camino, especially if you stay in a tent. Having to give up my morning shower was the hardest part of my Camino. The one time I tried to have a morning shower, there was no hot water.

And @Rob Pruitt, I agree with @Anniesantiago, if you've showered with soap, you already smell good. No need for a splash of cologne.

Actually, I don't think it was all that long ago when just about everyone used some kind of cologne/perfume/eau de toilette. When people started to become aware that there are some persons who are affected negatively by these various scents, there began a decrease in their use. Now I think it's almost rare to notice a perfumed person, at least it seems so where I live. It'll take some time, but if those who have difficulties with these scents continue to speak up, hopefully, eventually it will raise some awareness.

easy for me to shower one way or the other when tenting on the camino..if I am in a albergue grounds....shower after I arrive and first thing in the morning. when wild camping near a water source......font/river..I take a solar shower which doubles up as a dry bag and a dirty laundry bag as a when...the one I use has a roll top 10 litres weighs nothing virtually......when using as a dry bag I revere it

add cold water, then shower....I also shave and shower so its easy to just turn it on and off......surprisingly how little and how fast you can shower in cold water. for deluxe showering leave to warm up in the sun to warm up......the non pilgrim option..the images below is the version I take..when there is nothing to hang the shower on to I just open the valve hold it above my head for 30 seconds .close valve.. lather up then repeat holding shower to rinse..

 

[Rob Pruitt]

How do you manage two showers a day on Camino, especially if you stay in a tent. Having to give up my morning shower was the hardest part of my Camino. The one time I tried to have a morning shower, there was no hot water.

And @Rob Pruitt, I agree with @Anniesantiago, if you've showered with soap, you already smell good. No need for a splash of cologne.

Actually, I don't think it was all that long ago when just about everyone used some kind of cologne/perfume/eau de toilette. When people started to become aware that there are some persons who are affected negatively by these various scents, there began a decrease in their use. Now I think it's almost rare to notice a perfumed person, at least it seems so where I live. It'll take some time, but if those who have difficulties with these scents continue to speak up, hopefully, eventually it will raise some awareness.

 

[Rob Pruitt]

The main thing for me is to NOT be offensive in any way to any person on the pilgrimage. I'll be taking two showers per day because I choose to stay at places with a comfortable bed and a nice shower after walking all day. I don't want to have to search for a bed every day and not know what I'm getting myself into. I'm kind of a wuss that way... This pilgrimage is a spiritual one for me but I still need my comfort items. Finally, I'm 58 years old and I have put on a splash of cologne after every shower since I was 14 and girls started noticing me. Heck, I even put it on when I'm home alone?????

 

[mountaingoat999]

The main thing for me is to NOT be offensive in any way to any person on the pilgrimage. I'll be taking two showers per day because I choose to stay at places with a comfortable bed and a nice shower after walking all day. I don't want to have to search for a bed every day and not know what I'm getting myself into. I'm kind of a wuss that way... This pilgrimage is a spiritual one for me but I still need my comfort items. Finally, I'm 58 years old and I have put on a splash of cologne after every shower since I was 14 and girls started noticing me. Heck, I even put it on when I'm home alone?????

Rob

in the morning when you dabbed the cologne on. beware..I noticed it's not just the lady's who will be noticing you, the big farm flies along the rural parts of the camino seem to be attracted to pilgrims wearing cologne, they will drive you mad...you heard it here first.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I do think the cologne wearing may be a culture or how one is raised issue. I never wear it but many men did that were in my family. For the Camino if you plan on staying in alburgues it would be kind to others to leave it at home.
This thread is interesting to me that so many do stay in private rooms. I met those that did, yet it does tend to separate. Not that there is anything wrong with that
Illness is another matter, if your sick please stay someplace private. I simply would sleep on a bench outside or move on if I encountered a sick person in the room.
Now for the shower discussion, once a week is plenty Just kidding, for those of you able or make it a priority to shower twice a day I want to walk with you just so I can breath easier. But it would never happen as you would not keep up. You would be showering while I walked. Last I will say is everyone will simply like you the most as good smelling people are usually attractive & have no back hair.

 

[Icacos]

easy for me to shower one way or the other when tenting on the camino..if I am in a albergue grounds....shower after I arrive and first thing in the morning. when wild camping near a water source......font/river..I take a solar shower which doubles up as a dry bag and a dirty laundry bag as a when...the one I use has a roll top 10 litres weighs nothing virtually......when using as a dry bag I revere it

add cold water, then shower....I also shave and shower so its easy to just turn it on and off......surprisingly how little and how fast you can shower in cold water. for deluxe showering leave to warm up in the sun to warm up......the non pilgrim option..the images below is the version I take..when there is nothing to hang the shower on to I just open the valve hold it above my head for 30 seconds .close valve.. lather up then repeat holding shower to rinse..

View attachment 21561 View attachment 21562 View attachment 21563

Now I understand! When you said you shower twice a day, I was thinking shower as in 'hot.' I don't mind washing my hair in cold water, or performing basic ablutions, but a cold shower would be tough to handle. Still, I commend you for your diligence and your consideration of your fellow-pilgrims.

 

[Anniesantiago]

@JillGat One other precaution we take, apart from wrapping our pillows, is to check if the room has a plug in de-odourizer. If it has we remove it, replacing it when we leave. They give out little spurts of scent....

OMG! Those are SO toxic!
That is also one of the first things I do - and generally if there has been one, I have to change rooms.
People should research what they're inhaling.
Scented laundry products are another one...

 

[Anniesantiago]

The main thing for me is to NOT be offensive in any way to any person on the pilgrimage. I'll be taking two showers per day because I choose to stay at places with a comfortable bed and a nice shower after walking all day. I don't want to have to search for a bed every day and not know what I'm getting myself into. I'm kind of a wuss that way... This pilgrimage is a spiritual one for me but I still need my comfort items. Finally, I'm 58 years old and I have put on a splash of cologne after every shower since I was 14 and girls started noticing me. Heck, I even put it on when I'm home alone?????

You might want to start asking the girls if they like it.

A "dab" of cologne or perfume behind the ears is the way it USED to be put on.
Also, before WWII, perfumes and colognes were made from flowers and plants.
Now they are almost 100% chemicals and unfortunately,
now people pour it into their hand and literally bathe in them.

If I'm near someone who is correctly wearing cologne, it's no problem for me.
I can stand in my own "personal space" and their cologne stays in THEIR personal space.
I can not smell them or at least not get sick.
But more often than not, they've poured so much on that even if you're 10 feet away, it's impossible to breathe.
It's like they are walking around in a cloud - like that kid on Peanuts - only it's perfume.
Those are the folks who are offensive.

My experience has been 7 out of 10 women prefer NO cologne on men and it's often men who make our eyes water,
not because they're so gorgeous, but because their cologne burns our eyes.

I prefer natural pheromones - it's much sexier!

 

[hecate105]

wow - how about excessive water use...!!!! Some parts of Spain and many other places do have water shortages.
I think with the perfume thing its like those who cannot stand smoke - but you can't stop people smoking - you can only move away. Personally I have problems with soap and also cleaning products - but people won't stop slathering bleach around everywhere either... So I just have to avoid where I can. All these things can cause immense misery but if we are the one affected I think we have to be the one to avoid. That said, it is 'neighbourly' to understand others may suffer and not slop any strong solution around that might upset others, whether it be perfumes, products, cleaners or smoke etc!
All in balance...

 

[Icacos]

........everyone will simply like you the most as good smelling people are usually attractive & have no back hair.

This is so funny! I've been giggling all morning. @MTtoCamino, how'd you ever come up with that??!!

 

[MTtoCamino]

This is so funny! I've been giggling all morning. @MTtoCamino, how'd you ever come up with that??!!

Nature & lack of evolution

 

[Anniesantiago]

Nature & lack of evolution

Or nature AND evolution?

 

[MTtoCamino]

Or nature AND evolution?

Now that you say that... 2nd generation from Ukraine moves to Montana 50 degree temp drops.. Oh no! My children!

 

[Rob Pruitt]

wow - how about excessive water use...!!!! Some parts of Spain and many other places do have water shortages.
I think with the perfume thing its like those who cannot stand smoke - but you can't stop people smoking - you can only move away. Personally I have problems with soap and also cleaning products - but people won't stop slathering bleach around everywhere either... So I just have to avoid where I can. All these things can cause immense misery but if we are the one affected I think we have to be the one to avoid. That said, it is 'neighbourly' to understand others may suffer and not slop any strong solution around that might upset others, whether it be perfumes, products, cleaners or smoke etc!
All in balance...

 

[Rob Pruitt]

Daaaaaaang! I have been shamed into not taking a shower and not wearing a splash of cologne. But the real horror is that 7 out of 10 women don't like me.

 

[Icacos]

Daaaaaaang! .........................But the real horror is that 7 out of 10 women don't like me.

Geeeeeeeeez, Rob, you walked right into that! Maybe it's because you've been wearing cologne! Try just having a shower and no cologne.

 

[Anniesantiago]

But the real horror is that 7 out of 10 women don't like me.

 

[JillGat]

I work at a Healthcare for the Homeless agency as a client advocate. Clients come in to shower, and we provide soap, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, etc. When they come out of the shower, if they ask, we let them borrow the aerosol RightGuard deodorant we keep in the cabinet and they often spray it right on in front of our counter. Arrgghhh! When that happens, I go outside to the courtyard to sit with the unwashed homeless people until the deodorant spray dissipates.