VeganCamino
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Future Frances from Saint Jean Pied du Port to Burgos, starting in June.
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Thank you. It could be that I don't start walking until 8:30 or 9 am but I only saw three pilgrims today and one group of four yesterday. Thanks for the link.I am sorry to hear that you have problems.
You can take the track from Rayyrosa (https://www.rayyrosa.com/) and to download it to your mobile.
It is not normal that you don´t find other pilgrims. Normally, at this season, it has to be crowded or near crowded.
If you want to take Norte from Oviedo you will have to walk Oviedo - Aviles (probably very few pilgrims in that sector) or to take the bus to Avilés and start at the albergue in Avilés. Oviedo Aviles is marked .... don´t worry about that!
If you will follow the Primitivo, then you can directly start in the Albergue in Oviedo.
Buen Camino & Ultreia!!!
The Buen Camino app is a great resource, and once you've downloaded all the content the maps can be used offline. If you walk from Oviedo to Avilés don't expect to see any pilgrims until you reach Avilés, then you should find quite a few in the municipal albergue.I'm planning to walk the Norte this summer and downloaded "Buen Camino" app for android.
So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
app is trailsmart. saved me a couple timesSo I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Maybe you should change to a more populated Camino like the Frances?So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
If you found the Norte hard I wouldn't advice you to try the Primitivo. It is physically harder and you won't find more pilgrims than on the Norte, you will also find closed shops and similar vegan options. To me it sounds like the Frances is your Camino. Many pilgrims, hardly any language problems, impossible to get lost, more shops open, more churches open, more vegan options and you can walk smaller distances.Third, you can consider starting on the Primitivo in Oviedo which is spectacularly beautiful, about 300 km and will have you in Santiago in about two weeks. Or, you can head back up and complete the Norte. We walked the Primitivo about a month ago and met many (but not too many) kind and interesting pilgrims, several of them who had started out on the Norte.
HiSo I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
As a semi experienced Pilgrim I think the advice you have gotten is excellent. My friend Trecile suggests downloading the Buen Camino app. There is also the Wise Pilgrim app for either the Norte, Primitivo or CF. But you pay about $5US for it. I would also recommend looking at Gronze.com and do it in Google Chrome so it automatically translates into English. There are good descriptions of albergues and also comments. Often where the albergue offers a communal meal there will be comments about it and often, especially vegetarians and vegans will make mention of how well they were accommodated. Go to grocery stores whenever you can to buy food. I know you received some resources from others about Oviedo.So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Others have offered good practical advice. All I can offer is commiseration and encouragement. If it were me, I'd regroup in Oviedo and walk the Primativo. Embracing the struggle is the hardest part...but the broken places are where the light can come in.
If you walk the Primativo you'll likely have some company.
But food is essential. As soon as you get off that bus, go find a Dia where you can find something to take with you that has some protein. Nuts are a good start. You can't walk on ensalata mixta alone. I'm a vegetarian, and Spainish restaurants are a challenge - but that's easy compared to how it is if eggs or dairy are out. The only options in most places are tortilla and tortilla. Or a bocadillo with cheese. So I hope you find those vegan restaurants.
Also send a PM to @LTfit - she's a vegan who knows the lay of the land, so she may be able to suggest places to stay, and to places to eat.
Buen camino, peregrina. May ease return!
Waiting until 8:30 or later is definitely a problem, especially at this time of year when most are hiking by 7 -730 at the latest.Thank you. It could be that I don't start walking until 8:30 or 9 am but I only saw three pilgrims today and one group of four yesterday. Thanks for the link.
Vegan, I hear you in your current funk and discouragement. It hits most of us one time or another and on the Camino, take it as symbolic of what we encounter in real life. So many of the lessons I have learned on the Camino are like mini-parables that I have applied to day to day living. Go easy on yourself. You’ve already gotten some great route alternatives suggested by other Peregrinos. The stopover and regroup in Oviedo sounds like a great plan - as well as to get a decent meal and new shoes! I hope to walk the Primitivo in 2021 as part of my next Camino, so if you take that way, I’d be keen to hear how it goes. Hang in there. Buen Camino.So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Thank you so much. I went to decathlon and replaced the towel I left in Roncesvalles. I also bought from another store a pair of Ecco shoes. Thought they were a fit and now wearing them for a few hours walking around Oviedo OMG redness and ouch.Oviedo is the perfect place to regroup. Don’t despair! First, once you arrive in Oviedo’s bus station, head across the street to Santa Cristina Cafeteria. They are always open. You can get a salad, possibly other items. There are a few vegan restaurants in Oviedo but nothing will be open on Sunday. Second, there’s a Decathlon sporting good store and various other stores, including a big selection of sporting goods in the Corte Ingles department store downtown. It will be open tomorrow. You can get boots or other supplies there. Third, you can consider starting on the Primitivo in Oviedo which is spectacularly beautiful, about 300 km and will have you in Santiago in about two weeks. Or, you can head back up and complete the Norte. We walked the Primitivo about a month ago and met many (but not too many) kind and interesting pilgrims, several of them who had started out on the Norte. Anyway, buen camino to you, whatever you decide to do!
Thank you so much.Whatever you do, give yourself space to consider your decision. Take time in Oviedo to rest.
Thinking along the lines of Maslow's hierarchy of needs ...
1) Shelter - Find a room where you can be comfortable for a couple of days. Splurge on a hotel if you like but you might find that a hostel puts you in touch with other people. So a little discomfort might be worth enduring for the company.
2) Food. See link to vegan stores and restaurants below. It's tough on a Sunday but ask around and find somewhere that you can treat yourself to something nice. Nobody can be a happy cow on an empty stomach.
3) Belongingness / Connection with others. Make calls / Skype with friends and family. Write a postcard to an old friend. If you find a hostel, strike up conversation with English speakers.
After that, you can make a more dispassionate decision about whether to choose another Camino in Spain or whether to do something else that you're confident will make you feel happier
Some vegan resources in Oviedo:
Some shops that will sell you new shoes:
Deportes Cavana
Calle Marqués de Pidal, 22 ·
+34 985 25 58 34
Closed ⋅ Opens 10:30AM Mon
D-ruta
Calle Arzobispo Guisasola, 28 ·
+34 984 84 62 27
Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon
Covadonga Sport
Calle Gloria Fuertes, 32
+34 985 13 00 60
Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon
Excellent advice indeed.This is going to sound cruel @VeganCamino , it's not meant to be, but I think you need to 'give-in' to the Camino.
Try to go with the flow. If you try to fit the Camino around you, like in your preferred meal times or whatever, you will never settle into it.
It is what it is...........not what you want it to be.
That's part of the magic and the learning.
If that makes sense........
I hope you stick with it
Thank you. I am heading to Leon today. The rainy weather in Ovideo is depressing. I'm going to rest for a day or two then see if the Frances is a better fit. Otherwise I'll go to Portugal and just be a tourist. It did seem a lot easier on the Frances and if not for the insanely high heat I was doing well on the path. Let's see what happens now... ThanksI'm planning to walk the Norte this summer and downloaded "Buen Camino" app for android. Once you download the app you need to download the camino you want. It used to be a paid service but free now! Obviously I haven't used it in the field yet but looks promising. It also has an off line mode from what I see.
Maybe the Frances could be a better option at this time? It seems that there is more infrastructure and even some camino magic going on too. And from what I've read the language barrier should be less of an issue also since there are many more English speakers as pilgrims and as locals.
Hope it helps and from vegan to vegan I wish you all the best ;-)
Thank you.I have nothing to add to the wonderful advice you have previously been given, but my heart goes out to you. Don't give up, so many people will be supporting you, if from afar. Keep us posted as to your progress. God bless.
My guess is that Decathalon may exchange them for a better size? fit? Style?wearing them for a few hours walking around Oviedo OMG redness and ouch.Ugh ... I thought this was fitting.
Good adviceAnd give in to the Camino rhythm.
My husband just finished. Download the app Buen Camino then buy thw route. It also lists many of the acvommodations.This will guide you. Check out Correos. It is the Spain post office and delivers everywhere.So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Also, go to a grocery store and buy vegan foods to get you through the next day.So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
I wore them to walk around the streets so... No. But nicer thinking thank you.My guess is that Decathalon may exchange them for a better size? fit? Style?
Thank you. I am heading to Leon today. The rainy weather in Ovideo is depressing. I'm going to rest for a day or two then see if the Frances is a better fit. Otherwise I'll go to Portugal and just be a tourist. It did seem a lot easier on the Frances and if not for the insanely high heat I was doing well on the path. Let's see what happens now... Thanks
I'll post a selfie from Santiago. Thank you for the support.Now, that sounds like a plan.
CF and you may be made for you; lots of pilgrims and tons of infrastructure to accommodate them; vegans as well.
Tell us how it goes.
Buen camino
Hello tired walker,So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Hello Pilgrim, if you are not enjoying the walk, stop! I have always admired the walkers who say, "Thats enough, its not fun anymore, I'm going home", and they take the bus and leave. That takes guts, as much guts as carrying on and having a miserable time. You do what you want to do and good luck to you whatever you choose, Brian Baxter.So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Fly to Greece and it may suck,also. For me, personally, Spain never sucks!So I'm on a hot, crowded bus to Ovideo instead of walking in the cool, crisp air looking at scenery that looks like a Celtic dream. I walked from Comillas to San Vicente today. Only my third day on the Norte. My shoes have worn out and this town looks too small to have a shoe store. I walked all over town in my flip flips but they are falling apart too.
Heading to Oviedo. To re-group or something. This scenery is beautiful and I'm finding the Norte hard. I keep losing the path and I rarely see other pilgrims. All the churches are closed.
Is there an app that follows the Norte? A luggage transfer service here? I can't find one.
I know in my heart it feels sad to be leaving and beyond the shoes this has been so hard. I've never traveled anywhere where I've struggled like this. I don't speak the language. No problem in Mexico. Grande problema aqui.
I'm also vegan and really really struggling to find food. Another banana for dinner tonight.
Not sure what to do now but I'll feel sad not to try again. Not sure if Norte or Frances or Portuguese is best for try number three.
Or... Fly to Greece and say screw this, it's been really hard. I thought the walk would be hard but I'm finding being in Spain hard. Nothing is ever open and info online is often incorrect, and you can't eat dinner until sometimes 9:30 pm. I just can't seem to get on that schedule.
I felt like this adventure picked me and now I don't know what will be a decent balance of respecting my body's needs and also being on an adventure and open to new things. I don't want to leave Spain and just think Spain sucks. But so far it has, if I'm honest.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks community.
Thank you. The walking is awesome. The best. Being in Spain sucks. Sucks. Sucks. It's beautiful but it sucks. Twenty countries never felt this way anywhere else. I'm currently on a bus that broke down on the side of the road two hours ago. I'm going to miss check in time for my second hotel I booked today. First was being painted and the smell bothers me. I can't wait to stop taking public transit here. I was in a bus that had a small accident. In a bus where the driver's seat broke so people waited got another one but I walked a big big big hill down. Right now I'm 33 miles away so... Not walking in this rain to my hotel that closes in an hour but interesting metaphor.Hello tired walker,
Hello Pilgrim, if you are not enjoying the walk, stop! I have always admired the walkers who say, "Thats enough, its not fun anymore, I'm going home", and they take the bus and leave. That takes guts, as much guts as carrying on and having a miserable time. You do what you want to do and good luck to you whatever you choose, Brian Baxter.
Thank you thank you thank you.OK VC, Leon sounds like a good option.
At the risk of micro-advising, just a couple of tips heading out of Leon: it's on one of the least beautiful parts of the camino Frances (but after that it all starts getting much better). You may be tempted to take the slightly shorter route option to Villadangos but it's beside a national road and has little going for it. Recommend you take it nice n easy via the back roads to Mazarife instead, and maybe the day after just 15km to Hospital d'Orbigo where you have the vegan Albergue Verde. At Verde they have a meditation room and last autumn were in the process of building a big circular structure in the garden for yoga, meditation etc - with a bit of luck it'll be ready by now!
I agree with her because I too, wear 'hiking' sandals. In case you're not familiar with this idea, I'll get straight to the important points: They provide good support, let your feet breathe, are easily adjustable throughout the day and, many other reasons. There's a Decathalon in Leon but, I think maybe it is their central warehouse. No worries, there is another in Ponferrada and I pulled up a couple of options for you......try some hiking sandals...
Thank you i bought these super pricey Ecco sandals today. Fit great in the store. Rubbing now so I'm wearing granny socks. Still rubbing. Fingers crossed That's part of the wearing in process.EDIT: I see we both posted at the same moment.
Sorry that you think Spain sucks x4. Hoping that you'll one day look back at these events and marvel at how your life changed because of them. Buen Camino
@VeganCamino, Tecile makes an excellent suggestion in the following...
I agree with her because I too, wear 'hiking' sandals. In case you're not familiar with this idea, I'll get straight to the important points: They provide good support, let your feet breathe, are easily adjustable throughout the day and, many other reasons. There's a Decathalon in Leon but, I think maybe it is their central warehouse. No worries, there is another in Ponferrada and I pulled up a couple of options for you...
Sandalias Deportivas de Senderismo y Trekking, Quechua, NH100, Velcro, Hombre
| Nuestros diseñadores senderistas han desarrollado estas sandalias NH100 para acompañar tus paseos ocasionales por senderos naturales, con tiempo cálido y seco.www.decathlon.es
Sandalias Deportivas de Senderismo y Trekking, Quechua, NH100, Mujer
| Nuestros diseñadores senderistas han desarrollado estas sandalias NH100 para acompañar tus paseos ocasionales por senderos naturales, con tiempo cálido y seco.www.decathlon.es
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And awesome community support. Really really appreciate it. I keep thinking of The Alchemist and how the boy found his treasure under the sycamore tree at home but he couldn't have found it without all the adventure.Thank you i bought these super pricey Ecco sandals today. Fit great in the store. Rubbing now so I'm wearing granny socks. Still rubbing. Fingers crossed That's part of the wearing in process.
I'm not vegan, but o e of the best meals I had on my first Camino was at Albergue Verde.Hospital d'Orbigo where you have the vegan Albergue Verde.
I always wear socks with my sandals while I'm walking on the Camino. Another tip is to go to a farmacia and buy a roll of Omnifix or Hypafix tape. Put it on your feet every morning on any spot that has ever had a hot spot. The friction will go on your feet rather than your skin.Rubbing now so I'm wearing granny socks.
Spain will survive.The phrase "Spain sucks' is not a good thing for Spain, is it ?.
Spain will survive.
Spain sucks. Sucks. Sucks.
Tom's advice is great - take the left turn at Virgen del Camino and head to Mazariffe.Recommend you take it nice n easy via the back roads to Mazarife instead
Hope that **** bus gets going soon!
Thank you i bought these super pricey Ecco sandals today. Fit great in the store. Rubbing now so I'm wearing granny socks. Still rubbing. Fingers crossed That's part of the wearing in process.
It always is. And kindness helps transmit that message.Isn’t it time to see that the issue is the Pilgrim, not the Camino
My thoughts too...Spain will survive.
No and not at all how I want to feel about a place I've longed to visit for decades and wanted to walk to slow travel and really experience it. And it's been very hard. Willing to have that change each day.The phrase "Spain sucks' is not a good thing for Spain, is it ?.
On the Frances, it's easier for sure in that regard; just order platos combinados or menu del dia, not the peregrino menu.
It is in mine. You pay more, but there's more willingness to adjust. That's especially been my experience off the Francés.Not sure if this is true for vegans and vegetarians - at least that's my experience
It is in mine. You pay more, but there's more willingness to adjust. That's especially been my experience off the Francés.
Que? Por que? At least along the Camino Frances the infrastructure exists to sustain even the most discerning pilgrim. Along the Sanabres? Buena suerte!Anyway it does not matter as the OP is now considering walking part of the Sanabres.
Que? Por que? At least along the Camino Frances the infrastructure exists to sustain even the most discerning pilgrim. Along the Sanabres? Buena suerte!
I just explain that I'm a vegetarian, and after the ususl primero of ensalata, can they please make something easy - and there have been a few times when I have been happily surprised at what comes. But to be honest, I only worked up the courage to do this recenty.I have always been a bit shy to ask to adjust the offered options,
It is hard because you have insisted on trying to project your personal and ego-centric view of how reality should be onto how reality actually is.
Help is help, whether someone can take it in or not.Some posts just get an empty 'thank you so much', but the most relevant contributions get no response at all.
Yes, you are right about that. But does that mean that we can never criticise one another?Help is help, whether someone can take it in or not.
We offer what we offer and need to let go of any agenda about an outcome.
Good question...But does that mean that we can never criticise one another?
But why? Annoyance or a cathartic response are teachers, too....I will try to just stay away instead of showing my annoyance.
Why?But why? Annoyance or a cathartic response are teachers, too.
He wasn't, you're right.I didn't perceive @Luka's post as venting. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Annoyance or a cathartic response are teachers, too.
What attracts my curiosity is why the OP has been so selective in responding.
*Edit* I now see the irony in my response. The thing I struggled most with in my own Camino was reality vs how I thought my Camino should look. I had many a temper tantrum walking along those paths with emotions surging up and out of the depths of my psyche. It was rough but there were also days where it was bliss and I felt like I was floating over the countryside. Go figureIt is hard because you have insisted on trying to project your personal and ego-centric view of how reality should be onto how reality actually is.
Your footwear problems? you did that, not Camino.
Your first world middle class dietary choices - you made those choices, not the Camino. Stop expecting businesses to cater for you and buy the foods you eat in shops and carry them with you.
You have language problems? Your choice, not the Camino.
Nothing ever open? Nonsense and untrue and not the fault of either Spain or the Camino.
The Spanish eat dinner late? True - get used to it, is completely normal.
You say that you are open to adventure and new things? You have absolutely no idea what "open to new things" actually means.
You don't want to leave Spain but "Spain sucks" - Spain? Tens of millions of marvellous people set in a varied and beautiful landscape full of ancient history and stunning modernity? Really?
Are you a teenager? You sound like a teenager - time to grow up - to live in the world 'as it is'!
Here is a tip - leave Spain, go somewhere easy where you can continue to focus on yourself and feel lots of self pity - you will be so much happier - or .. hey! stop being an arse, stop measuring and judging and just walk west every day, marvelling at every thing that happens, the miracle, wondrous miracle of that (but you won't, will you).
Buen Camino.
No and not at all how I want to feel about a place I've longed to visit for decades and wanted to walk to slow travel and really experience it. And it's been very hard. Willing to have that change each day.
Fair enough. I have always been a bit shy to ask to adjust the offered options, but thanks for pointing out.
Please don't poison the discussion by pouring on scorn. If something irritates you to the point where you have nothing helpful to say, just move on. If that's difficult, you can use the ignore button - I find that it improves my time on the forum and it goes some way to saving me from saying things that would reflect badly on me.Hand holding ends eventually.
I personally don't see The Camino as a living breathing entity so I'm a bit reluctant to quote this but here it is:But why? Annoyance or a cathartic response are teachers, too.
Beautiful.Grab the breath you have. Some people lose that, you know, in less time than it takes to blink. Buen onward camino...
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