Recognize this?

[MarcelWals]

Dear members. Since I am back from the Camino Frances I feel so different. I am walking all the time.To work, to the mall, to parties and back, family visits etc. That's pretty normal,right? But the thing is walk all day with my rucksack on. Filled with Camino equipments. When I do my my shopping I order in Spanish. (wearing a travel book with me). I stop every hour and gonna sit in a bar to drink a cup of tea/coffee. And when I ask for a stamp they look at me like I am missing some iq's. At home I wash my clothes by hand and my wife is smiling at me (in the meantime calling a doctor to ask if I'm getting crazy). Most of the time I am sleeping on the floor in my sleeping bag. On different locations in my house. I am just curious if I am the only one who's doing this. Or can you recognize yourself in this story? Please tell me I'm not the only one

I was thinking...maybe I like the Camino that much...that's why all these actions...

Buen Camino!

Marcel

 

[Penny Kingma]

I think you need to plan your next Camino my friend.

 

[wayfarer]

Marcel, you need urgent Camino treatment asap, looks like Camino withdrawl symptoms.

 

[insightful-ear]

I have walked three Caminos. When walking my true self emerges and I like that. Coming home and integrating experiences can be a challenge. When you notice your behaviors (some of which I too have done) you could consider asking yourself what you are longing for. Until your next camino, perhaps there are additional things you could do to meet that longing. Some join a pilgrims association, train to be a hospitalera, volunteer in their community, wish good morning to everyone, join a hiking group, spend more time in nature...answer other pilgrim posts.
All the very best to you as you continue your life pilgrimage. For the record, I don't think that you are crazy, there just aren't any yellow arrows pointing the way on this section of the path.

 

[DurhamParish]

No one comes back from the Camino the same as they were.

 

[Tweeling No 1]

Sounds familiar...

 

[Mike Trebert]

If you feel an uncontrollable urge to buy a pair of cross-country inline skates I'd contact CA ASAP.

 

[efdoucette]

A few years back there was a hilarious post by a chap, and I can't remember his name or title of the post, but it was all the things you could do, Camino like, when you return home. It was brilliant, I think his name was Renshaw but I don't know how to do a proper search.

 

[Icacos]

"how to feel like you on the camino without leaving home"
This is the one I was thinking of, but I don't know how to do a proper link. Perhaps someone would oblige.

 

[xin loi]

Actually I still feel guilty for not doing more for the hikers who could not afford to stay in albergues or eat every day. Bought some meals and paid for some bunks , but should have helped more. Should have bought new sneakers for the woman walking in sneakers she had for over 7 years and put back together every morning with a BIG tube of Super Glue. When you see those young women with BIG packs that have tents attached , don't assume they are camping for fun. A lot can not afford Albergues....and some are carrying EVERYTHING they own.

 

[oldman]

Marcel
" Most of the time I am sleeping on the floor in my sleeping bag. On different locations in my house."

Don,t worry to much its when you wake up and there are a whole load of strange people beside you in their own bags you will know you are in real trouble and not just with your long suffering wife.

 

[Penny Kingma]

Better warn her
Sounds like a surprise pilgrim slumber party is headed your way

 

[MarcelWals]

Marcel
" Most of the time I am sleeping on the floor in my sleeping bag. On different locations in my house."

Don,t worry to much its when you wake up and there are a whole load of strange people beside you in their own bags you will know you are in real trouble and not just with your long suffering wife.

Hahaha, then I am in real trouble. I think I can book a single ticket to the other side of the world...

 

[FLEUR]

"how to feel like you on the camino without leaving home"
This is the one I was thinking of, but I don't know how to do a proper link. Perhaps someone would oblige.

I remember reading this, it was / is brilliant. I'd completely forgotten about it.

 

[Pilgrim-S-414]

an the interesting thing is that "Camino withdrawal symptoms" only get worse over time ... so getting back for another one is a burning desire

 

[MarcelWals]

I will discuss it with my doctor/psych. I'm glad to know I noticed more of you have this behaviors

 

[Penny Kingma]

I never expected it. I figured after dreaming of doing it for decades. Finally doing it, ensuring I took my time... it would be ... finished. I thought Id check it off my mental list.....Nope ..all I want is to be back. Reading the forum beforehand and seeing all of the people that do it over and over....just seemed odd. Then you do it....and your one of them. Forever changed and driven to return. Wondering if you'll ever truly fit in the old life again.

 

[alexwalker]

Dear members. Since I am back from the Camino Frances I feel so different. I am walking all the time.To work, to the mall, to parties and back, family visits etc. That's pretty normal,right? But the thing is walk all day with my rucksack on. Filled with Camino equipments. When I do my my shopping I order in Spanish. (wearing a travel book with me). I stop every hour and gonna sit in a bar to drink a cup of tea/coffee. And when I ask for a stamp they look at me like I am missing some iq's. At home I wash my clothes by hand and my wife is smiling at me (in the meantime calling a doctor to ask if I'm getting crazy). Most of the time I am sleeping on the floor in my sleeping bag. On different locations in my house. I am just curious if I am the only one who's doing this. Or can you recognize yourself in this story? Please tell me I'm not the only one

I was thinking...maybe I like the Camino that much...that's why all these actions...

Buen Camino!

Marcel

Welcome to the club. Members all over the world. The cure is simple: Start planning, and book a non-refundable ticket to Spain ASAP for some date in the future. Peace restored.

 

[Koidream]

The answer is written down in my signature

 

[zzotte]

Ok buddy step away from your boots...slowly put that backpack down and no one gets hurt hahaha yeah your are so ready for another camino

Zzotte

 

[MarcelWals]

Ok buddy step away from your boots...slowly put that backpack down and no one gets hurt hahaha yeah your are so ready for another camino

Zzotte

Thanks for the advice! I will start by taking off my backpack

 

[GRR]

I think that your return experiences and behaviors are the only fitting and proper way to return from the Camino. You have done your journey properly my friend. Keep it with you always.

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

My 'issues' have more to do with the fine people I met on the Way, and food. I have gotten pretty good at Tortilla, even flipping it to the amazement of on-lookers, and drinking Cola Cao. Haven't found Aquarius yet. Chorizo is always on my kitchen counter. Can't find good bread in the US, I bet that is not a problem for you. Oh, and all those La Rioja Vino Tinto bottles going to the recycle center are raising eyebrows at the post office in my tiny town.

 

[nollaigc]

You've got the 'virus'- the Camino one
There's no known cure!!
Save for a regular return to where you stopped or to some new Camino.
It's not fatal- just highly addictive- in the most positive way.
Relax enjoy - even plan a bit- trust me you will!
'Lighter pack , better shoes/boots etc,etc etc
It will get really bad when you hit that time of year when you feel you should be going but due to some event/ issue, it may not happen!
Watch for the withdrawal symptoms- that emptyness, that feeling that you should be walking somewhere
Don't worry you'll survive
NollaigC

 

[Oregon's Mark]

I think you need to plan your next Camino my friend.

 

[Oregon's Mark]

I plan to hike almost the same time next year. How was the weather? Did you hike in the rain much? Lots of daylight, I'll bet.

 

[Oregon's Mark]

I think you need to plan your next Camino my friend.

Actually I still feel guilty for not doing more for the hikers who could not afford to stay in albergues or eat every day. Bought some meals and paid for some bunks , but should have helped more. Should have bought new sneakers for the woman walking in sneakers she had for over 7 years and put back together every morning with a BIG tube of Super Glue. When you see those young women with BIG packs that have tents attached , don't assume they are camping for fun. A lot can not afford Albergues....and some are carrying EVERYTHING they own.

I plan to start from St. Jean next May. How was the weather? Much rain? Muddy?

 

[kaixo]

I miss the people, the food, the freedom.
All I can do right now is clean out my closets!
May I suggest MarcelWals, in addition to your new lifestyle, purge your "stuff"!

 

[freespirit]

Dear members. Since I am back from the Camino Frances I feel so different. I am walking all the time.To work, to the mall, to parties and back, family visits etc. That's pretty normal,right? But the thing is walk all day with my rucksack on. Filled with Camino equipments. When I do my my shopping I order in Spanish. (wearing a travel book with me). I stop every hour and gonna sit in a bar to drink a cup of tea/coffee. And when I ask for a stamp they look at me like I am missing some iq's. At home I wash my clothes by hand and my wife is smiling at me (in the meantime calling a doctor to ask if I'm getting crazy). Most of the time I am sleeping on the floor in my sleeping bag. On different locations in my house. I am just curious if I am the only one who's doing this. Or can you recognize yourself in this story? Please tell me I'm not the only one

I was thinking...maybe I like the Camino that much...that's why all these actions...

Buen Camino!

Marcel

Hi,,, it seems you have a dose of the Camino blues, we all get it in one way or another, the cure is get back there SAP

 

[Cynthia Knapp]

Dear members. Since I am back from the Camino Frances I feel so different. I am walking all the time.To work, to the mall, to parties and back, family visits etc. That's pretty normal,right? But the thing is walk all day with my rucksack on. Filled with Camino equipments. When I do my my shopping I order in Spanish. (wearing a travel book with me). I stop every hour and gonna sit in a bar to drink a cup of tea/coffee. And when I ask for a stamp they look at me like I am missing some iq's. At home I wash my clothes by hand and my wife is smiling at me (in the meantime calling a doctor to ask if I'm getting crazy). Most of the time I am sleeping on the floor in my sleeping bag. On different locations in my house. I am just curious if I am the only one who's doing this. Or can you recognize yourself in this story? Please tell me I'm not the only one

I was thinking...maybe I like the Camino that much...that's why all these actions...

Buen Camino!

Marcel

I totally understand and no you're not crazy! Or if you are, then I'm in a heck of a state too! I'm still walking, smiling and saying hi to those I pass, and the best news is I'm only wearing a daypack instead of a fully loaded rucksack!

 

[Icacos]

Back pack, walking, smiling more often, talking to strangers. Extremely partial to trekking shoes, good socks and comfortable clothes. I even use an identical small wallet that I used on camino, simply because it fits into my back pocket. More empathy and patience; I'm quite comfortable slowing down and waiting to cross the street with someone who is less mobile, sometimes standing still in the pedestrian walkway while they catch up to me; helping more challenged folk get their packages on and off the bus - their grateful smiles will warm one's heart forever. Yes, I'm a much nicer person since I've been on camino. Still, I am ..... happy at home.

Another camino definitely remains on the agenda; it just has to wait until I am free of some responsibilities.

 

[cherrys]

So many great comments above. In Hontanas on my first one I overheard someone saying "last time I stayed...." and I thought how would you want to do this again. Kms later I thought, well maybe some sections. Last September I took my husband and we did the whole thing (I had had to miss a couple of sections the first time due to injuries). Fortunately for me he was bitten too and wants to go back. Fancies spending the winter months in Cee or Corcubion!!! I'm not sure when that will happen, but we will or at least I am hoping that we will go back in May. I have a drawer in my dresser dedicated to camino gear, still wear bits of it most days, and could be out the door in about an hour fully (or lightly) packed. Seems like we're all in this together Buen siguiente camino, Cherry