- Time of past OR future Camino
- Oct 4 to Nov 5 2023 Camino Frances
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Thanks Robo!I think your idea has some merit in theory.
Though some potential challenges might be:
Poor Internet. You won't really know till you check in how good it is. (make sure they actually have it)
Taxi/bus costs. And might be hard to find them. For example.
Day 1, walk from Pamplona to Puente La Reina. Taxi back to Pamplona . Maybe e25-30
Day 2. Taxi to Puente La Reina, walk to Estella. Taxi out e25 Taxi back to Pamplona e50
Day 3. Taxi to Estella, walk to Los Arcos, Taxi back. Taxi out e50 taxi back to Pamplona e75.
etc etc
You'll end up spending more on taxis than hotel rooms, and spending a couple of hours each day in a taxi.
(rough taxi costs at about e1 / km)
Do you speak Spanish?
An alternative, might be to keep moving each day, but book ahead.
Talk to the Hotel and make sure they have good internet before reserving your room.
If you plan accomodation ahead, you could still have packages sent to your Hotel.
And.......
Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!
There is also the consideration of other guests?
Will you just be working alone online, or taking part in meetings.
I wouldn't want to be in the next room with a heated online discussion going on at 3am!
Thanks Robo!
* Poor Internet. You won't really know till you check in how good it is. (make sure they actually have it) Understood.
* You'll end up spending more on taxis than hotel rooms, and spending a couple of hours each day in a taxi.
I agree I'll have to budget for the taxi. I'm thinking of moving cities that will be within 30 minutes taxi/bus ride from the Camino as I move along. I'm considering Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Sarria, and SdC.
* Do you speak Spanish?
I've been brushing up on my Spanish for the past year and hope to be fluent enough by the time I make the trip.
* An alternative, might be to keep moving each day, but book ahead. Talk to the Hotel and make sure they have good internet before reserving your room.
Excellent suggestion. I may end up doing this most of the time.
* Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!
I've used this (dongle) before in France and Germany, and overall they worked quite well although there were some areas where my local (HK) provider's dongle didn't work at all even though they assured me it should work well all over EU. Apparently there are the usual "dark areas" especially in the countryside. I just have to find one that will work well on the Camino but I'll have to wait until I'm in Spain to get this (and get one from a Spanish provider, instead of bringing one with me from home like I've done before)
* If you plan accomodation ahead, you could still have packages sent to your Hotel.
Understood.
* There is also the consideration of other guests?
Yes, and I'm thinking I can't stay in Albergues because of this. Although I will be using earphones mostly for conference calls and webinars, I do not want to risk waking up fellow pilgrims whenever I have to talk.
Thanks again for your insights. They're well appreciated.
Stay healthy and safe. Buen Camino!
I'm thinking of moving cities that will be within 30 minutes taxi/bus ride from the Camino as I move along. I'm considering Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Sarria, and SdC.
Honestly, I don't think all that moving is necessary unless you need a file cabinet to work. There is good accessible internet all along the route. Nearly every village has an internet accessible point, at least. I never had any problems finding internet the last few years.My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!
Honestly, @SantiagoCruzB , this sounds completely exhausting.Thanks very much for your inputs
I offered what I did not as criticism but as a reality check. If work could be done without taxi-ing or getting up so early, that would be more of a realistic possibility.If you're one of those saying "don't work", please stop it. That doesn't add to the conversation and doesn't help the OP. She/He's looking for solutions, not criticism
I offered what I did not as criticism but as a reality check. If work could be done without taxi-ing or getting up so early, that would be more of a realistic possibility.
But it would still be intrusive.
What you never experienced is life on the camino without the tether of work.
The OP should try, and see what works for them. But it will not be the same experience. At all.
To whom would it be intrusive? The OP is doing the Camino their own way. Sorry, but this comes across as somewhat selfish (I'm trying to find the right word, but that's pretty much the only one I can come up with right now, other than maybe offensive). I, personally, have experienced life on the Camino without work (two short Caminos without work, one long one with and without).I offered what I did not as criticism but as a reality check. If work could be done without taxi-ing or getting up so early, that would be more of a realistic possibility.
But it would still be intrusive.
What you never experienced is life on the camino without the tether of work.
The OP should try, and see what works for them. But it will not be the same experience. At all.
I know that people are not usually aware that the “point” of walking a Camino is to arrive at the bones of the saint, not to fall into a very contemporary very “new age” version of walking meditation… but there is little historical precedent for disconnection as the “spirit of the Camino”.You do have received many good answers to your post. And I agrre with most of them. Doing the Camino the way, you have planned, has nothing to do with the Camino spirit. It'll be something and nothing. You won't have the time to meet fellow pilgrims. You won't have the time to relax. The idea of walking the Camino is to leave your ordinary life for a time. Why not settle for a short Camino like Camino Primitivo or just drop the thougt completely and wait a few years, 'till you'll have the time. The Caminos's not running anywhere.
Wholeheartedly agree. Was just trying to be a politician.@alexwalker i can’t but agree but isn’t it one of the unanswerable questions. I have great connectivity here, moderate in my local pub and sh*te on the hill where I stretch the dogs. It varies, like what everything else from the quality of the Menu Peregrino to the shudder level of the Tinto. Best possible advice? If you really want to do it, do it. Just don’t expect it to be anything like your expectations
The only(!) problem for @SantiagoCruzB is that he/she will be 6 timezones after his working place. That's what makes it much more difficult, with night-time work, which can not be done in an albergue (silence/dark/sleep), hence the need for private accomodations, getting up at night-time for work, and wifi up and running at night-time, and transportation issues each day...I had to work and walk, but luckily not as intensively as @SantiagoCruzB. I needed to be in contact every 48 hours and only needed to spend as much time as was necessary to assess some work. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to speak, so no annoyance to others. Yes, I would have preferred to take five weeks off without having to work, who wouldn’t? But I did find it disappointing that people became judgemental in how and why SantiagoCruzB wanted (needed) to walk his/her Camino. I’m off again soon, but the only way I can walk the Camino is to take my tablet with me again. Although there were a couple of times I had to miss out on evening jollies, I benefited immensely from the friendliness, support and challenge. WiFi was reasonably good in most places but there were a couple of places where I couldn’t download; I didn’t need conferencing facilities. Good luck on whichever way you decide, remember, it is YOUR Camino and you’ll be able to look back on it with pleasure. Buen Camino
That I understand. I mainly worked in the communal area or behind a towel over my bunk to stop the light shining. Not ideal, but unlike the OP, I didn’t have to work for 6 hours during the night. If he/she goes ahead with the plan, I wish him strength, stamina and some free time to make some Camino acquaintances. This Camino can work (agreed, not everyone’s cup of tea, but that is why camions are so individually special)The only(!) problem for @SantiagoCruzB is that he/she will be 6 timezones after his working place. That's what makes it much more difficult, with night-time work, which can not be done in an albergue (silence/dark/sleep), hence the need for private accomodations, getting up at night-time for work, and wifi up and running at night-time, and transportation issues each day...
Hi all,
I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.
My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!
This is about someone new on the Forum, not you?! How could you be helpful…with all your experience. BTW…I don’t believe the person mentioned “pilgrimage” at all! Is there anything constructive you might offer him being such a seasoned moderator!I’ll walk to Santiago, to pay homage to one who perhaps touched the divine. I’ll walk to Muxia because one day the boat will not be broken and I’ll sail across those sundering seas to where my elders wait. I’ll carry my responsibilities and my cares but I’ll not confuse that luggage with the act of pilgrimage.
I waited 30 years to walk a Camino because my masters would never grant me leave or let. In retrospect I wish I’d have told them rather than asked. (Profanity avoided)
Wow @Marbe2, what did I say? I’ll agree the OP didn’t mention pilgrimage but they did mention, at least in passing, the Camino and the Camino’s are pilgrimage routes. My point, for what it’s worth, is that Camino is pilgrimage unless someone is really determined to set themselves up with a really complicated walking holiday. In which case they could try Everest Base Camp which, incidentally has world class wi-fi.
On earlier Caminos I used the free wifi, and sometimes struggled, so last time I just used the Vodafone roam option, and it worked well throughout the CF.The OP obviously knows that his/her situation is not ideal. This person is seeking a way to make the process doable. Telling someone it is a “daft” idea is not helpful!
Pamplona, Estella, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Ponferrada, Sarria, and Santiago de Compostela will all have strong WIFI service. Some of the smaller towns that The Brierley guide for the CF uses to begin and end stages often have good connections as well. As previously stated…but it also depends also upon the establishment you are staying at.
Also consider renting some type of portable internet connection. Sometimes accommodations turn the WiFI connections off during certain hours at night so this is another consderation.
Clearly, if you need-to receive packages by mail in a timely fashion, then setting up several bases along the route makes sense. You still might want to consider renting a portable wifi such as Wifivox in Spain. I have never used it, but I am sure others on this thread can recommend a good service provider for mobile WIFI in Spain.
Some sensible suggestions, though a lot of people share my thoughts which you can basically summarise as 'why?'. Maybe you should ask yourself one question first: If this proves to be unsustainable, which one will you give up, your job or the camino?Hi all,
I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.
My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!
Buen Camino; ultriea et sussiea.WOW! I expected a few responses but not this explosion of thoughts and opinions which I guess shows that the Camino is really full of surprises. Thanks!
*On having to work in different in times zones, I’ve done this before (once or twice a year pre-covid) every time I travel to Europe and have had no problems with it. But of course, I didn’t have to walk 3-4 hours after which is the big unknown/concern (for me).
*On my motivations for walking the Camino, this is a long-winded answer so bear with me: I have been a devotee of St. James since I was a child and have been interested in all things St. James.
I first learned of the Camino back in university and immediately thought of doing it. But at that time (almost 40 years ago) the situation was very different. For one, travel was not as cheap as it is now in relative terms. After graduation, I had the time but didn’t have the money.
Nevertheless the dream of doing the Camino “when the time is right” stuck with me over the years. But later I found the hard way the “the right time” never really comes, at least not in the way I thought it would. By the time I had the money, I had lost the time (too busy with work, family, etc) Over the next decades the dream stayed with me, although it would recede into the back of my mind for a few years, come back, recede again, come back again, etc. I manage to live with “this situation” but was never really at peace with it.
My default frame of mind was to think that there will always be a “next time/right time”. But Covid changed all that. I won’t go into the details but I learned (the hard way) that there isn't always a “next time/right time”. At this point in my life I have the money, the fitness (still reasonably healthy for a 60-year-old and confident I can walk 3-4 hours each day for 30-40 days), but will have to make the time (instead of waiting for it) if I am to do the Camino.
I really wish I could just leave everything behind and just walk but that is not really meant to be at this point.
Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.
God bless and Buen Camino!
Absolutely and wholeheartedly second Faye's suggestionBuen Camino; ultriea et sussiea.
When you arrive in Santiago, attend one of Father Manny's masses. He is a special priest, devoted to the smaller gatherings who are not there for the big show of the giant cendrier... he has walked 7 caminos and does not think he has all the answers. He honours our questions.
That's the spirit ! @SantiagoCruzBAnyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.
God bless and Buen Camino!
Hey SantiagoCruzBHi all,
I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.
My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!
Any approach to the Camino by an individual is a response to its call. How you interact with the history and the un-nameable feeling of your own feet following those ancient paths, or your own purposes being met, is entirely up to you! Congratulations on your creative thinking! My own experience was that of total rest from obligations, expectations and the every day, but your experience will be your own. Buen Camino!Hi all,
I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.
My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!
Hi again, @SantiagoCruzBHi all,
I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.
My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!
Also, using GoogleMaps to find albergues (I used both - the WP app is great for getting reviews). Some albergues/casas rurales aren't listed in the WP app.Here is a suggestion:
Get the Wise Pilgrim CF app on your phone.
Check the whole route for larger cities/communities (like Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Logrono, etc.)
The app has several places to stay each place.
Call hostals etc. (Not albergues) to check wifi quality at the place. For your plan, you need privacy.
This way, you will have a picture of where you can stay/have a base for a couple of days. This will limit your transport costs back and forth during the whole Camino, and still let you move forward to SdC.
It's a daft idea. Do a camino when you have some proper headspace for it. Yes, that's a judgemental statement. Sorry.
I would try to contact the hostal directly: Booking.com, good as it is (my favorite), takes a fee from the places you book: Less money for them. Not sure about the Gronze site; if they're doing affiliate business, they may also get their share of your money, at the cost of the actual place.Another option is using https://www.booking.com/index.en-gb...be10dae43;keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&. for accommodations. Actually https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances … another great camino resource lists accommodations linked to booking.com
I appreciate the grace and humility you've shown in your response to some of the more critical opinions, my own included. Please understand my own reply wasn't a personal attack on you, but a direct and honest opinion of what I personally believe is an unworkable, impractical idea. Whatever you do decide, I wish you the best..Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.
God bless and Buen Camino!
For being honest, yes. Get off your high horse.Just know that the statement is about you and no one else.
Thanks for your incisive comment Jenny! I never really thought of it this way but now that you've mentioned it I guess you're right! God bless!You may not have walked on the path yet, but your pilgrimage started many years ago. You are already a pilgrim. Best wishes
As one who had to work while on the road — handling large files for publishing, including graphics, photographs and learning components… I will underscore the good advice from others: Get yourself a SIM card that you can load and reload with enough GB of data. I used Vodafone, could not use Movistar (because at that time they did not have nano-SIM cards)… and I hear that the major competitors to Vodafone are also reliable. When you are in a post with great WiFi you won’t have to worry about data, but it really takes pressure off to load up a nice data package. I did find that sometimes I would work during lunch (and boy was I grateful for that totally sealed keyboard don my iPad when I knocked a full cafe con leche all over it!).Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. It won't be for a while yet but now that I have all your inputs, I can really start making some plans. I'm still hoping and praying that my situation will change (that I may be able to just walk without having to do these elaborate measures) but until that happens it feels good to know that I’m already on my way.
Stay healthy and safe everyone. God bless and Buen Camino!
The best of luck to you, my friend. I hear what you are saying. Follow your call. I truly believe that there is a reason that you have always felt the pull of St. James. I pray that you find what you have been looking for.WOW! I expected a few responses but not this explosion of thoughts and opinions which I guess shows that the Camino is really full of surprises. Thanks!
*On having to work in different in times zones, I’ve done this before (once or twice a year pre-covid) every time I travel to Europe and have had no problems with it. But of course, I didn’t have to walk 3-4 hours after which is the big unknown/concern (for me).
*On my motivations for walking the Camino, this is a long-winded answer so bear with me: I have been a devotee of St. James since I was a child and have been interested in all things St. James.
I first learned of the Camino back in university and immediately thought of doing it. But at that time (almost 40 years ago) the situation was very different. For one, travel was not as cheap as it is now in relative terms. After graduation, I had the time but didn’t have the money.
Nevertheless the dream of doing the Camino “when the time is right” stuck with me over the years. But later I found the hard way the “the right time” never really comes, at least not in the way I thought it would. By the time I had the money, I had lost the time (too busy with work, family, etc) Over the next decades the dream stayed with me, although it would recede into the back of my mind for a few years, come back, recede again, come back again, etc. I manage to live with “this situation” but was never really at peace with it.
My default frame of mind was to think that there will always be a “next time/right time”. But Covid changed all that. I won’t go into the details but I learned (the hard way) that there isn't always a “next time/right time”. At this point in my life I have the money, the fitness (still reasonably healthy for a 60-year-old and confident I can walk 3-4 hours each day for 30-40 days), but will have to make the time (instead of waiting for it) if I am to do the Camino.
I really wish I could just leave everything behind and just walk but that is not really meant to be at this point.
Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.
God bless and Buen Camino!
hehWrite down a cunningplan after you've researched your Camino.
Well you got on your high horse too, so thereFor being honest, yes. Get off your high horse.
OP already indicated that the pilgrimage to St. James has been a dream for 40 years.Are you particularly attached to doing the camino or do you just want to hike in Spain? If it's the latter, perhaps you could rent a studio somewhere rural with nice trails and just hike everyday without the stress of different starting points.
With some planning and private accomodation, I think the OP @SantiagoCruzB 's plan is doable, IMHO. But he needs to go early to bed each afternoon. More demanding indeed, but doable. Shorter walking days, maybe, but his 6 weeks leave a lot of room for adjustments. Using transport for some etappas can also help make it doable.Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. It won't be for a while yet but now that I have all your inputs, I can really start making some plans. I'm still hoping and praying that my situation will change (that I may be able to just walk without having to do these elaborate measures) but until that happens it feels good to know that I’m already on my way.
Stay healthy and safe everyone. God bless and Buen Camino!
Thanks Faye. Stay healthy and safe. God bless and Buen Camino!OP already indicated that the pilgrimage to St. James has been a dream for 40 years.
Robo, can you suggest a Wifi to purchase in Aus. I will have mobile with plan, yet to be organised but I want a dongle for a Tablet.Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!
Does your phone plan allow you to use it as a hotspot?Robo, can you suggest a Wifi to purchase in Aus. I will have mobile with plan, yet to be organised but I want a dongle for a Tablet
Thank you food for thought. I was planning getting a SIM solely for my time on the Camino, I can look at options with Wifi hotspot, maybe? Not my forteDoes your phone plan allow you to use it as a hotspot?
I would buy one at your destination.Robo, can you suggest a Wifi to purchase in Aus. I will have mobile with plan, yet to be organised but I want a dongle for a Tablet.
Help much appreciated. Regards G
I am leaving in October 2023 .Just an update: Both of these arrived today. I ordered them after much research, a lot of it from this forum. The Osprey I ordered Nov 10, the guide book I ordered Nov 17. Considering each one came from a different place half-way around the world, it's a nice coincidence. Or if you believe in signs, it's a very good sign. I would say its a confirmation of my plans. Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. Stay healthy and safe all. Buen camino and God bless!
The plan is to be in SJPP by Oct 2. Hope to see you there.I am leaving in October 2023 .
What is the start date for your camino?
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