Jellycat
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 1st Camino, March 2011. 2nd Camino planned for March 2015.
Hi,
I did my first Camino (Frances) four years ago in 2011 and it was as perfect as it could possibly have been. Other than the usual aches and pains and occasional tears, I had the most incredible 5/6 weeks of my life. The weather was beautiful, very warm and sunny for March, I met incredible people and made 2/3 lifelong friends, I cried with happiness, laughed and sang and listened and talked and had so many 'I'll never forget this moment' moments I lost count. I became fit and strong and healthy while eating endless delicious food (and equally delicious wine!). I loved all the albergues I stayed in (almost - won't be staying in Larassoana this time!) - I could go on...
So, next week I set off for my second Camino. I've deliberated for the last 3 years on whether to do it again, I looked at other walks/experiences and they just didn't appeal as much and finally I just went with my gut feeling which was to go back and walk the same route again.
How do I avoid trying to recreate the experience of four years ago? Have others who have done the Camino more than once got any advice? I worry that there are times I will be overwhelmed with nostalgia and see the faces, hear the voices from those wonderful people I met last time and feel sad that I'm not with them. Should I intentionally stay in different albergues and take different forks in the road, despite the fact I loved the places I stayed and choices I made last time?
Any help and advice would be really appreciated,
Angela
I did my first Camino (Frances) four years ago in 2011 and it was as perfect as it could possibly have been. Other than the usual aches and pains and occasional tears, I had the most incredible 5/6 weeks of my life. The weather was beautiful, very warm and sunny for March, I met incredible people and made 2/3 lifelong friends, I cried with happiness, laughed and sang and listened and talked and had so many 'I'll never forget this moment' moments I lost count. I became fit and strong and healthy while eating endless delicious food (and equally delicious wine!). I loved all the albergues I stayed in (almost - won't be staying in Larassoana this time!) - I could go on...
So, next week I set off for my second Camino. I've deliberated for the last 3 years on whether to do it again, I looked at other walks/experiences and they just didn't appeal as much and finally I just went with my gut feeling which was to go back and walk the same route again.
How do I avoid trying to recreate the experience of four years ago? Have others who have done the Camino more than once got any advice? I worry that there are times I will be overwhelmed with nostalgia and see the faces, hear the voices from those wonderful people I met last time and feel sad that I'm not with them. Should I intentionally stay in different albergues and take different forks in the road, despite the fact I loved the places I stayed and choices I made last time?
Any help and advice would be really appreciated,
Angela