the population on the Norte in ten years

[shefollowsshells]

Has anyone else given this any thought?
My last five days or so on the Norte I thought about this so much. We walked thru towns with precious old homes and the population we saw could not have been younger than 80, many appeared way older than that but out in the fields working hard.

Has anyone else wondered what the population of the Norte might look like in ten years?
I fear that in ten years a walk thru many of these old towns or neighborhoods might have no one present...

 

[Icacos]

Has anyone else given this any thought?
My last five days or so on the Norte I thought about this so much. We walked thru towns with precious old homes and the population we saw could not have been younger than 80, many appeared way older than that but out in the fields working hard.

Has anyone else wondered what the population of the Norte might look like in ten years?
I fear that in ten years a walk thru many of these old towns or neighborhoods might have no one present...

I can't speak for the towns on the Norte as I haven't walked that route, but I noticed many times a similar lack of young folk in pueblos along the Frances. A Spanish peregrina told me that this is happening all over Spain as young people leave the small villages and towns in the hope of better prospects in the cities.

On the other hand, I saw much evidence of crumbling houses being restored, with several being turned into Albergues. Perhaps with the resurgence in popularity of the various Camino routes, many of these semi-abandoned pueblos might experience some new life. I sincerely hope so.

 

[shefollowsshells]

I can't speak for the towns on the Norte as I haven't walked that route, but I noticed many times a similar lack of young folk in pueblos along the Frances. A Spanish peregrina told me that this is happening all over Spain as young people leave the small villages and towns in the hope of better prospects in the cities.

On the other hand, I saw much evidence of crumbling houses being restored, with several being turned into Albergues. Perhaps with the resurgence in popularity of the various Camino routes, many of these semi-abandoned pueblos might experience some new life. I sincerely hope so.

I too hoped for that, while none of us want to see the Camino commercialized I hope there is a balance that can revive some of these areas even if in the name of the Camino...I was shocked to see the work being done by people who at times appeared to be in their 90s to me...hard workers! ...and gorgeous smiles!!!!

 

[Icacos]

I also don't want to see the Camino commercialized .... and I'm struggling now for the right words for fear of ruffling some feathers ..... But I worry that we pilgrims ourselves may inadvertently fuel such commercialization by focussing too much on the quality of accommodation available, and concentrating on what is and is not currently being provided. It's just a thought ... since I don't know what fuels commercialization. I'd really like to hear other's opinions.

 

[AJ]

I also don't want to see the Camino commercialized

It isn't commercialized?

 

[jumpingin2014]

I also don't want to see the Camino commercialized .... and I'm struggling now for the right words for fear of ruffling some feathers ..... But I worry that we pilgrims ourselves may inadvertently fuel such commercialization by focussing too much on the quality of accommodation available, and concentrating on what is and is not currently being provided. It's just a thought ... since I don't know what fuels commercialization. I'd really like to hear other's opinions.

I am sure the Spanish appreciate our tourism and support for their culture and history. It is possible to have a tourist industry that respects the environment and the culture which I saw for the most part when I was there. I am not worried in the least about commercialization as the Spanish culture appears to be quite intelligent and capable of managing this precious resource they have. If we choose to focus on quality I don't see that as fuelling commercialism. clean showers, beds and accommodations are sort of a health issue and there is no reason we shouldn't look for it. I just think we as pilgrims should take some responsibility and make sure we don't cause the problems we all complain about.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Camino numbers are, relative to what developers are dealing with when they engage in tourist support (they want thousands a week!!!), very small indeed, and conducive to small-scale development, such as we have seen along the Francese. The Biscay coast is a traditional tourist destination for Madrilenos and, once they disappear in September, we're the only game in town, and are responsible for keeping alive a small number of restaurants and businesses. We're the 20 customers a day getting a cafe con leche and boccadillo which keeps the bar alive. Because of the horrendous youth unemployment situation in Spain (for a depressing article, see http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/5908da36-db09-11e3-8273-00144feabdc0.html#slide0), the presence of pilgrims on the del Norte may be one of the few reasons for young people to stay.

 

[Icacos]

I am sure the Spanish appreciate our tourism and support for their culture and history. It is possible to have a tourist industry that respects the environment and the culture which I saw for the most part when I was there. I am not worried in the least about commercialization as the Spanish culture appears to be quite intelligent and capable of managing this precious resource they have. If we choose to focus on quality I don't see that as fuelling commercialism. clean showers, beds and accommodations are sort of a health issue and there is no reason we shouldn't look for it. I just think we as pilgrims should take some responsibility and make sure we don't cause the problems we all complain about.

Thank you very much for this. It has provided much clarity to my thinking.

(for a depressing article, see http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/5908da36-db09-11e3-8273-00144feabdc0.html#slide0)

A depressing, and sobering article indeed. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. And I thought my kids had it tough.