Pilgrimage is a kind of addiction.
I''ve been to Santiago 3 times and sometimes I think the Norte, along the coast, would be nice and quiet. Santiago, one more time? Maybe...
My other pilgrimages are self-propelled travel. Backpacking, snowshoeing, canoeing, cycle touring. But nothing compares to the pilgrimage to Santiago.
I take my girl friend to places I consider "Mecca" West Coast Trail, Bowron Lakes, Kettle Valley Railway. But if she wanted to go to Santiago, I would send her solo, with my blessing. One really has to be open to the whole experience, and walking with someone, particularly with an experienced pilgrim, woud change all that.