War in Ukraine - not political!

[Marbe2]

Mr heart bleeds for anyone in harms way in war. We have all been watching in horror what’s been happening this past week.

I am wondering if what is happening now there, has given others pause to consider cancelling plans to walk this Spring? Praying for Peace!

 

[Saint Mike II]

G'Day , I also offer my prayers and support to the wonderful people of the Ukraine.

 

[Former member 98118]

Mr heart bleeds for anyone in harms way in war. We have all been watching in horror what’s been happening this past week. I am wondering if what is happening now there, has given others pause to consider cancelling plans to walk this Spring? Praying for Peace!

For me it caused just the opposite effect. Instead of my yearly walk in the south of Spain along VdlP (usually just across Andalucia and Extremadura), I decided to take up a Pilgrimage for Peace, and walk all the way from Seville to Santiago, praying for the end of the conflict and not spilling over further into Europe and the entire world. Never walked all the way from Seville to Santiago before.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Let us all pray for peace as we walk.

 

[mspath]

Let us pray for peace now with every breath.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

My prayers are for my friends and for a rapid peace.🕊

 

[OZAJ]

Has praying for peace ever worked?

My local Catholic church has a notice board in the street. The current message is:

No God
No Peace.

Is my Parish Priest really saying that there is no God? I doubt that this is his intention, but ...

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Has praying for peace ever worked?

It can't hurt anyway.
And you know, it gives a good feeling that people are praying for you.
That I know

 

[Kathar1na]

@OZAJ, not much to laugh about but that was funny. Although, ever the skeptic, I googled it. It's a meme. I don't know the notice board of your local Church. However, the text of the meme is:

No God. No Peace.
Know God. Know Peace.

Which could also be a reply to your first question. That's why people pray: it gives them a bit of peace of mind in troubled times.

 

[Kathar1na]

I've given your question some consideration, @Marbe2. Those of us who live and have homes in Europe may think: Why not? You can't get much further away than the southwest corner of the Continent such as the North of Spain, Galicia, Portugal ...

 

[Oravasaari]

I'm going early April. I'll walk for peace.

 

[Corned Beef]

But the Spanish Camino is just the end of some very long routes that start outside of Spain such as this one in Ukraine.

Camino Podolico — Пішохідний маршрут за моделлю шляхів святого Якова

Культурно-пізнавальний та екологічний маршрут з Вінниці до Кам’янця-Подільського через Бар на зразок Шляхів святого Якова.

www.caminopodolico.net

 

[Marbe2]

I've given your question some consideration, @Marbe2. Those of us who live and have homes in Europe may think: Why not? You can't get much further away than the southwest corner of the Continent such as the North of Spain, Galicia, Portugal ...

Thank you for your response @Kathar1na. I think I am looking at this from a couple of angles. Should I just carry on as usual, flying to Europe while Eastern Europeans are being attacked and dying?
Which is better for Europe? Coming or not?
And where is this conflict heading….which no one knows at this point, but your response somewhat answers my question for Europeans at this point. Of course, I want to walk!

 

[Kathar1na]

Which is better for Europe?

The first accounts to donate money to help Ukrainian refugees who are pouring into neighbouring countries, mainly women and children, have been opened by national or regional agencies, such as governments themselves or organisations like the Red Cross. That is one way to help in a situation where we individuals are pretty much helpless observers.

I've read, but cannot really say, that a swing in public opinion in various countries has helped to encourage a willingness to impose more and severe economic sanctions than usual.

I think that is as far as I can go to give you a view (not THE view) from those who live nearer to it all than others and still stay within forum guidelines.

 

[Marbe2]

I guess too part of me wonders what the economic impact will be on Europe. Shortages of Fuel and other supplies? Will tourists/pilgrims from outside Europe put a further strain-on her. On the other hand, will tourist dollars help support economies?

 

[Kathar1na]

I guess too part of me wonders what the economic impact will be on Europe. Shortages of Fuel and other supplies? Will tourists/pilgrims from outside Europe put a further strain-on her. On the other hand, will tourist dollars help support economies?

Tourist dollars, and that includes pilgrim dollars, are always welcome by those who receive them. Inflation is higher than it had been for many years, and this is likely to continue. No reason to panic short-term about shortages of fuel and other supplies for what is needed by foreign visitors during their stay.

 

[woody66]

Marbe2 said

I guess too part of me wonders what the economic impact will be on Europe. Shortages of Fuel and other supplies? Will tourists/pilgrims from outside Europe put a further strain-on her. On the other hand, will tourist dollars help support economies?

Hi!

I think your right in saying that there will be an economic impact on Europe without a doubt!
I think the impact of the removal of tourist income in European destinations will exacerbate the situation even further especially with regard to countries like Spain and Portugal where tourism plays such a large part !
Woody

 

[Saint Mike II]

Has praying for peace ever worked?

My local Catholic church has a notice board in the street. The current message is:

No God
No Peace.

Is my Parish Priest really saying that there is no God? I doubt that this is his intention, but ...

The completion of that post is:
Know GOD
Know PEACE!

 

[VNwalking]

Shortages of Fuel and other supplies?

Somewhere I saw a map showing where natural gas from Russia was going, and only a tiny fraction of it got as far as Spain. All those windmills and solar panels? They produce power in-country. And local business in Spain will appreciate your patronage, given inflation, and losses from covid.

God or no God, go in peace, @Marbe, and don't overthink it.

 

[Marbe2]

God or no God, go in peace, @Marbe, and don't overthink it.

We are scheduled to fly April 24th. Who knows what will occur in 8 weeks. But we are good to go right now!

A reminder about all those windmills and solar panels makes me believe the electricity I, and other visitors use in Spain won’t be problemativc for them, @Kathar1na!

 

[Kathar1na]

A reminder about all those windmills and solar panels makes me believe the electricity I, and other visitors use in Spain won’t be problemativc for them, @Kathar1na!

I am pleased to read that @VNwalking convinced you of this, as apparently I couldn't.

 

[Marbe2]

I am pleased to read that @VNwalking convinced you of this, as apparently I couldn't.

Information is cumulative and your input is appreciated!

 

[JohnLloyd]

I am struck by the coincidental symbolism of the Camino symbol and the current situation in Ukraine.

The colours are Ukrainian, while the lines represent the malevolent forces that are converging on Kyiv.

The absolute antithesis of everything that the Camino represents.

 

[IngridF]

Continue praying for peace but also pray for a miracle.

 

[Annette london]

 

[Marcia Shaver]

G'Day , I also offer my prayers and support to the wonderful people of the Ukraine.

Walk for peace. Pray for peace. Donate for peace. It starts in our hearts. I am so sad as well, and so inspired by the people of Ukraine.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

May Peace prevail on Earth.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Thank you for your response @Kathar1na. I think I am looking at this from a couple of angles. Should I just carry on as usual, flying to Europe while Eastern Europeans are being attacked and dying?
Which is better for Europe? Coming or not?
And where is this conflict heading….which no one knows at this point, but your response somewhat answers my question for Europeans at this point. Of course, I want to walk!

I appreciate hearing your voice. You consideration of others is beautiful and these kinds of questions are important in a world where it seems the idea of what’s good for me is paramount.

 

[Annlill Lilli]

I'm going early April. I'll walk for peace.

Me too, first week in April on Primitivo. Walk for Peace and faith.

 

[Tony Lenton]

Thank you for your response @Kathar1na. I think I am looking at this from a couple of angles. Should I just carry on as usual, flying to Europe while Eastern Europeans are being attacked and dying?
Which is better for Europe? Coming or not?
And where is this conflict heading….which no one knows at this point, but your response somewhat answers my question for Europeans at this point. Of course, I want to walk!

Without wishing to sound cynical Marbe2 I don’t think it will make a lot of difference either way. This is such an unstable, dangerous and frightening situation that you may as well just follow whatever you wish to do, which is to walk. No harm can come from such a decision. Given that you sound a thoughtful and very considerate person you will no doubt make a positive contribution to to the well of human kindness and that, in itself, is a worthy achievement. Those who seek to kill, maim and terrify their fellow human beings will almost certainly remain untouched. I wish you a safe and enjoyable Camino. Ultreia.

 

[JohnLloyd]

We must live our lives in positivity and hope, until someone else tells us otherwise.

 

[martin1ws]

... Should I just carry on as usual, flying to Europe while Eastern Europeans are being attacked and dying?
Which is better for Europe? Coming or not?
...

I think I can answer this question only for myself.

I have some ideas if I think about this ...

At any time there are happening so many wonderful things and really(!) terrible(!) things on this planet...

the serenity prayer:
[...] grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
or in a longer version:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer

If we try to make the world a better place, even if the change is very little... almost not noticeable... the world will be a little better... even if it is "only" praying or donating or walking for peace...

So, yes, I think it is better for Europe/Spain if "we" are coming (as long as there are no travel recommendations not to come)... even while Eastern Europeans are being attacked and dying.

And I like this idea: I think... if every human being would have done a pilgrimage like the Camino de Santiago... there maybe would not be wars any longer.

 

[RibbonRomanceAuthor]

Has praying for peace ever worked?

My local Catholic church has a notice board in the street. The current message is:

No God
No Peace.

Is my Parish Priest really saying that there is no God? I doubt that this is his intention, but ...

The second part of that is Know God Know Peace

 

[ollexxx]

Mr heart bleeds for anyone in harms way in war. We have all been watching in horror what’s been happening this past week.

I am wondering if what is happening now there, has given others pause to consider cancelling plans to walk this Spring? Praying for Peace!

Mr heart bleeds for anyone in harms way in war. We have all been watching in horror what’s been happening this past week.

I am wondering if what is happening now there, has given others pause to consider cancelling plans to walk this Spring? Praying for Peace!

I am in Kyiv, besieged by enemies, there are battles around, the sounds of sirens and explosions are heard. I call on everyone who can help us, even if it's just words of support, do it. Please understand that we are fighting not only for our independence and the right to go our own way, but also for your countries, for your right to be yourself and ultimately for your independence. Also walk caminos you planned and at the end pray for peace.

I am 73 years old; I have done 4 caminos and this spring I wanted to do another short one with my wife.

 

[henrythedog]

Ahem…

 

[Tincatinker]

Members are, gently, reminded of our rules on the discussion of politics and politically related topics.

Expressions of prayer and empathy with the peoples of Ukraine do not contravene our rules but members are urged to exercise care.

Members are also urged to exercise caution when considering donating to sites seeking financial support. Many globally recognized charities are already offering assistance to refugees from Ukraine. cautus caritas

 

[CameraHiker]

I am struggling with this right now as I fly in 2 weeks. There are many IF's however. Logistically getting back to North America, from really any point on the CF, could become difficult if this escalates or if flights become more restricted. I think it is really too early to tell right now. Fortunately, I booked my flight with points so if I cancel I'll get them back, I'll only be out a couple of hotel nights.

 

[Marbe2]

I am struggling with this right now as I fly in 2 weeks. There are many IF's however. Logistically getting back to North America, from really any point on the CF, could become difficult if this escalates or if flights become more restricted. I think it is really too early to tell right now. Fortunately, I booked my flight with points so if I cancel I'll get them back, I'll only be out a couple of hotel nights.

Keep us posted!

 

[Edwardo]

Mr heart bleeds for anyone in harms way in war. We have all been watching in horror what’s been happening this past week.

I am wondering if what is happening now there, has given others pause to consider cancelling plans to walk this Spring? Praying for Peace!

I to am unsure about doing the pilgrimage ,I have now paid for the trip ,but it feels like maybe the wrong thing to do when so many people have uncertain futures and no homes .
Desperately sad .
Eddie

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I to am unsure about doing the pilgrimage ,I have now paid for the trip ,but it feels like maybe the wrong thing to do when so many people have uncertain futures and no homes .
Desperately sad .
Eddie

That was the case last month and the month before that too.

 

[Edwardo]

That was the case last month and the month before that too.

Yes that is true .

 

[stevepjq]

There are currently more than 25 armed conflicts going on as we speak. There have been at least that number for the last several decades. The tragic events unfolding in Ukraine are unfolding in Most continents as we speak. Although heartbreaking, it ought not give pause to your Camino plans in my opinion - it evidently had not in our lifetimes.

 

[ivar]

I have deleted one post with some links to sites where you can donate for this fight. I am not saying that these links are not valid, but I can not vouch for these sites. I would suggest that you google "how to help Ukraine" and find your own places to donate if this is what you want.

I feel that I should also close this thread now. We are all thinking about what is going on, but this site is for planning your camino... all conversations related to Ukraine on this forum should be somewhat camino related.