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I did the same with the first request from the deaf/dumb solicitors for the same reason. The second time I said something that got me a very vocal response that definitely indicated that I was the target of a scam.I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
Somewhere between Herrerias and O Cebreiro the other day I was approached by a young couple who said they were Hungarian pilgrims returning from Santiago and could I help them.
I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
don't whether you did the right thing or not? I would have told them no, because that;s the way I am and don't condone lying.Hi Stephen, you did the right thing. Better to have a good heart than be cynical in your dealings with people. Unfortunately I do not always take my own counsel. A peregrina I met on the Camino Portuguese this year sent an email to say that after we parted in SdC she had met someone there who had lost his bank card and was unable to access his money. He didn't ask but she offered to loan him 50 euros and gave him her address so that he could return the money when he got things sorted. I confess to thinking when I read this, 'oh you will not see that money again.' I was wrong, he got back to her and repaid the money. Her warm open heartedness and trust stands as a rebuke to my suspicions. Good to be cautious though if the circumstances warrant it. I think the old expression used in the Brierley book and, by several people on this forum, 'Trust in God, but tether your camel.'
I think you did the right thing. You went with your gut, and it was only a fiver. PS Did anyone ever tell you you're the image of Samuel Beckett?Somewhere between Herrerias and O Cebreiro the other day I was approached by a young couple who said they were Hungarian pilgrims returning from Santiago and could I help them.
I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
I am so sorry to hear this, Johein! Theft is such a bad crime. I hope, you reported it to the police. If there is anything specific, you miss a photo of, please tell us. I am sure, we would all like to mail you photoes. I know it is not the same as your own photoes, but maybe better than nothing.If someone ask for money it is my decision to give or not but to take what you want without asking, no! In Astorga, also a Hungarian approached me when I walked right pass the albergue and look a bit lost and he offer to show me the albergue, but he was touching my arm and my backpack and make me feel uncomfortable and walked in circles with me and suddenly he disappeared between the people and then I realise my camera was gone. I am cross because it was my son's camera that he gave to me to bring home photo's of my Camino and now I have a few photo's that an American couple that I met on the Camino send me, but not one photo of something that was special to me.
Very sorry that happened to you. Nobody deserves to have something so negative happen to them.If someone ask for money it is my decision to give or not but to take what you want without asking, no! In Astorga, also a Hungarian approached me when I walked right pass the albergue and look a bit lost and he offer to show me the albergue, but he was touching my arm and my backpack and make me feel uncomfortable and walked in circles with me and suddenly he disappeared between the people and then I realise my camera was gone. I am cross because it was my son's camera that he gave to me to bring home photo's of my Camino and now I have a few photo's that an American couple that I met on the Camino send me, but not one photo of something that was special to me.
I agree that these terms are not quite right when it is clear that the victim/giver is well aware of the likelihood that the story is not 100% accurate. There is no real conning involved. On another thread, an association was made between private enterprise and "fleecing" of pilgrims, as if they were necessarily connected.So many forum members use terms such as "conned" of "scammed"
The violinist was hardly begging. He's working for his euros. "Singing for his supper", if you will. I always give to street musicians when I listen to their labor. They earn it.It was a dark, late December afternoon in Florence, Italy. I was freezing and hurried across the cobblestones, looking forward to the warmth of my bed and breakfast near the Duomo. I rounded the Baptistry, head down and buried deep in my collar, avoiding the bitter wind. A sudden gust carried the strains of beautiful string music, crystal clear, lively and bright. I looked up to see a small man with a long salt and pepper beard, arched back with his violin, eyes closed, lips in a private smile. If one could see music, sparks would have flown from this musician's bow.
His balding head was bare and he played with fingerless gloves. His nondescript clothes were dark and looked like they had seen more than a few winter seasons. An open violin case was on the ground with a few euros inside. I had some extra coins but they were buried deep, zipped in an inner coat pocket and that meant unsheathing my hands and unzipping my coat in that unforgiving wind. So I just smiled at the violinist and hurried around the corner. I walked about a block before feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. I turned back, half drawn by wanting to hear the beautiful music again and half embarrassed by my lack of generosity.
But he was gone. It was as if his music had never lit up the dark winter afternoon. There was no battered case to toss a couple of coins in, no musician to thank in my poorly accented Italian.
I think of that violinist often and since that day, I try to give a little something to those who look like they need it. At the end of European trips, I take all my coins and try to find the beggars sitting on the church steps or street corners. If someone needs to humble themselves enough to ask for help, it's not my place to judge, just to give a bit.
"Be not forgetful to entertain stranger: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
~Hebrews 13:2
then there was this:The violinist was hardly begging. He's working for his euros. "Singing for his supper", if you will. I always give to street musicians when I listen to their labor. They earn it.
That's so cool.then there was this:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/life...6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
also a good read re: expectations, humility, and gratitude
I'm not sure if I'm sad or happy that at the time of this experiment, I was stationed at Ft Meade so not yet making my metro transfer at L'Enfant.
and some wonderful street musicians in Santiago....Good point, I agree wholeheartedly. I guess it just made me see things differently afterwards.
don't whether you did the right thing or not? I would have told them no, because that;s the way I am and don't condone lying.
Maybe. I noticed some "unusual " pilgrims coming into O Cebreiro in June that were very loud and had no bags. Later that evening all our clothes were robbed on the cloths line outside the hostel in the middle of O Cebreiro. That was the only bad experience on the whole Camino.Somewhere between Herrerias and O Cebreiro the other day I was approached by a young couple who said they were Hungarian pilgrims returning from Santiago and could I help them.
I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
It was a dark, late December afternoon in Florence, Italy. I was freezing and hurried across the cobblestones, looking forward to the warmth of my bed and breakfast near the Duomo. I rounded the Baptistry, head down and buried deep in my collar, avoiding the bitter wind. A sudden gust carried the strains of beautiful string music, crystal clear, lively and bright. I looked up to see a small man with a long salt and pepper beard, arched back with his violin, eyes closed, lips in a private smile. If one could see music, sparks would have flown from this musician's bow.
His balding head was bare and he played with fingerless gloves. His nondescript clothes were dark and looked like they had seen more than a few winter seasons. An open violin case was on the ground with a few euros inside. I had some extra coins but they were buried deep, zipped in an inner coat pocket and that meant unsheathing my hands and unzipping my coat in that unforgiving wind. So I just smiled at the violinist and hurried around the corner. I walked about a block before feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. I turned back, half drawn by wanting to hear the beautiful music again and half embarrassed by my lack of generosity.
But he was gone. It was as if his music had never lit up the dark winter afternoon. There was no battered case to toss a couple of coins in, no musician to thank in my poorly accented Italian.
I think of that violinist often and since that day, I try to give a little something to those who look like they need it. At the end of European trips, I take all my coins and try to find the beggars sitting on the church steps or street corners. If someone needs to humble themselves enough to ask for help, it's not my place to judge, just to give a bit.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
~Hebrews 13:2
I met those clipboard ladies just after Barbadelo today. I was still feeling very tired and emotionally drained, having not yet got back to some kind of equilibrium after my experience at the Iron Cross.I did the same with the first request from the deaf/dumb solicitors for the same reason. The second time I said something that got me a very vocal response that definitely indicated that I was the target of a scam.
hoping you're soon rested and back in balanceI met those clipboard ladies just after Barbadelo today. I was still feeling very tired and emotionally drained, having not yet got back to some kind of equilibrium after my experience at the Iron Cross.
My two word reaction to the proffered clipboard must have left them in no doubt they'd encountered a very grumpy pilgrim.
Thank you, Alexwalker, this is beautifulYou need a story:
I was once sitting in a cafe in Merida (on the VdlP) having coffee (I stayed there for 4 days due to hurt feet), when an old widow came by, begging for some coins. I gave her nothing. As she left around the corner, I suddenly thought to myself "You must be the worst pilgrim in the world! Here you are sitting with more than enough money to walk across Spain, but you cannot afford some pocket money for a poor old woman!"
So I ran after her, but she was gone.
The next day I returned to the same cafe hoping she would return, and she did. I had her sit down and relax, ordered a cup of coffee for her, took my hat and collected coins from the rest of the guests there, together with my own pocket money. It became quite a few Euros. I received two of the sweetest kisses in my life on each cheek as she left.
Lesson learned: Give to those who need: You will most likely receive more than what you give, both inside yourself as well as in the exterior world. After meeting that old woman, I never pass by a needing person without giving some. She taught me a very strong lesson. "Give and you shall receive". I have enough to share a little for the less fortunate. If you are "conned", so be it: We all meet a..holes, but in the long run, you will win by sharing with those who really need. And they are quite easy to spot, aren't they?
You need a story:
I was once sitting in a cafe in Merida (on the VdlP) having coffee (I stayed there for 4 days due to hurt feet), when an old widow came by, begging for some coins. I gave her nothing. As she left around the corner, I suddenly thought to myself "You must be the worst pilgrim in the world! Here you are sitting with more than enough money to walk across Spain, but you cannot afford some pocket money for a poor old woman!"
So I ran after her, but she was gone.
The next day I returned to the same cafe hoping she would return, and she did. I had her sit down and relax, ordered a cup of coffee for her, took my hat and collected coins from the rest of the guests there, together with my own pocket money. It became quite a few Euros. I received two of the sweetest kisses in my life on each cheek as she left.
Lesson learned: Give to those who need: You will most likely receive more than what you give, both inside yourself as well as in the exterior world. After meeting that old woman, I never pass by a needing person without giving some. She taught me a very strong lesson. "Give and you shall receive". I have enough to share a little for the less fortunate. If you are "conned", so be it: We all meet a..holes, but in the long run, you will win by sharing with those who really need. And they are quite easy to spot, aren't they?
Some French pilgrims is gotten to know loaned me 20€ in Tubaies, where credit cards are not accepted and there are nobancos automatic is. I caught up with them two days later in pontevedra to repay them. Camino banking!Hi Stephen, you did the right thing. Better to have a good heart than be cynical in your dealings with people. Unfortunately I do not always take my own counsel. A peregrina I met on the Camino Portuguese this year sent an email to say that after we parted in SdC she had met someone there who had lost his bank card and was unable to access his money. He didn't ask but she offered to loan him 50 euros and gave him her address so that he could return the money when he got things sorted. I confess to thinking when I read this, 'oh you will not see that money again.' I was wrong, he got back to her and repaid the money. Her warm open heartedness and trust stands as a rebuke to my suspicions. Good to be cautious though if the circumstances warrant it. I think the old expression used in the Brierley book and, by several people on this forum, 'Trust in God, but tether your camel.'
I had an issue with a family who said it was 5 euros for a lunch. They charged me 5.50 plus taxes? Taxes? I am pushing 60, female, American they had no business. I challenged them. They offered to pay me back. I declined and told them that when they next fed a pilgrim or, when they were accountable to God, they could answer the questionSomewhere between Herrerias and O Cebreiro the other day I was approached by a young couple who said they were Hungarian pilgrims returning from Santiago and could I help them.
I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
Wish more people thought as beautifully as youIt was a dark, late December afternoon in Florence, Italy. I was freezing and hurried across the cobblestones, looking forward to the warmth of my bed and breakfast near the Duomo. I rounded the Baptistry, head down and buried deep in my collar, avoiding the bitter wind. A sudden gust carried the strains of beautiful string music, crystal clear, lively and bright. I looked up to see a small man with a long salt and pepper beard, arched back with his violin, eyes closed, lips in a private smile. If one could see music, sparks would have flown from this musician's bow.
His balding head was bare and he played with fingerless gloves. His nondescript clothes were dark and looked like they had seen more than a few winter seasons. An open violin case was on the ground with a few euros inside. I had some extra coins but they were buried deep, zipped in an inner coat pocket and that meant unsheathing my hands and unzipping my coat in that unforgiving wind. So I just smiled at the violinist and hurried around the corner. I walked about a block before feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. I turned back, half drawn by wanting to hear the beautiful music again and half embarrassed by my lack of generosity.
But he was gone. It was as if his music had never lit up the dark winter afternoon. There was no battered case to toss a couple of coins in, no musician to thank in my poorly accented Italian.
I think of that violinist often and since that day, I try to give a little something to those who look like they need it. At the end of European trips, I take all my coins and try to find the beggars sitting on the church steps or street corners. If someone needs to humble themselves enough to ask for help, it's not my place to judge, just to give a bit.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
~Hebrews 13:2
Wish more people thought as beautifully as you
Yeah, no way I'd give money to some young dude so that he can support his perpetual vacation. Get a job, bro. It ain't that bad.All this being said, don't feel guilty if you DID give to someone with a sob story, but don't feel guilty if you didn't, either. While wanting to help people in need whenever I can, I also don't want to help build a sense that begging on the Camino is profitable.
I saw the blonde dreadlocked guy selling his story in Santiago, asking for others to support his "Caminos through Europe". He lives in a tent behind the school on the way out of town. It took me a long time, working hard, to save the money I needed to walk my camino. There are a lot of people in need in the world, and hiking around Europe doesn't sound like a big sacrifice to me. So give if and when you feel the need to, but be aware that there are a number of organizations you can support with your funds to help the poor, too.
Somewhere between Herrerias and O Cebreiro the other day I was approached by a young couple who said they were Hungarian pilgrims returning from Santiago and could I help them.
I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
We met the same "couple" and gave them money...as did many other pilgrims. Turns out to be a fairly lucrative spot for them. Shame they prey on the kindness of others...Somewhere between Herrerias and O Cebreiro the other day I was approached by a young couple who said they were Hungarian pilgrims returning from Santiago and could I help them.
I gave them 5 Euros thinking I'd rather be the victim of a con than deny someone who needed help because I suspected I was being duped.
it appears the cat might be dead, but I still believe those who gave performed an act of kindnessTurns out to be a fairly lucrative spot for them.
Thank you so much for this story, it brought tears to my eyes. You bear good and true witness..while sitting here writing out my thoughts on this I felt God remind me of something that happened years ago ..40 years ago this thanksgiving
If you are going to ask me, a pilgrim, for money, expect to pray with me before getting anything. I want you to be thinking about what you are asking and God at the same time.
Errr? What if the pilgrim needing help does not quite fit in with your beliefs?
I lost a best friend of 30 years when for the third different occasion after countless visits he instructed me at the age of 50 , that I would do what he dictates while I am a guest in HIS home or ..... I can ..... Off!
This I did ..... I have not seen or spoken to him in 5 years.
Till today I feel abused , I had even bought the food for that night's meal and my old pal had thought that as I was sleeping in his home that night , he had the right to manipulate me and force me to adhere to his references.
After all those years my company and friendship was egotisticaly conditional.?
I'm sorry such a long friendship was destroyed; I can tell you still feel it's loss, and I hope someday the two of you can mend the rift.I lost a best friend of 30 years when for the third different occasion after countless visits he instructed me at the age of 50 , that I would do what he dictates while I am a guest in HIS home or ..... I can ..... Off!
Really? I hope you are never in a position where you have to beg!?They were walking away from Santiago so they passed hundreds of pilgrims. Probably quite lucrative really.
Sorry to upset you - you're right of course. And they have travelled nearly 100 kms in 7 days since the original post. There were dozens of pilgrims in front of me and I saw many giving them money - they will have a bed and food tonight.Really? I hope you are never in a position where you have to beg!?
I had to ask for help on the Camino once ..... It made phisicaly sick.
I retched afterwards and felt absolutely worthless.
This couple have been tracked and seem to be bonafide ,returning home .... You don't HAVE to give!
True, never say never.Really? I hope you are never in a position where you have to beg!?
I had to ask for help on the Camino once ..... It made phisicaly sick.
I retched afterwards and felt absolutely worthless.
This couple have been tracked and seem to be bonafide ,returning home .... You don't HAVE to give!
Thanx for the great post☺.........
“I am that Tinker that undertook to repair the bicycle of the honoured Magistrate, .....
Sgt MacBride perceived that he was indeed tired of Tinkers and went to his rest.
Very personal Mark but I can tell you that I was so confident that I would be fine?True, never say never.
Just curious. What were the circumstances behind your having to ask for monetary assistance on the Camino? How did you reach that point?
@Georgina77
Thank you so much for sharing your story ... and it touched me to the core of my heart Your story resonates with some of my life journey too........ ..... Isnt it difficult being a single parent? My husband walked out on us when my kids were 4 years old and 18 months too, so I do know how hard it is to struggle being a lone parent.....Being of Chinese origin and alone in the UK, I could not tell my parents (and siblings) about my husband leaving as in Chinese society, it meant that I was not good enough for him, hence his leaving me for another woman. Indeed, I could not tell anybody - I continued going to work and engaged an au pair to look after the kids, whilst struggling to juggle 3 jobs to bring in the money to survive. Indeed, my daughter remembers us selling books (one of my 3 jobs) in after school clubs.... and my son remembers pulling books in a baby cart to exhibit our books in a stall.. Mum died few months later (and Father 5 years after that) , and of course, she told me that she knew that my ex had left - indeed everyone suspected as he no longer accompanied us on our nfrequent trips home to the Far East. Today, I feel my parents (who are both deceased) guiding me all the time. Whenever I had a problem, I would ask my parents for advice, and after a while, I usually come up with a solution..... that I felt I had mulled over with my parents. When my ex left, I decided to bring my kids up the way I was brought up - the Chinese way (I was never a tiger mum but my kids did get strings of As)........ today my kids are well balanced and doing extremely well in their chosen fields.... and I thank my parents, my siblings and the Universe for such blessings. We are doing very well, and I have been able to choose to retire in my 50s and I also wish my ex every happiness in his life..
Life is such a journey.... when my mum first passed, I used to dream of her quite a lot. When she was dying, I went home and she woke up and asked for me and then she died. I think she was very worried about me, but she could see that I was ok. She spoke about kindness and goodness and I am sooooo grateful to my dear wonderful parents.
When my ex husband first told me he wanted to leave us in December 1999, I was stunned..... I had not suspected anything (talking about self aware!) but very calmly told him if that was what he desired, he should leave as we were not chained together. My daughter was very upset (father-daughter relationshoip!) and I had been haunted that I never tried to stop him going or had suggested counselling for my children's sake. My daughter went to live with them for 7 months when she was 16 and then came home. I am now content that my decision then was right for all of us.
I am not a Christian or a Catholic, and I was brought up in a Taoist Theravadian household, and educated in a Convent as a child. Indeed, I do relate to Catholicism as I find it has a lot os similarity to Buddhism. One of the precepts that Buddhists practise is generosity...... and every time we give, we get back more in so many ways.
I think, maybe, we need some guidance in life and deep faith in some God or Being. For me, I know I do, and am truly grateful to my parents and the Universe. And, walking the Camino allows me to feel surrounded and enveloped by that Being...
Ginette
It's a beautiful one, and I think you will be surprised how many ideals are shared.I don't know a lot about the Buddhist faith
I am not so amazing believe me and thank you so much for your all your sharing and inputIt's a beautiful one, and I think you will be surprised how many ideals are shared.
I think it would be a an act of kindness, to be able to relate to your homesick niece and her children on that level.
You seem like a pretty amazing woman.
It was a scam.You need a story:
I was once sitting in a cafe in Merida (on the VdlP) having coffee (I stayed there for 4 days due to hurt feet), when an old widow came by, begging for some coins. I gave her nothing. As she left around the corner, I suddenly thought to myself "You must be the worst pilgrim in the world! Here you are sitting with more than enough money to walk across Spain, but you cannot afford some pocket money for a poor old woman!"
So I ran after her, but she was gone.
The next day I returned to the same cafe hoping she would return, and she did. I had her sit down and relax, ordered a cup of coffee for her, took my hat and collected coins from the rest of the guests there, together with my own pocket money. It became quite a few Euros. I received two of the sweetest kisses in my life on each cheek as she left.
Lesson learned: Give to those who need: You will most likely receive more than what you give, both inside yourself as well as in the exterior world. After meeting that old woman, I never pass by a needing person without giving some. She taught me a very strong lesson. "Give and you shall receive". I have enough to share a little for the less fortunate. If you are "conned", so be it: We all meet a..holes, but in the long run, you will win by sharing with those who really need. And they are quite easy to spot, aren't they?
It was a scam.
.... n.b. I am old with years of military training and martial arts. Young people should not strike up conversations with strangers, especially if they are by themselves
I may be an elderly, overly protective maiden aunt who's seen more evil than average.I absolutely disagree, but agree with the rest of your post, Buen Camino, SY
That is too general a statement to agree or disagree with! (I expect you'll agree.) Children and young people need to learn to be aware of risks, make judgements, and know how to manage risks.Young people should not strike up conversations with strangers, especially if they are by themselves
I agree...but personally would rather see teenagers talk to strangers when not alone, either in a group, or in a soup kitchen, etc or with a parent or guardian rather than by themselves in a strange place. It's not the teenager's judgment I worry about, it is how vulnerable they may appear due to size and age. Just my elderly maiden aunt opinion
Yes, of course, it is reasonable caution. But it will happen, at times, and the experience of doing it with appropriate awareness is part of the learning process leading to confidence and an ability to travel in the world. There isn't a point (age) when it suddenly changes!I agree...but personally would rather see teenagers talk to strangers when not alone, either in a group, or in a soup kitchen, etc or with a parent or guardian rather than by themselves in a strange place. It's not the teenager's judgment I worry about, it is how vulnerable they may appear due to size and age. Just my elderly maiden aunt opinion
Of course, I am getting to the age where those young people will be worried about the little old lady being the vulnerable one!Just my elderly maiden aunt opinion
And I think of those parents that shepherded their kids absolutely everywhere until the age of 18 and then dropped them suddenly off at university with a short 'behave and good-bye' and expected them to be able to navigate the whole wide world suddenly on their own ... Buen Camino, SY
this will be what makes me laugh the rest of the week, a little Sabine strolling home with brandy. Or SYates, covered in oil and eating her sandwich beside a discarded tank...Nowadays I'm sure we would call social services if we would see a six year old walking three streets from home with a bottle of brandy.
this will be what makes me laugh the rest of the week, a little Sabine strolling home with brandy. Or SYates, covered in oil and eating her sandwich beside a discarded tank...
um, you both have discarded these behaviors, right?
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