Thanks so much for the interesting commentary.
Regarding lack of anglophones, no problem. My Spanish language skills are sufficient, and aside from that, I am a person who can go either way: company or not.
I remember a few times on the CF late in the season (late Oct / Nov) when I went without food at night because I was hungry at the wrong times! And once, when in Pamplona, I was so ill with an URI that a pilgrim friend from this forum came by to visit, and gifted me with chocolate--a panacea for sure. I was delighted. I do love good food, however, and was especially happy with the lovely fresh tomatoes with white cheese served in October. Delicious.
Another side note: sometimes a really posh bathroom and etc. are just what the doctor ordered. I have found that after some time out on the trails, it's just so great to get an excellent rest in. One thing I've found is that occasionally lighting in some of the inexpensive pensions is not great; I'm considering traveling with a small solar light up top.
@JillGat --what do you think of that idea?
Thanks for letting me hijack your thread a bit, dear
@CaminoJoy123 . I love reading posts as folks are "on camino," and I am greatly enjoying your journey as it occurs!
Best,
Deb
If you were asking about getting a headlamp, I think it's essential.
Glad you enjoy speaking Spanish.
Today an Australian is here, so a German and Lithuanian and Spaniard are all in the kitchen speaking English together, cooking a meal, snacking on watermelon.
On this camino people are not too interested in psychological or spiritual reasons for camino. No one asks that on Norte except maybe An anglophone.
This camino is somewhat youth oriented or health oriented. And the 20-somethings here are mature at a young age. Of course there are people of all ages. I've run into several middle aged women like myself. And a Spanish couple who are grandparents.
Very few people have enough time and stamina to go to Santiago. They are here in the moment. They will go as far as they can. Then go home. They will return when they have more time. It's not about the destination on this camino. It's about the moment and the people. It's about the mountain. It's about the next step.
It's practical. There's no phony spirituality. No false depth. There is no great big story or inner journey that people are rushing to discover or discuss. It's not like a movie. On the other hand, if you want to talk about this, you could.
And you have tremendous opportunity for personal reflection. You will be alone a lot, especially if you speed up or slow down. People will understand.
And it's beautiful. Gorgeous. Coastline, mountains, forest. Many small villages. A few larger cities.
The sea is infinite. We are not. The mountains, the forests, and all of nature will endure. And we will not. These muscle aches will end, hunger will end, and so will our lives. Camino will not. Camino will endure.
I'd rather know how people are dealing right now, what people are thinking of all this right now. where people are from, how many days have they been hiking so far, how are they feeling, what are they eating, when do they go back home.
The most impressive thing has been the Spanish people. The Spanish families and the good friends who do camino together are so inspiring and so normal. Some Spanish children were with their parents this week. Very respectful kids.
The tradition of camino and family and friends is here on the Norte. And it always will be.