F
Former member 98814
Guest
I did my first camino in July-August 2021. I had a really great experience right up until Santiago but Santiago left me massively underwhelmed and disappointed. My main reason for this was that I felt that having walked from St Jean that those who had walked similar distances, with our backpacks all the way, were forced to wait long periods to get the compostella solely due to the large numbers who walked the last 3 days with their bags carried in taxis! In my case, it was 2 1/2 hours! It left a really bad taste in my mouth. Why isn't there a separate office for those who walk for the last few days? I'm all for equality, but this isn't about equality but a lack of respect for those who have come a greater way. In my case, I waited as I say 2 and half hours on feet that were aching from blisters. Some pilgrims walked as far as from southern Germany! So, why oh why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort than those who have gone on a gentle stroll for a few days, with the family?
The large groups that joined for the last sections were not unexpected. That they were incredibly noisy on the track, breaking all chances of quiet contemplation, and make getting a space in an albergue next nigh impossible for the past few days, was something I had already been warned about. But while I may do another section of a camino again, I am pretty certain at this moment in time that I won't do that last leg again and that's a pity. It doesn't have to be so crappy at the end, does it? If anyone at the head office reads this, please consider fast tracking those who have taken the long, slow trek to Santiago.
The large groups that joined for the last sections were not unexpected. That they were incredibly noisy on the track, breaking all chances of quiet contemplation, and make getting a space in an albergue next nigh impossible for the past few days, was something I had already been warned about. But while I may do another section of a camino again, I am pretty certain at this moment in time that I won't do that last leg again and that's a pity. It doesn't have to be so crappy at the end, does it? If anyone at the head office reads this, please consider fast tracking those who have taken the long, slow trek to Santiago.