Neurodiversity on the Camino

[lsg]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

 

[Bradypus]

I also struggle with crowds and noise. No formal diagnosis but it is a real issue for me. I would aim for the smaller "in between" villages rather than the Camino hotspots like Pamplona or Logroño. Consider smaller albergues - often private ones - which have smaller dorms. The Gronze website is helpful there. It might be worth making reservations if you are clear about your daily destination and setting off after the main crowd in the morning. The worst of the crush tends to move in a mass around breakfast time and by waiting an hour longer the wave may be well ahead of you. A little late in your specific case but walking in winter is an excellent option for those of us who are happy to trade longer distances and less infrastructure for a quieter experience!

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Remember that you choose where to stop. Stay in a small village, buy something at a supermarket or tienda, so you don't need to go to the bar.

Of course, you will always encounter the noise of other pilgrims. You don't say where you live now. If you live in a city, you may find the camino a quieter experience than what you're used to.

 

[Anhalter]

My experience with the Camino Frances is, that it offers "both worlds" from silent and remote to crowded and lively. It is also my experience that you can have more or less of one or the other, according to your liking, but you will have both of it no matter what you do.
Looking at your starting date you might be lucky enough to not have to many people on the first part of the Frances and avoid a good part of the Sarria summer crowd.
You might also give some consideration how you might react to sleeping in albergues, maybe especially the bigger ones.

 

[lsg]

My experience with the Camino Frances is, that it offers "both worlds" from silent and remote to crowded and lively. It is also my experience that you can have more or less of one or the other, according to your liking, but you will have both of it no matter what you do.
Looking at your starting date you might be lucky enough to not have to many people on the first part of the Frances and avoid a good part of the Sarria summer crowd.
You might also give some consideration how you might react to sleeping in albergues, maybe especially the bigger ones.

I'm definitely concerned about the large albergues. The rustling and squeaking. The whispered conversations at 3am. I read a whole thread complaining about loud inconsiderate 5am alarms. If normal people already find this annoying, I'll find it annoying+20%. Yikes.

 

[Bradypus]

I'm definitely concerned about the large albergues. The rustling and squeaking. The whispered conversations at 3am. I read a whole thread complaining about loud inconsiderate 5am alarms. If normal people already find this annoying, I'll find it annoying+20%. Yikes.

Unfortunately much of that is outside your control. It is simply a fact of albergue life. You may find that private rooms are a more comfortable choice but even there you are often exposed to street noise. Street life in Spain often runs late into the night and can occasionally be quite raucous. The Camino Frances is a busy route and that brings a great deal of noise with it.

 

[Grousedoctor]

As @Bradypus suggested, check out Gronze.com for both your daily distances and descriptions of albergues. As each albergue is described, you’ll see how many beds it offers and general room configurations. There are definitely big difference in albergues so it will be worth checking out possible places to stay. You’ll also find that a number of the private albergues have a link to Booking.com or offer their email address or phone number for you to contact them directly. Some albergues also offer private rooms which might be of interest to you.

Now, with regard to early morning noises in the forms as pilgrims get ready to leave, it is definitely true that some folks make more noise than they should as they shuffle out the door in the dark. I’ve never found it to be too terrible, but it can be annoying. Do bring ear plugs.

 

[Anhalter]

As @Bradypus suggested, check out Gronze.com for both your daily distances and descriptions of albergues. As each albergue is described, you’ll see how many beds it offers and general room configurations. There are definitely big difference in albergues so it will be worth checking out possible places to stay. You’ll also find that a number of the private albergues have a link to Booking.com or offer their email address or phone number for you to contact them directly. Some albergues also offer private rooms which might be of interest to you.

But then it also comes down to pure luck.
Had wonderful and quite nights in albergues with lots of people in a single room (e.g. Anfas and Najera public) and bad nights in "premium" albergues with only 4 people in the room. It just takes one person (well, or a a class of schoolchildren in the adjoining rooms) to ruin a night.
But obviously the chances of that are somewhat lower the less people are present...

 

[Walkalong]

There are many neuro diverse walkers on the Camino.

Walking may be the easy part. If you take variants that avoid roadside paths. Except for entering or leaving some cities, the roadside paths have relatively light traffic.

You already have great advice on accommodations. Sleeping off-stage should help.

Some people prefer tenting. Perhaps a well written note, in Spanish, might be helpful.

Buen Camino

 

[Dani7]

If you have looked at guidebooks you will note that walking beside secondary and busier highways are sometimes unavoidable. When able, choose to walk along the « green routes » as sometimes they take you away from these noisier pieces of the camino.

Perhaps you already own noise canceling headphones that you could bring with you (despite the added weight) that would help considerably drown out noise when you are tired and your current coping skills aren’t enough. Like many said before on this thread, walking off stages will help greatly avoid crowds and unwanted noise.

Buen camino and safe travels. Bring your excitement with you and leave expectations at home

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I hear ya. I loathe loud places and crowds, and avoid them whenever I can.
Anything you really dislike, you're almost guaranteed to have a dose of it while on a pilgrimage. You will find yourself immersed in something you can't stand, but you keep going. You stand it. And after a little while, you come out the other side a bit rattled, but unharmed.
And you realize you're OK. You did it. You got this.
You get stronger.
It doesn't necessarily mean you never feel panicked or freaked-out again by that stimulus, but you have lived experience of getting past it. And that's what the camino is all about. Transformation, large and small. Facing down what you can't stand, and realizing you're standing just fine, thanks.

 

[setmeravelles]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

I'm also AuADHD, and I've done several Caminos. A Camino is the perfect thing for us because it has the routine our autistic brain needs while seeing something different every day which helps the ADHD thing. I lived in Spain for ten years, before I realised this, and struggled a lot during any festival time or crowded, noisy restaurants.

Staying in places that aren't a typical end day stage helps a lot. As I eat on the Spanish timetable, I try to time my lunches for a little bit before the normal Spanish time when it gets busy, and I always have my iPad to distract myself with. I now stay in private accommodation because albergues were a sensory nightmare for me. I also do lesser travelled Caminos.

In the albergues, it's okay to stick to yourself if you need to. You may meet someone you get on well with, you may not. It's all ok.

I don't know if you're planning on doing the whole Camino, or just a section, but knowing and anticipating places that might be crowded helped a bit. Find time while walking to be by yourself so you can unmask and stim (take anything that helps you stim.) Chewing gum sometimes helps me if I know I'm going to be in crowds, along with the noise cancelling headphones and my phone to play with/distract.

You've got this

 

[SP1111]

I just finished the beginning of the Frances and the entire Portuguese with my teenage neurodivergent son. We took it day by day. When we needed a break, we took one and overall we had a really great time.

Taking it slow (or at least being flexible on where/when we walked, ate and slept) helped give time to find a quiet place or take a day off when we needed a rest. Flexibility also gives you the opportunity to look at the map and see if there are paths you’d rather take - whether they are the green paths or other alternatives that suit you in the moment.

Moving beds every night was hard for my son, the constant motion and adjusting to new surroundings was too much, although the routine and the walking were perfect for his needs. Having some flexibility on timing allowed him to listen to his body/mind. Booking private rooms to reset and rejuvenate every few days also helped. Sometimes we’d book for 2 nights so we could have an extended period in the same room. It gave us a chance to get to know some of the places a little bit more and we met lots of folks along the way.

Highly recommend a good pair of headphones and a good pair of earplugs.

When possible, we got food in local grocery stores and cooked simple meals so that we didn’t have to eat in busy restaurants at the end of the day when he was tired and didn’t have much band width left for waiting and the noise. Also recommend carrying a pocket knife and spoon or spork so you aren’t quite as dependent on finding utensils along the way - a little yogurt and fruit from the grocery can save you from sitting down at a big breakfast table if you’re not feeling up to it that day.

We met many lovely people and had a beautiful Camino. Buen Camino!

 

[Mela143]

Same here! Thank you so much for this question and for all of the replies. Much love.

 

[David Tallan]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

I walked earlier this year with my daughter who is in the same boat. She took Loop earplugs to take the edge off. They don't prevent her from hearing people or things, just take it down a notch. She said they were very helpful. They are light and not (from my perspective) terribly expensive).

It did have have a side effect that when they were in her ears, the volume of her own speech went way down. Apparently they made her own internal perception of her voice much louder. Eventually she learned that she would have to take one out when she wanted to talk if she wanted anyone to be able to hear her.

 

[K_Lynn]

If you can, get custom ear plugs. Specify that they are for high volume usage (as opposed to sleep) as they will block a lot more noise. If wearing these while walking keep to the far right of the trail at all times as you may not hear people/bikes/cars. There will be portions of the trail almost every day that are parallel or at the side of a road.

As others have said, time your day so you are ahead of or behind the crowd. Many cafes have outdoor seating and it is generally quieter outside. Some people took their meals outside at albergues with communal meals. Some people are oblivious to the noises they make sleeping/talking/packing things up in the morning so you may or may not be able block out most of them. Private rooms at albergues and small hotels/hostals/etc are available but get snapped up quickly and do come at a cost, 30-50€ per night - you will have to decide on your own what works best for you in terms of cost and comfort- I went for private rooms because I was terrified I would disturb others with my incessant tossing and turning and because there were too many water buffaloes snoring.

Be prepared for a culture shock when you arrive in larger cities and when you return home. The quantities of people and vehicles freaked me out and I am not neurodivergent (I think).

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

The Camino might not be for you.

 

[SabsP]

The Camino might not be for you.

Heard of inclusiveness?
A Camino is like Life: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly and everything in between.

Of course @lsg the Camino is also for you! Thank you for your openness to share your thoughts.
I hope you find inspiration in the majority of constructive posts here!

 

[VNwalking]

The Camino might not be for you.

Seriously?
In all the caminos I've walked, I've met all sorts of people - some of whom would easily be categorized as 'neurodiverse.' Fortunately they didn't pay attention to those diagnostic boxes and just walked, pretty much as different as the rest of us.

There's a place for everyone on the Camino.
Some of us abhor crowds and noise and exuberant party scenes. So we walk quiet routes, or if on the Francés we find the little in-between places that aren't choked with people.

Do not lose heart, @lsg. Trust yourself, walk, and see what happens. Reb's post really bears repeating.

I hear ya. I loathe loud places and crowds, and avoid them whenever I can.
Anything you really dislike, you're almost guaranteed to have a dose of it while on a pilgrimage. You will find yourself immersed in something you can't stand, but you keep going. You stand it. And after a little while, you come out the other side a bit rattled, but unharmed.
And you realize you're OK. You did it. You got this.
You get stronger.
It doesn't necessarily mean you never feel panicked or freaked-out again by that stimulus, but you have lived experience of getting past it. And that's what the camino is all about. Transformation, large and small. Facing down what you can't stand, and realizing you're standing just fine, thanks.

 

[Dani7]

I hear ya. I loathe loud places and crowds, and avoid them whenever I can.
Anything you really dislike, you're almost guaranteed to have a dose of it while on a pilgrimage. You will find yourself immersed in something you can't stand, but you keep going. You stand it. And after a little while, you come out the other side a bit rattled, but unharmed.
And you realize you're OK. You did it. You got this.
You get stronger.
It doesn't necessarily mean you never feel panicked or freaked-out again by that stimulus, but you have lived experience of getting past it. And that's what the camino is all about. Transformation, large and small. Facing down what you can't stand, and realizing you're standing just fine, thanks.

Really good answer

 

[lsg]

The Camino might not be for you.

How unkind and completely unnecessary.

I will be doing the whole CF from SJPdP to SdC. Walking for at least 31 days is going to be a stressful experience. Things will happen along the way. This is all expected and completely fine. I'm just looking to mitigate extra stressors beyond this. Really appreciate all the good suggestions on the thread. Was hoping to leave the Bose headphones at home but will now be bringing them along. Since I'm wearing them they won't count as backpack weight right?

 

[MimsieOnTheGo]

lsg…..not only is the Camino for you, this whole world is FOR YOU!!!! I am moved by your vulnerability and honesty and so impressed with your bravery! You’ve so got this!!!! Buen Camino!!

 

[VNwalking]

Was hoping to leave the Bose headphones at home but will now be bringing them along

Or maybe good noise-cancelling earbuds? The advantage being that earbuds are both smaller and lighter.

You won't likely need or want them (or headphones) while you're walking - it's not hard to walk alone should you want to, and you'll need your ears for safety (to hear approaching cyclists, especially). But maybe they'd be useful for noisy situations once you've arrived someplace in the evening.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

How unkind and completely unnecessary.

I will be doing the whole CF from SJPdP to SdC. Walking for at least 31 days is going to be a stressful experience. Things will happen along the way. This is all expected and completely fine. I'm just looking to mitigate extra stressors beyond this. Really appreciate all the good suggestions on the thread. Was hoping to leave the Bose headphones at home but will now be bringing them along. Since I'm wearing them they won't count as backpack weight right?

I disagree with some of these answers, as kindly as they are. There are some people who really should put the camino on the back burner...and yes, there are many many people who will never do a camino, and many who should not.. It is totally NOT for everyone, and there is totally NO shame in that.
Just this morning I sat with a completely broken man along the trail. His feet are shredded, his clothing costly but inadequate, his group has gone on without him. He paid thousands for this "journey of transformation," but he started out about 70kg overweight, pre-diabetic, and no one told him how HARD this is. I am amazed he has not collapsed entirely. I am tempted to denounce his tour operator for false advertising/abuse!
People are marketing this trail as something it is NOT designed to deliver. They are taking peoples' money and abandoning them to the kindness of strangers.. and we "strangers" are getting a bit fed up with picking up their slack and listening to their lame excuses.
If you are not physically/psychologically/spiritually fit, if you depend on others to navigate your daily needs, if you do not speak Spanish and have no intention of even trying to learn a few phrases? Ýes, the Camino is NOt for you, at least not right now.Please do not try this without some prior training. It is a path of austerity and self-discipline, not a "gustatory journey," as this poor guy was told, and sold.
Lord have mercy!

 

[Affie]

I walked earlier this year with my daughter who is in the same boat. She took Loop earplugs to take the edge off. They don't prevent her from hearing people or things, just take it down a notch. She said they were very helpful. They are light and not (from my perspective) terribly expensive).

It did have have a side effect that when they were in her ears, the volume of her own speech went way down. Apparently they made her own internal perception of her voice much louder. Eventually she learned that she would have to take one out when she wanted to talk if she wanted anyone to be able to hear her.

I second this! I brought 2 pairs of loops- one for reducing noise if I got overwhelmed during the day (didn't happen often) and one for sleeping (really worked well! I kept them in a small bag tied to my sleeping bag so that I wouldn't forget them and have to get down off the top bunk to retrieve them!).

 

[David Tallan]

I disagree with some of these answers, as kindly as they are. There are some people who really should put the camino on the back burner...and yes, there are many many people who will never do a camino, and many who should not.. It is totally NOT for everyone, and there is totally NO shame in that.
Just this morning I sat with a completely broken man along the trail. His feet are shredded, his clothing costly but inadequate, his group has gone on without him. He paid thousands for this "journey of transformation," but he started out about 70kg overweight, pre-diabetic, and no one told him how HARD this is. I am amazed he has not collapsed entirely. I am tempted to denounce his tour operator for false advertising/abuse!
People are marketing this trail as something it is NOT designed to deliver. They are taking peoples' money and abandoning them to the kindness of strangers.. and we "strangers" are getting a bit fed up with picking up their slack and listening to their lame excuses.
If you are not physically/psychologically/spiritually fit, if you depend on others to navigate your daily needs, if you do not speak Spanish and have no intention of even trying to learn a few phrases? Ýes, the Camino is NOt for you, at least not right now.Please do not try this without some prior training. It is a path of austerity and self-discipline, not a "gustatory journey," as this poor guy was told, and sold.
Lord have mercy!

All true. But it is possible to too far the other way. We also see people above in the same situation who had great Caminos. If there is something that is light, easily acquired, and able to make the person physically/psychologically fit for their Camino, why suggest a person should not attempt it?

I wouldn't put someone with noise sensitivity in the same category as the person you are describing. It isn't for everyone, but one doesn't need to be a young athlete in peak condition to attempt it, either.

 

[CarolamS]

I walked earlier this year with my daughter who is in the same boat. She took Loop earplugs to take the edge off. They don't prevent her from hearing people or things, just take it down a notch. She said they were very helpful. They are light and not (from my perspective) terribly expensive).

It did have have a side effect that when they were in her ears, the volume of her own speech went way down. Apparently they made her own internal perception of her voice much louder. Eventually she learned that she would have to take one out when she wanted to talk if she wanted anyone to be able to hear her.

Thank you for such a practical suggestion. I have ordered some sleep Loops which I can now test out at home. I have also ordered the Loop Link i.e. cord to wear them around my neck. I'm hoping this will stop me loosing them if they fall out (I can toss around a LOT at night). It will also enable me to keep them handy around my neck on days I want to wear the Loops eg when travelling.

 

[CarolamS]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

I have only recently understood that I am on the Autistic Spectrum. Walking Caminos has enabled me to gradually become less masked in life. Now I understand and recognise that process!

I know that I will have a lot of difficulty sleeping when I first start walking a Camino. Eventually I will start to be able to sleep more but it can take a number of days. I am used to having very bad nights at home too but it's certainly a tough challenge at the start of my Camino. I'd say be prepared for it to be extra challenging for you and give it time.

My experience is that if you are on your bunk (before lights out), that is your private space and most people will leave you in peace. So even in a dorm you can have some timeout. If you are in a bottom bunk you can hang your towel from the upper bunk to give you some privacy. I sometimes hang my clothes too. I dip in and out of albergues and try to avoid the very big ones. A night in a private room can really help me recharge. Some private albergues have curtains to the bunk, so watch out for those, they're great unless it's very hot!

The cities and bigger towns can be very noisy on a Friday and Saturday night, sometimes right through the night. I try and avoid that if I can and maybe sleep further away from the centre. Pamplona is your first city to be aware of this.

You know yourself, if you didn't think this was manageable you wouldn't attempt it. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself. There are lots of smaller and quieter places to stay and you are allowed to approach the Camino in whatever way suits you best.

Buen Camino and good luck

 

[WGroleau]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell.

I am similar. Perhaps milder than you; who knows. I was hospitalero several times for a total of fourteen months or more in an albergue that offered communal dinner. It was usually somewhat loud with conversation (no music but ten to thirty pilgrims and staff). I generally was not greatly bothered, but there was one night where I had to close my eyes and squeeze up against the wall instead of eating. I also biked at least four hundred kilometers of Camino and never had a noise problem, even on the sections that were on or next to a highway.

 

[VNwalking]

It is a path of austerity and self-discipline, not a "gustatory journey," as this poor guy was told, and sold.
Lord have mercy!

A what? Oh, my.

The OP sounds more prepared, but yes, you're very right - it's not a walk in the park.

 

[jenwearing]

I'm definitely concerned about the large albergues. The rustling and squeaking. The whispered conversations at 3am. I read a whole thread complaining about loud inconsiderate 5am alarms. If normal people already find this annoying, I'll find it annoying+20%. Yikes.

I have this issue as well and I bought a headband with built in flat speakers (Bluetooth) so that I can listen to podcasts or music or white noise in the dorms when I need to decompress. The flat speakers mean you can lay on your side without pain. It covers my eyes too. I when paired with foamy ear plugs, it can really block out a lot and let me sleep. I also bring noise cancelling earbuds for the day time but I found 80% of the Camino in general is quiet and not overstimulating. Even the cafe bars were pretty low key most of the time. But I totally get how that hum of conversation can be overwhelming sometimes. Especially when you are already tired.

 

[Marbe2]

I disagree with some of these answers, as kindly as they are. There are some people who really should put the camino on the back burner...and yes, there are many many people who will never do a camino, and many who should not.. It is totally NOT for everyone, and there is totally NO shame in that.
Just this morning I sat with a completely broken man along the trail. His feet are shredded, his clothing costly but inadequate, his group has gone on without him. He paid thousands for this "journey of transformation," but he started out about 70kg overweight, pre-diabetic, and no one told him how HARD this is. I am amazed he has not collapsed entirely. I am tempted to denounce his tour operator for false advertising/abuse!
People are marketing this trail as something it is NOT designed to deliver. They are taking peoples' money and abandoning them to the kindness of strangers.. and we "strangers" are getting a bit fed up with picking up their slack and listening to their lame excuses.
If you are not physically/psychologically/spiritually fit, if you depend on others to navigate your daily needs, if you do not speak Spanish and have no intention of even trying to learn a few phrases? Ýes, the Camino is NOt for you, at least not right now.Please do not try this without some prior training. It is a path of austerity and self-discipline, not a "gustatory journey," as this poor guy was told, and sold.
Lord have mercy!

I somewhat agree! IMO it is fine to modify your camino, make it shorter, go slower , send your luggage ahead, if needed. In the case of @lsg I would consider going on the camino on the shoulder season. September is very busy on the camino. Lots of Full albergues and lines to get coffee and use a bathroom..there can be lots of noise in establishments. If you need quiet, why not walk when it is much quieter!

I don’t know what the company advertised or the contract made with the tour company However, I have seen many a pilgrim who booked a tour to do the entire CF in 28-32 days and had absolutely no chance of completing it in that time frame right from the start. One pilgrim who was also grossly obese, could only do, maybe half the distance daily, and had to take a cab everyday to her accommodation. She felt very alone and demoralized.
I know many of us have seen more than a few pilgrims, starting in SJPdP never make it past Pamplona and they have had to abort their plans.


What bothers me, is how many folks on this website, tell people to just go,…even without training, because they did and they made it! Yes, some people may be able to walk and become fitter. But how many can’t? Ultimately some pilgrims lack self-knowledge and aren’t sufficiently informed about the challenges the camino can present them.

 

[CarolamS]

I would consider going on the camino on the shoulder season. September is very busy on the camino. Lots of Full albergues and lines to get coffee and use a bathroom..there can be lots of noise in establishments. If you need quiet, why not walk when it is much quieter!

Last year I started from SJPdP on Aug 22nd, similar to the OP's plans. Whilst busy it was ahead of the September crush. What do you mean by shoulder season? I aimed to walk 20km a day, certainly no more than 25km. It was about two months before I reached Finisterre and autumn was well underway. To wait until the end of September would have pushed my Camino into very wintry conditions by the time I finished.

Busy on the Camino is always a wave; there are ways to reduce your over-exposure. I liked to start early and stay in small 'in between' places. I booked a day or two ahead and could sit and relax while a noisy group went past. Mostly I'd just think about how amazing it was to be walking this path which meant so much to me. I'd try and imagine how past Pilgrim's felt as they walked. Those of us who walk it now are so fortunate, whatever reason that brings us there.

 

[bks]

I disagree with some of these answers, as kindly as they are. There are some people who really should put the camino on the back burner...and yes, there are many many people who will never do a camino, and many who should not.. It is totally NOT for everyone, and there is totally NO shame in that.
Just this morning I sat with a completely broken man along the trail. His feet are shredded, his clothing costly but inadequate, his group has gone on without him. He paid thousands for this "journey of transformation," but he started out about 70kg overweight, pre-diabetic, and no one told him how HARD this is. I am amazed he has not collapsed entirely. I am tempted to denounce his tour operator for false advertising/abuse!
People are marketing this trail as something it is NOT designed to deliver. They are taking peoples' money and abandoning them to the kindness of strangers.. and we "strangers" are getting a bit fed up with picking up their slack and listening to their lame excuses.
If you are not physically/psychologically/spiritually fit, if you depend on others to navigate your daily needs, if you do not speak Spanish and have no intention of even trying to learn a few phrases? Ýes, the Camino is NOt for you, at least not right now.Please do not try this without some prior training. It is a path of austerity and self-discipline, not a "gustatory journey," as this poor guy was told, and sold.
Lord have mercy!

Thank you for your response!!
Too often we hear on this forum that the Camino is "for everyone" to do any way they want to!! Like anything that's not the case and we shouldn't be afraid to discuss what the boundaries should be.

 

[keepitsimple]

I'm also neurodivergent walking the Camino Frances starting in late August this year. I'm taking a pair of wired noise-canceling earbuds (wired don't drain phone battery like wireless do). Those, plus a white noise app on my phone, work for sleeping in a communal environment or in a noisy city. I will bring a large lightweight scarf to hang on the bed for some privacy if I need to go into my "cave." If feeling overstimulated/overwhelmed, I'll get a private room, even if I have to skip ahead to find a private room.

 

[JennyH94]

@lsg - Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful camino - one that gives sustenance to your pilgrim heart.

I note that you’re a resident of Singapore - gosh, it’s fantastic city state but it’s sure a very busy and lively place - particularly in the centre of Singapore where people are coming and going from earliest morning to very late at night - hard to escape those city noises. The emptiness of much of the landscape on the Camino Frances will be a huge contrast and will affect you profoundly - those huge Spanish skies on the Meseta are but one example - the tranquility of those landscapes will stay with you. Some great advice here from Forum members re feelings as you walk and there’s this thought - again from Forum members - take time to turn around - to look back - frequently - see how far you have walked and you’ll find that the feeling is not just about how far you’ve walked. It’s a wonderful feeling.

The thoughts by fellow Forum members on the cities you’ll pass through are all excellent - it’ll be helpful to seek out those quieter spaces in the cities. I have some thoughts about Santiago de Compostela which I hope will be helpful.

Firstly, if possible, time your visit to the Pilgrim Office to receive your compostela for the end of the day - after 5.30pm or so. The Pilgrim Office closes at 7pm each day. I found, as a volunteer there both last year and this year that it’s generally quieter at this time. In the morning it can be pretty noisy and crowded. Within the Pilgrim Office complex there’s a chapel which is open all day - it’s always quiet and it’s a very special place. There’s an English Mass conducted by Fr. Manny Domingo, a Filipino priest who is a many-time pilgrim and who has lived and worked in Santiago de Compostela for many years. The Mass is at 10.30am each day except for Wednesdays. The number of pilgrims who attend the Mass I’ve found over the years to be generally quite small - probably around 12 or so. It’s an intimate Mass and very special. After the Mass the Camino Companions who help officiate at the Mass invite pilgrims for a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat upstairs in Room 6 - again, a small group attend. This might be an opportunity for you to process and decompress from your Camino experience.

Outside at the Pilgrim Office, behind the buildings but within the complex, there are gardens - so lovely for quiet contemplation.

Not far from the Cathedral you’ll find the Alameda Park - acres of shady parkland areas and a stunning view of ‘rooftop Santiago’ highlighted by the Cathedral spires.

Accommodations - The quieter hotels can be found a bit away from the Old Town so check these out.

The Old Town can be quite crowded re restaurants but there are quieter pockets with restaurants such as Cafe Casino, an historic restaurant first opened in 1866. It has a faded glamour and the decor has an art-deco vibe to it. You can imagine it’s the kind of place Ernest Hemingway would have frequented had he lived in Santiago de Compostela! In recent years on my visits there it’s never been crowded - it’s the kind of place you could sit with a good book as you enjoy your meal - btw the mushroom risotto is celestial!

I hope my post helps and I send best wishes from Oz -

Buen Camino -
Jenny

 

[VNwalking]

There’s an English Mass conducted by Fr. Manny Domingo, a Filipino priest who is a many-time pilgrim and who has lived and worked in Santiago de Compostela for many years. The Mass is at 10.30am each day except for Wednesdays. The number of pilgrims who attend the Mass I’ve found over the years to be generally quite small - probably around 12 or so. It’s an intimate Mass and very special.

After the Mass the Camino Companions who help officiate at the Mass invite pilgrims for a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat upstairs in Room 6 - again, a small group attend. This might be an opportunity for you to process and decompress from your Camino experience.

Second both of these suggestions.
I'm not even Catholic and attend Fr. Mannie's Mass whenever I'm in Santiago. A gentle and wise soul. Likewise upstairs with the nuns at Camino Companions.

 

[Bradypus]

Just this morning I sat with a completely broken man along the trail. His feet are shredded, his clothing costly but inadequate, his group has gone on without him. He paid thousands for this "journey of transformation," but he started out about 70kg overweight, pre-diabetic, and no one told him how HARD this is. I am amazed he has not collapsed entirely. I am tempted to denounce his tour operator for false advertising/abuse!

What bothers me, is how many folks on this website, tell people to just go,…even without training, because they did and they made it! Yes, some people may be able to walk and become fitter. But how many can’t? Ultimately some pilgrims lack self-knowledge and aren’t sufficiently informed about the challenges the camino can present them.

The OPs situation is clearly different from the one @Rebekah Scott describes as there are some relatively simple steps which can be taken to mitigate the problems which could be expected. And it is good to see that @lsg is aware of potential problems and actively thinking of ways of resolving them. There have been some very helpful suggestions made. But I have been struck yet again by some of the "magical thinking" about the Caminos in the suggestions that of course they are for everyone with little reflection on what may be genuine severe and potentially disqualifying health problems for some. I am thinking in particular of Rebekah's severely overweight man with his other related health issues.

I am perhaps less charitable than Rebekah in thinking that the responsibility for the situation lies more firmly with the individual himself than the tour company despite their possibly misleading advertising. I keep asking myself - would this man have chosen to walk several consecutive days of say 20 - 25km in his home area? Did he test his own physical fitness nearer home before committing to the Camino journey? Did he have a realistic understanding of his own physical capacity and limitations before deciding to walk a Camino? And if not why did he not think that was necessary? A tour company is in no position to judge the physical capabilites of an individual customer. There is nothing specific about walking a Camino which means that anyone can or should disregard such normal health concerns. The situation may have been different if the man had been walking solo and deciding his own daily stages along the way - tailoring his days to his own needs and ability and gradually building strength and fitness along the way. Once again I find myself thinking that fixed itineraries are as likely to become a trap for the inexperienced as they are to provide the peace of mind and assurance that their advocates point to.

 

[roisin431]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

On the days I wanted to spend time away from the noise, I took a slow morning in the hostel, woke up later, enjoyed a nice breakfast and set off after everyone else had packed and gone. I found by doing this puts you on a bit of a different schedule to the general crowd. Id also try spend the night in the in between albergues, outside of the main towns. These were often smaller, cozier with fewer people.

 

[lsg]

I'm also neurodivergent walking the Camino Frances starting in late August this year. I'm taking a pair of wired noise-canceling earbuds (wired don't drain phone battery like wireless do). Those, plus a white noise app on my phone, work for sleeping in a communal environment or in a noisy city. I will bring a large lightweight scarf to hang on the bed for some privacy if I need to go into my "cave." If feeling overstimulated/overwhelmed, I'll get a private room, even if I have to skip ahead to find a private room.

Oh hey! I might end up bumping into you on the way. Where and when do you start?

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

The Camino might not be for you.

When did a pilgrimage route upheld for centuries by Benedictine Hospitality that seeks to help pilgrims find healing, recovery, and an unconditional welcome become a place exclusive for bland normality and dismissiveness?

 

[henrythedog]

When did a pilgrimage route upheld for centuries by Benedictine Hospitality that seeks to help pilgrims find healing, recovery, and an unconditional welcome become a place exclusive for bland normality and dismissiveness?

It still is and still can be without being delusional.

I make no reference to the OP who seems to be proactive and to whom I wish a ‘buen camino’.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

It still is and still can be without being delusional.

I make no reference to the OP who seems to be proactive and to whom I wish a ‘buen camino’.

Of course.
But that reply to the OP was sniping and exclusionist to the point of smacking of ignorance. Perhaps the person is not aware that they are everywhere surrounded by people who are autistic, who have ADHD, or a combination. There are other forms of ND as well... and the more they are welcomed and supported, the better. Things tend to go south not because the ND people are incapable, but because the nuerotypicals are demanding, normative, hostile, and have a tendency to escalate stuff. There is considerable research data on this from the realm of conversation analysis (a method often applied to clinical settings, courtrooms, classrooms, and therapy practices to figure out how people communicate power, control their positions in interactions and so on). The data say at the most fundamental level for ND-NT interactions, that it is the NTs who are the drivers of poor interactions.
I have been relieved to see the voices of people with ND experience first hand or in the company of ND beloveds on camino...
I am also grateful that I was recently on the trail and could see that on the ground, the realities of camino are far less rigid and exclusive than they can be on the forum.
On the ground:

• nobody gets bent out of shape about who is carrying a pack or staying in a private room.
• I never saw anyone berate a person using a CPAP machine.
• The elderly and the "jovenes" hung out with each other, and nobody seemed to make broad swath generlizations about generations...
• And nobody told anyone to go home, that they were not welcome, that they were fools for having come...
• Sometimes I heard a person comforted about a decision to go home, but never berated for having tried.
• I have, in 8 caminos seen a handful of confrontational behaviour... always with alcohol involved.

But the conflation of serious structural health impediments with ND lived realities I have seen at different points on the forum... and the viciousness is breathtaking. Some years back, when I was but a lurking, nonsubscriber reader, a member sought advice about walking at night and staying in private accommodation during the day, and the chorus response of "how dare you bring a person with a sleep disability to ruin my camino?" response was shocking.
But pushing a wheelchair? That gets rounds of applause and encouragement (mostly for the pusher).
I smell ableism and a desire for inspiration porn...
Thankfully, it's not part of the camino routes that I love, populated as they are by people who take up the lay ministry of keeping the path alive for *all of us*.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Heard of inclusiveness?
A Camino is like Life: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly and everything in between.

Of course @lsg the Camino is also for you! Thank you for your openness to share your thoughts.
I hope you find inspiration in the majority of constructive posts here!

I'll let your patronising comment go, let's keep the love flowing.

As for my comment, I'm sorry, but the harsh reality is that there aren't many ways around the noise of vehicles on large sections of the Camino, our noisy Spanish bars, our crazy Spanish hours (yes, we make noise until way past most people's bedtime), etc, etc. Indeed, the Camino is probably more 'urban' than most people realise.

A lot of pilgrims, especially first timers believe that the Camino is something like a remote hike. We know this is not the case. Large sections of La Rioja and even Castile run close enough to the freeway to hear the traffic. Late August is the beginning of the 'fiestas' in most of Spain. There can easily be loud bands playing to god knows what hour, locals partying and loud music during the day... Eg. San Caralampio in Melide, first week of September.

So, if ''hell is loud music and evene louder conversarion, and the sound of traffic annoys...''

 

[TravellingMan22]

I’m not getting involved but apparently Spain and Japan are the nosiest countries in the world. A mix of cultural, medical issues. I won’t link anything but google if you want more!

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

When did a pilgrimage route upheld for centuries by Benedictine Hospitality that seeks to help pilgrims find healing, recovery, and an unconditional welcome become a place exclusive for bland normality and dismissiveness?

Woah, easy pilgrim. your comment is a bit patronising like the previous one. In any case, as I said above, I'll ignore that part and keep the love flowing.

The OP describes urban and loud noise as annoying and even hell. Ssdly, the Camino is fairly urban, there is motor traffic, which you may here for long periods; our bars, restaurants and even plazas can be loud, and it's fiestas season in most villages across Spain in late August and September. Fiestas in Spain mean... noise.

By the way, and for the record, not many Benedictines are of offering hospitality along the Camino anymore. In most cases, it's the secular hospitaleros doing the welcoming.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I’m not getting involved but apparently Spain and Japan are the nosiest countries in the world. A mix of cultural, medical issues. I won’t link anything but google if you want more!

Whoever said that hasn't been to Greece!

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Woah, easy pilgrim. your comment is a bit patronising like the previous one. In any case, as I said above, I'll ignore that part and keep the love flowing.

The OP describes urban and loud noise as annoying and even hell. Ssdly, the Camino is fairly urban, there is motor traffic, which you may here for long periods; our bars, restaurants and even plazas can be loud, and it's fiestas season in most villages across Spain in late August and September. Fiestas in Spain mean... noise.

By the way, and for the record, not many Benedictines are of offering hospitality along the Camino anymore. In most cases, it's the secular hospitaleros doing the welcoming.

I have walked 8 caminos. I am rather intolerant of noise myself. I wear noise cancelling headphones and find they remove the irritation of traffic and other invasive urban noise.
You have assumed *a lot* about what AuADHD means for the OP and in general. But urban noise does not necessarily mean that the fiestas are irritating urban noise, and conversation in a foreign language can become white noise -- especially in a group environment. I could go on about the subtleties but the OP has already been given some suggestions that include some possible routes, timing strategies, and technological aids that have respected OP's clarity of purpose, of limitations, and of openness to finding a strategy that works. But I promise you that ND people have been occupying, travelling, and building the world for as long as humans have been around... most of the problems come from the increasing intolerance of NTs for anything "different", and not from the endlessly adapting ND people.

It is my sincere hope that the OP will find a quieter season, a comfy set of noise-cancellers (I recommend BOSE) and perhaps noise-masking earplugs for sleeping (Soundcore by Anker are affordable and comfortable and might even do the trick as the only thing being carried)... and a community of support from those on this thread who have walked as NDs with similar sensitivities, or with beloveds who are similarly sensitive.

In general I have found that the people in Spain are far more understanding and inclusive about disability, so while you seem to be "local", your exclusionist perspective does not reflect what I have encountered on *8* -- eight -- walks now.

As for the Benedictines, there are more than many think, and even in their absence their ethos *usually* informs the lay ministry that has been taken up by the hospitaleros and the older people in the villages (there is a large body of anthropological work on these routines and habits and extensions of hospitality and what they are and are not rooted in -- whether people signing up to volunteer know it or not). I recommend the reader "The Anthropology of Catholicism" for a short introduction to how these things operate in ordinary life, on the ground... even if people are not usually in the business of taking note and accounting for such operations.

And I definitely recommend that if the OP is going to walk the Frances, that @lsg will stay with the monks in Rabanal for as long as needed to get a rest and reset in quiet and peace.

 

[henrythedog]

Of course.
But that reply to the OP was sniping and exclusionist to the point of smacking of ignorance. Perhaps the person is not aware that they are everywhere surrounded by people who are autistic, who have ADHD, or a combination. There are other forms of ND as well... and the more they are welcomed and supported, the better. Things tend to go south not because the ND people are incapable, but because the nuerotypicals are demanding, normative, hostile, and have a tendency to escalate stuff. There is considerable research data on this from the realm of conversation analysis (a method often applied to clinical settings, courtrooms, classrooms, and therapy practices to figure out how people communicate power, control their positions in interactions and so on). The data say at the most fundamental level for ND-NT interactions, that it is the NTs who are the drivers of poor interactions.
I have been relieved to see the voices of people with ND experience first hand or in the company of ND beloveds on camino...
I am also grateful that I was recently on the trail and could see that on the ground, the realities of camino are far less rigid and exclusive than they can be on the forum.
On the ground:

• nobody gets bent out of shape about who is carrying a pack or staying in a private room.
• I never saw anyone berate a person using a CPAP machine.
• The elderly and the "jovenes" hung out with each other, and nobody seemed to make broad swath generlizations about generations...
• And nobody told anyone to go home, that they were not welcome, that they were fools for having come...
• Sometimes I heard a person comforted about a decision to go home, but never berated for having tried.
• I have, in 8 caminos seen a handful of confrontational behaviour... always with alcohol involved.

But the conflation of serious structural health impediments with ND lived realities I have seen at different points on the forum... and the viciousness is breathtaking. Some years back, when I was but a lurking, nonsubscriber reader, a member sought advice about walking at night and staying in private accommodation during the day, and the chorus response of "how dare you bring a person with a sleep disability to ruin my camino?" response was shocking.
But pushing a wheelchair? That gets rounds of applause and encouragement (mostly for the pusher).
I smell ableism and a desire for inspiration porn...
Thankfully, it's not part of the camino routes that I love, populated as they are by people who take up the lay ministry of keeping the path alive for *all of us*.

Well beyond your first sentence I assume you were just replying generally as you go far beyond my simple point - and what the hell ‘inspiration porn’ is, I really don’t want to know.

My point was that nobody should be - or feel - excluded but still that one should still have the right to tell it as it is and the expectation that someone would do that.

If someone says they are concerned about aspect X of a Camino and aspect X is a well-founded concern about an inescapable reality it is dishonest and patronising to try to diminish that reality.

25 or more days of sustained self-sufficient walking in an unfamiliar country with climate and language challenges is obviously not a trivial undertaking for the vast majority of people. It’s not a managed - and often not a manageable - environment. OK you can walk in a supported group, use bag transport, personal transport, take private rooms and so on and so forth until the reality approaches being on a gym treadmill being fed tortilla.

I’m on record here as saying to many apprehensive first-timers sweating the small stuff that - ‘the big secret is that it’s more straightforward than you think.’

They are usually people assuming issues where they don’t exist.

On the other hand we have rational well-informed people seeing issues where they do exist. They are right to be concerned and to put in place mitigation, coping or avoidance plans or - in the extreme - conclude that it is not the right thing for them.

There are many things I’m not physically, mentally or emotionally equipped to deal with. I’m OK with that but more than once in my life I’d have welcomed someone knowledgable giving me some honest feedback before I walked into something which actually harmed me.

 

[David Tallan]

My point was that nobody should be - or feel - excluded but still that one should still have the right to tell it as it is and the expectation that someone would do that.

I agree that people should tell it like it is, but I don't think that stretches to assumptions of what others can or can't accomplish and I certainly don't think it stretches to suggesting that the Camino is not for someone else.

Sure, talk about all of the challenges that will be faced. That is good "telling it like it is". But leave it to the individual to assess whether those challenges are insurmountable. That's why "the Camino's not for you" suggestions really rub me the wrong way.

Personally, I think that ,while explaining the challenges is good, providing suggestions for how they can be minimized or overcome, where feasible (as I tried to do in my first response in this thread), is even better.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Well beyond your first sentence I assume you were just replying generally as you go far beyond my simple point - and what the hell ‘inspiration porn’ is, I really don’t want to know.



There are many things I’m not physically, mentally or emotionally equipped to deal with. I’m OK with that but more than once in my life I’d have welcomed someone knowledgable giving me some honest feedback before I walked into something which actually harmed me.

"Inspiration porn" is the dehumanising use of persons with disabilities as objects that make typical people feel better about themselves and their own capacities to do ordinary things. "Look at Tiny Tim! If Tiny Tim can do it then so can I!" is what it boils down to, and it's well understood as a problem by persons with disabilities, and is perpetually dismissed as a "compliment" by ableist people who do not want to think very respectfully about what they are doing.

I don't mind people pointing out the actual challenges, and even perhaps providing solutions.

I mind when people treat those with disabilities -- who have asked perfectly rational questions, seeking information -- as though they lack the capacity to take information and then decide for themselves what to do with it. i.e., "The camino is not for you," or the conflation of walking in ignorance of one's physical challenges (no training, plus obesity, and no back-up plan, per Rebecca's post) with a question about how to adjust for, navigate, or avoid external challenges.

There is a difference between sharing useful information with respect, and just shutting someone down because the reader cannot imagine that a person with an ND profile could belong on the camino (or perhaps anywhere else for that matter).

Spain might be extremely loud sometimes. I have also walked for two weeks on a segment from Astorga to Palas de Rei from June 2 to 15, and it was so shockingly quiet that I could hardly believe it was the *same* camino I had been on from Trinidad de Arre to Logrono in early June. And there's some information that could be handy too: while things might sometimes be raucous, they also calm down, and so the strategies might not be required for a full 4-6 weeks of walking.

I for one, would extend an embrace to the OP and an offer to help find quieter routes (Valcarlos rather than the Napoleon; the river route into Burgos rather than the main road; Samos rather than San Xil; Campo route into Ponferrada instead of the main road...) noise cancelling buds for the dorms and to cut the noise in village squares.... and absolutely, without question, transit to skip a really busy area if it's not tolerable. That said, I've walked through Pamplona in the morning, prior to it getting busy and enjoyed a lovely breakfast in a quiet cafe about 1KM past Trinidad de Arre, and absolute tranquility in the cathedral... and I was in Puenta de La Reina before 10 am... so continued on to a quieter resting point for the day.

It's not hard to think about other ways to do things.

 

[Marbe2]

I am also grateful that I was recently on the trail and could see that on the ground, the realities of camino are far less rigid and exclusive than they can be on the forum.
On the ground:

• nobody gets bent out of shape about who is carrying a pack or staying in a private room.
• I never saw anyone berate a person using a CPAP machine.
• The elderly and the "jovenes" hung out with each other, and nobody seemed to make broad swath generlizations about generations...
• And nobody told anyone to go home, that they were not welcome, that they were fools for having come...
• Sometimes I heard a person comforted about a decision to go home, but never berated for having tried.
• I have, in 8 caminos seen a handful of confrontational behaviour... always with alcohol involved.

I think many of us share similar sentiments regarding our experience of general welcomeness while on the Camino.

However, wanting pilgrims to be prepared before starting a camino…being well informed about the challenges, being physically prepared to walk distances, knowing oneself and needs, and having appropriate gear, IMO, is advocating for their success! Not being exclusive.
And, even saying to someone, before, and even while walking if one really isn’t up to it, that the Camino is not for everyone, at least maybe at that time, may give someone permission not to walk who really needs to stop! You’re right, however, that tone matters.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Woah, easy pilgrim. your comment is a bit patronising like the previous one. In any case, as I said above, I'll ignore that part and keep the love flowing.

The OP describes urban and loud noise as annoying and even hell. Ssdly, the Camino is fairly urban, there is motor traffic, which you may here for long periods; our bars, restaurants and even plazas can be loud, and it's fiestas season in most villages across Spain in late August and September. Fiestas in Spain mean... noise.

By the way, and for the record, not many Benedictines are of offering hospitality along the Camino anymore. In most cases, it's the secular hospitaleros doing the welcoming.

There are still plenty of Benedictines along the Camino, offering hospitality to pilgrims. I am one of them!

Pilgrims and the poor are singled out for special welcome. But anyone who thinks Benedictine hospitality is "unconditional" has never read St. Benedict's "Rule."

Chapter 53 is the guide for the hospitaleros. True, every guest is to be received like he is the Christ... but he's expected to pray with the community, right off the bat. A member of the community is assigned to "read to them the Divine Law for their instruction, after which every kindness is shown to them," including a hand- and feet-washing session conducted by the abbot or prioress. Only one or two monks or sisters is allowed to speak to guests. Pilgrims are kept in their own quarters, away from the rest of the community. They are made welcome, given food and shelter and invitation to worship, but not a free pass.

Benedictines from Cluny were the power behind the original boom on the Camino de Santiago. Their methods of welcoming strangers, based on the Bible's commands, still inform all manner of thinking people called to hospitality.

 

[Marbe2]

There are still plenty of Benedictines along the Camino, offering hospitality to pilgrims. I am one of them!

Pilgrims and the poor are singled out for special welcome. But anyone who thinks Benedictine hospitality is "unconditional" has never read St. Benedict's "Rule."

Chapter 53 is the guide for the hospitaleros. True, every guest is to be received like he is the Christ... but he's expected to pray with the community, right off the bat. A member of the community is assigned to "read to them the Divine Law for their instruction, after which every kindness is shown to them," including a hand- and feet-washing session conducted by the abbot or prioress. Only one or two monks or sisters is allowed to speak to guests. Pilgrims are kept in their own quarters, away from the rest of the community. They are made welcome, given food and shelter and invitation to worship, but not a free pass.

Benedictines from Cluny were the power behind the original boom on the Camino de Santiago. Their methods of welcoming strangers, based on the Bible's commands, still inform all manner of thinking people called to hospitality.

Rebekah, My experience with Benedictines is likely more extensive (both in US and abroad) than many on this forum. The rule you are quoting is not reflective of the reality of Benedictine guests in the 21st century. Participation in community prayer/mass and/or meals may be required or may be optional depending on the monastery. That is it for the most part.

 

[C clearly]

That's why "the Camino's not for you" suggestions really rub me the wrong way.

Oddly, I don't view that statement in the same way, although obviously context and tone are important. I might use it as an affirmation that everyone is not or does not need to be enamoured of the Camino experience and the decision not to go can indicate a simple acceptance. At some point, I expect that "the Camino will not be for me."

And, even saying to someone, before, and even while walking if one really isn’t up to it, that the Camino is not for everyone, at least maybe at that time, may give someone permission not to walk who really needs to stop! You’re right, however, that tone matters.

 

[David Tallan]

Oddly, I don't view that statement in the same way, although obviously context and tone are important. I might use it as an affirmation that everyone is not or does not need to be enamoured of the Camino experience and the decision not to go can indicate a simple acceptance. At some point, I expect that "the Camino will not be for me."

I think there is a world of difference between "The Camino is not for everyone" (a statement I have agreed with above) and "the Camino is not for you".

 

[C clearly]

I think there is a world of difference between "The Camino is not for everyone" (a statement I have agreed with above) and "the Camino is not for you".

You do have a point, which I need to ponder. However, as the years go by, I become less interested in splitting hairs, and have less expectation of reaching clear conclusions.

 

[Walkalong]

Adaptability will help. I echo comments about later in the shoulder seasons. I’m aiming for mid October start, and mid March.

You could add the Villar de Mazarife variant from Leon, rather than walking along a very busy road all day.

I’ve found Northern Spain to be relatively quiet. I’ll grant ya, is not the Torngat Mountains, or Western Brook Pond, but you need not be concerned with Polar Bear or Moose waking you up either.

Whether being woken by partying outside, or by fellow walkers going to the lavatory at 3 or 4 AM, it’s all part of the experience, and hopefully won’t happen more than once in your 30-31 nights anyway.

You may find that, after a few days, you can sleep through anything. Then there are always private rooms.

Ask hospitaleros which Albergue they would suggest, and which to avoid. Many Albergues offer private rooms. They often know the options for the next few stages. Found some nice places, and great hospitaleros that way.

Enjoy your Camino.

 

[keepitsimple]

Oh hey! I might end up bumping into you on the way. Where and when do you start?

I start on August 24 in SJPdP, assuming all my trains and flights are on time.

 

[C clearly]

I think there is a world of difference between "The Camino is not for everyone" (a statement I have agreed with above) and "the Camino is not for you".

Having pondered a bit, I would say there is also a difference between "The Camino is not for you" and "The Camino might not be for you." But we are still splitting hairs about some imprecise and imperfect language.

 

[Marbe2]

Having pondered a bit, I would say there is also a difference between "The Camino is not for you" and "The Camino might not be for you." But we are still splitting hairs about some imprecise and imperfect language.

Yes! However, having read many posts from C Cleary and David and most members here, I am at least sure, both, most, would approach a pilgrim in crisis on the Camino with great compassion! David would tend to his feet, while C Clearly might try and and mend his heart. Both,for sure, would sit with a broken man on the trail, as Rebekah did, offering the man an understanding heart and a listening ear.

 

[NualaOC]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Hi @lsg, welcome to the forum and thanks for starting this thread.

Re. the suggestion that the Camino might not be for you: I bet you've heard a version of this advice for many other areas of your life. Hopefully (like me) you find that attitude a motivating, rather than demotivating factor.
I'm saying this as a fellow Audhder.

There are lots of 'workarounds' for the noise/overwhelm challenges. For example, it's pretty easy to avoid noisy restaurants most of the time. Some traffic noise is unavoidable, but it isn't a constant occurrence and you're unlikely to be waking up to it. In general, I experience much less sensory overwhelm on the Camino than in my normal/working life.

Please feel free to DM me if I can be of any help.

Happy planning and Buen Camino.

Nuala

 

[Roland49]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time

Avoid the standard stages mentioned in almost every guidebook.
Walk longer or shorter days! I was happy with my CF in 2019 and avoided the standard-stops almost at all.
Pamplona, Burgos and Sarria were unavoidable for me, but I tried to get off the beaten paths and enjoy pilgrims life without "the herd". It worked. I socialized only with few fellow pilgrims, no bigger groups for me.

 

[lsg]

Thank you for such a practical suggestion. I have ordered some sleep Loops which I can now test out at home. I have also ordered the Loop Link i.e. cord to wear them around my neck. I'm hoping this will stop me loosing them if they fall out (I can toss around a LOT at night). It will also enable me to keep them handy around my neck on days I want to wear the Loops eg when travelling.

Quick review of the Loop Quiet earplugs:
I find them comfortable enough to wear during the day while working / walking around but not at night. I'm a side sleeper and it's uncomfortable having the stiff silicon earplugs press into your ear the whole night. I use 3M foam earplugs for sleeping instead. Would still recommend buying a pair of silicon earplugs (Loop or any other brand) as this is more environmentally friendly than using even more disposable foam earplugs.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I was one of those first-time Pilgrims who was woefully out-of-shape, even for the Sarria - SdC walk and even though I had lost some weight before starting.

Thank g-d none of the people I walked alongside of stopped to tell me that the Camino was not for me or that I was some delusional fat slob who should have been sitting at home watching tv since that was evidently all I was fit enough to do. Because instead, I found people who smiled and wished me Buen Camino as they passed, or asked me if I needed anything, or encouraged me to continue on, and then went on their way while I went on mine. I found people in cafes who helped me call a taxi when I needed one; and I learned that giving myself grace to do so was not a moral failing. I fell in love with the small towns I walked through (or cabbed to), with the spirit of the Camino that surrounded me, and the beauty of Galicia. And I realized that I really did like walking long distances, just for the hell of it.

Four months later I walked the last 100km on the Portugues (I needed to get that Compostela; it became a goal I had to achieve). And in the year since I’ve completed two half-marathons. I’ve lost 80 pounds. (And lest anyone think, “see, you were lazy” - no, it’s the new meds, which are a godsend to people who suffer from obesity). I’ve gone walking and hiking all over my city, my state and the country at large. And I’ll be on the Ingles in less than a month.

It is not for anyone to tell someone else that the Camino is not for them, particularly based on some bigoted notion of who they are simply by looking at them, or finding out that they are atypical in any way. Indeed, there are countless examples of people in good shape, without disabilities, who learn that the Camino “is not for them” and quit before reaching their intended destination. Or who don’t find any pleasure, or peace, or enlightenment in walking.

If someone is drawn to the Camino for whatever reason, only they can and will know if it is “for them.”

 

[Roland49]

I was one of those first-time Pilgrims who was woefully out-of-shape, even for the Sarria - SdC walk and even though I had lost some weight before starting.

Thank g-d none of the people I walked alongside of stopped to tell me that the Camino was not for me or that I was some delusional fat slob who should have been sitting at home watching tv since that was evidently all I was fit enough to do.

I've seen super-fit, "mentally" well prepared people fail on the first 2-3 days of a long hike.
It's more a question of will then of preparation and equipment.

 

[Marbe2]

t is not for anyone to tell someone else that the Camino is not for them, particularly based on some bigoted notion of who they are simply by looking at them, or finding out that they are atypical in any way.

First congratulations on your progressions and accomplishments!!


I seriously doubt that anyone on this forum ever told anyone directly on the Camino that the camino was not for him/her! People who would do that wouldn’t last on this site! Please go back and read the circumstances of the particular pilgrim. Like most of us, you modified your camino according to your abilities! The initial concern about the overweight pilgrim is he was left behind on an expensive long Camino that he really appeared to be unable to keep up with or modify. His feet were “raw” and he was “broken”. Most pilgrims regardless of age, shape, weight, color nationality, and other circumstances encourage one another! But there are circumstances where being able to give a person emotional support and permission to stop, and perhaps try again another time, is the most supportive, healing response that can be given!

 

[Kirkie]

First congratulations on your progressions and accomplishments!!


I seriously doubt that anyone on this forum ever told anyone directly on the Camino that the camino was not for him/her! People who would do that wouldn’t last on this site! Please go back and read the circumstances of the particular pilgrim. Like most of us, you modified your camino according to your abilities! The initial concern about the overweight pilgrim is he was “stuck” on an expensive long Camino that he really appeared to be unable to keep up with or modify. His feet were “raw” and he was “broken”. Most pilgrims regardless of age, shape, weight, color nationality, and other circumstances encourage one another! But there are circumstances where being able to give a person emotional support and permission to stop, and perhaps try again another time, is the most supportive, healing response that can be given!

I may have missed something, but what does this tell you.

 

[Marbe2]

I may have missed something, but what does this tell you.
View attachment 175090

No you didn’t miss anything? Did You? Do you not perceive that “Might not be for you”. is qualitatively very quite different from a declaration“it is not for you?”

 

[C clearly]

This thread is not for me anymore. People are twisting words and creating adversaries where none were intended. Communication and learning are no longer possible.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Rebekah, My experience with Benedictines is likely more extensive (both in US and abroad) than many on this forum. The rule you are quoting is not reflective of the reality of Benedictine guests in the 21st century. Participation in community prayer/mass and/or meals may be required or may be optional depending on the monastery. That is it for the most part.

Well, yeah. It has been more than a thousand years...

 

[ShoshTrvls]

First congratulations on your progressions and accomplishments!!


I seriously doubt that anyone on this forum ever told anyone directly on the Camino that the camino was not for him/her! People who would do that wouldn’t last on this site! Please go back and read the circumstances of the particular pilgrim. Like most of us, you modified your camino according to your abilities! The initial concern about the overweight pilgrim is he was left behind on an expensive long Camino that he really appeared to be unable to keep up with or modify. His feet were “raw” and he was “broken”.

Thank you. And I wasn't referencing Rebekkah's post, actually.

 

[Walkalong]

If population density is an indicator, walking the variants suggested above, you will be in relatively quiet most of the time. Listed are the larger towns with a few others added.

Albergues can be nice, but they can also be a little congested, especially when a larger group or ‘camino family’ inadvertently take over. Fortunately, most people are polite, considerate and kind. Staying off stage will make a big difference. For example, Cezur Menor is just 2.5-3km from Pamplona.

Location people /km²
Singapore 8,383
Pamplona 8,203
Cezur Menor 73
Puente la Reina 74
Logrono 1,903
Burgos 1,631
Fromista 16
Sahagún 20
Leon 3,120
Ponferrada 222
Santiago de Compostela 449
Torngat Mountains 0
Western Brook Pond 1

I hope that after a few days, perhaps a week or so, you will find (leap frog) a few others walking at roughly your pace, with whom you may share the occasional rest stop, meal, or room.

On Friday, March 13, 2020, on the way to Calzadilla, I met a stranger who had just discovered the Templars. When I asked why he was carrying 2 full packs he reluctantly explained that he was assisting a person who tented because Albergues were over stimulating. He'd been carrying her pack from near Alto del Perdón - well over 14 days. One of the many, many, examples of the Camino spirit.

I’m sure you will have a great camino. Always be kind,

 

[David Tallan]

First congratulations on your progressions and accomplishments!!


I seriously doubt that anyone on this forum ever told anyone directly on the Camino that the camino was not for him/her! People who would do that wouldn’t last on this site! Please go back and read the circumstances of the particular pilgrim. Like most of us, you modified your camino according to your abilities! The initial concern about the overweight pilgrim is he was left behind on an expensive long Camino that he really appeared to be unable to keep up with or modify. His feet were “raw” and he was “broken”. Most pilgrims regardless of age, shape, weight, color nationality, and other circumstances encourage one another! But there are circumstances where being able to give a person emotional support and permission to stop, and perhaps try again another time, is the most supportive, healing response that can be given!

I agree the Camino is not for everyone. I agree we need to be supportive when someone decides that the Camino is not for them. I was able to demonstrate this earlier this year, when walking on Camino with my daughter and she was afraid of disappointing me when she started coming to the realization that the Camino was not for her. But, and this may be splitting hairs, I think there is a difference between supporting that conclusion in someone else and actively leading them there when they haven't expressed any movement in that direction (especially when they haven't started walking yet!) and have just looked for some advice in overcoming the challenges they acknowledge they will face. That's when "The Camino may not be for you" starts to sound like "I doubt you can manage it" or "I think it is probably not for you". That may not be perceived as being as supportive as you intend.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

there is a difference between supporting that conclusion in someone else and actively leading them there when they haven't expressed any movement in that direction (especially when they haven't started walking yet!) and have just looked for some advice in overcoming the challenges they acknowledge they will face. That's when "The Camino may not be for you" starts to sound like "I doubt you can manage it" or "I think it is probably not for you". That may not be perceived as being as supportive as you intend.

This!
Also... "Maybe the camino isn't for you," (when that statement was not sought) is a statement in which the "maybe" functions as a rhetorical device to make the command sound more polite, slightly less aggressive. But it is a strong suggestion that borders on a command, regardless. In fact, the use of the "maybe" makes the command to some degree more odious because we do know that unless we have sought the "It's OK to decide this is not for me" reassurance, then yes, it's a judgement that we do not belong somewhere that we want to try to be.
Ugh.

 

[katkins_in]

It's probably far too late to switch plans (even if you love my idea and want to), but... the French chemin paths I have walked are less crowded, much quieter (most of the time), in green and calm countryside routes, and the auberges I've stayed in were generally small and quiet. Dinnertime might still be overwhelming because it's usually everyone together at the same time. And the morning rush to get up and out might start each day with a jangle.

I only have a couple of weeks experience of Spanish camino routes, and only one experience of reaching Santiago, but I have loved walking in France (as opposed to Francaise). I've been on the Chemin du Puy (Via Podiensis) and the Stevenson, mostly.

And also... later in the year may be quieter, as others have suggested. But some accommodations close down mid-October.

Most of each day I have walked alone, only seeing my friends and my cohort of pilgrims at meal times and night time, or briefly as they pass me as I (apparently) dawdle along.

As peaceful as the walking is, to me, the *experience* of the camino is intense... I can't guess how all the new inputs, sensations, things to process, group conversations, surprises... may affect you.

Mass at many smaller places is calm and dark and quiet. Mass at Santiago was the biggest crowd I've been in, in years. (I'm a crowd avoidant person.)

I hope you have a great walk, and, come back and tell us about how it all went!

-Kevin

 

[Marbe2]

This!
Also... "Maybe the camino isn't for you," (when that statement was not sought) is a statement in which the "maybe" functions as a rhetorical device to make the command sound more polite, slightly less aggressive. But it is a strong suggestion that borders on a command, regardless. In fact, the use of the "maybe" makes the command to some degree more odious because we do know that unless we have sought the "It's OK to decide this is not for me" reassurance, then yes, it's a judgement that we do not belong somewhere that we want to try to be.
Ugh.

Borders on a Command?? Really? Why so strong?! Odious?! Why leap to then “WE” don’t belong? Again why “We”…Nowhere is anyone grouping or excluding them or anyone. I’ve gone back and read the entire thread. Maybe is Maybe =. perhaps; possibly! The end!


I think @C clearly MAY have been right.

This thread is not for me anymore. People are twisting words and creating adversaries where none were intended. Communication and learning are no longer possible.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Borders on a Command?? Really? Why so strong?! Odious?! Why leap to then “WE” don’t belong? Again why “We”…Nowhere is anyone grouping or excluding them or anyone. I’ve gone back and read the entire thread. Maybe is Maybe =. perhaps; possibly! The end!


I think @C clearly MAY have been right.

No, that's not how *rhetorical devices work*:

Maybe falls into the realm of "weasel words" that fudge the details.

" ....be on guard for words such as "perhaps," "possibly," "maybe," etc. These too can be used to plant a suggestions without actually making a claim. Consider: “Perhaps he is not qualified for that position.” Have I made a claim here? … What if I removed the word “perhaps.' " https://faculty.fiu.edu/~harrisk/Notes/Critical Thinking/Rhetorical Devices.htm

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Borders on a Command?? Really? Why so strong?! Odious?! Why leap to then “WE” don’t belong? Again why “We”…Nowhere is anyone grouping or excluding them or anyone. I’ve gone back and read the entire thread. Maybe is Maybe =. perhaps; possibly! The end!


I think @C clearly MAY have been right.

Also -- you just used the device again. You think she is right, but you have declined to take full ownership of the assertion by inserting a snark "may" into the phrasing.

And "we" in my post refers to anyone anywhere who belongs to the global collective of people who have sought advice for how to do something and have been instead told that the thing they want to do is not for them.

It's not at all unlike being in kindergarten and being told that such-and-such a person cannot do such-and-such an activity because the in crowd doesn't like the idea of someone not like them doing an activity they enjoy.

 

[TheRealPixie]

Remember that you choose where to stop. Stay in a small village, buy something at a supermarket or tienda, so you don't need to go to the bar.

Of course, you will always encounter the noise of other pilgrims. You don't say where you live now. If you live in a city, you may find the camino a quieter experience than what you're used to.

Just be sure to plan for when markets are open or not.

 

[Kirkie]

No you didn’t miss anything? Did You? Do you not perceive that “Might not be for you”. is qualitatively very quite different from a declaration“it is not for you?”

Ok, I did not miss anything. Thank you.
I have actually learned something because I Iooked up neurodiversity.
Normal is what I have have absorbed as what things should be like.
Oops. not correct.
So, let me move on. Let me say that the OP needs something, and some people have recognised the need, and offered useful and helpful strategies to be able to negotiate the camino ahead. Wonderful!

 

[TheRealPixie]

I'm not super noise sensitive so I cannot comment on that piece.
TLDR: If your ADHD makes you bored easily bring entertainment.
I have ADHD. I have struggled with times like right now with sheer boredom. It's 6pm. I've been here since 1:30 pm. And I'm just waiting and waiting for dinner time. I wish I had a book or someone to hang out with. I did my laundry, showered, sat in the bar with a wine. I'm so bored sitting around! And while walking too. I love nature and I like to hear the birds. But dang if most of day is "trudge trudge trudge" the sound of the gravel crunching under my feet. My brain is bored! I started talking to myself on the trail. I even yelled (out loud) at the sunflowers yesterday for being too happy. Currently the Frances route is not busy. I'm alone most of the day. I feel so guilty being in this great country and watching Game of Thrones on my phone, but I have to do something!

 

[NualaOC]

Much as I love a good semantics debate, it's disappointing to see that creeping in here. It detracts from the original purpose and usefulness of this discussion.

The OP joined the forum this month and asked a very specific question. Despite 15-20% of the world's population being neurodivergent, we've had relatively few threads on this topic. This one has the potential to be a a very helpful resource for new pilgrims with similar questions or concerns.

For those thinking of joining the conversation, I'd urge you to answer/contribute to the the original question, rather than the ancillary frolics.

Buen Camino to all.
Nuala

 

[lsg]

I'm not super noise sensitive so I cannot comment on that piece.
TLDR: If your ADHD makes you bored easily bring entertainment.
I have ADHD. I have struggled with times like right now with sheer boredom. It's 6pm. I've been here since 1:30 pm. And I'm just waiting and waiting for dinner time. I wish I had a book or someone to hang out with. I did my laundry, showered, sat in the bar with a wine. I'm so bored sitting around! And while walking too. I love nature and I like to hear the birds. But dang if most of day is "trudge trudge trudge" the sound of the gravel crunching under my feet. My brain is bored! I started talking to myself on the trail. I even yelled (out loud) at the sunflowers yesterday for being too happy. Currently the Frances route is not busy. I'm alone most of the day. I feel so guilty being in this great country and watching Game of Thrones on my phone, but I have to do something!

I've decided to not bring along my kobo reader to reduce weight. I could read books on my phone of course but. the. tiny. tiny. screen. Who knew how such a few centimeters could make all the difference. Hmmm.

 

[VNwalking]

the. tiny. tiny. screen

Yeah, very true.
But you eventually get used to it, and the weight really makes it worth it.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I'm not super noise sensitive so I cannot comment on that piece.
TLDR: If your ADHD makes you bored easily bring entertainment.
I have ADHD. I have struggled with times like right now with sheer boredom. It's 6pm. I've been here since 1:30 pm. And I'm just waiting and waiting for dinner time. I wish I had a book or someone to hang out with. I did my laundry, showered, sat in the bar with a wine. I'm so bored sitting around! And while walking too. I love nature and I like to hear the birds. But dang if most of day is "trudge trudge trudge" the sound of the gravel crunching under my feet. My brain is bored! I started talking to myself on the trail. I even yelled (out loud) at the sunflowers yesterday for being too happy. Currently the Frances route is not busy. I'm alone most of the day. I feel so guilty being in this great country and watching Game of Thrones on my phone, but I have to do something!

Keep going. You will (hopefully) get through that mental noise and that urge to distract and entertain yourself, and eventually pass into a very peaceful place where you're just fully aware of yourself and the world around you, and how wonderful life is right here, right now, doing nothing at all.
(pardon the woo-woo, we don't have good language for this stuff...)
It's a meditative state. It takes discipline to get there, but it's there if you push past that boredom stuff.
And with time, it gets easier. There are techniques you can learn, and you can slip into it even in the noisiest, must boring, most rackety situations. It's one of the most wonderful things some people discover on the Camino -- the peace on the other side of the distractions. Get your head into right here/right now, and you may never have to be bored again.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I've decided to not bring along my kobo reader to reduce weight. I could read books on my phone of course but. the. tiny. tiny. screen. Who knew how such a few centimeters could make all the difference. Hmmm.

Hey mate, the things that you do at home to navigate through life will work just as well on Camino.

If you have been prescribed medication then, obviously, bring it with you. If it is a stimulant and you have not travelled internationally before then realise that in some countries that you pass through those stimulants may be banned for locals and so be sure to bring a letter from your doctor describing your medication so that you can justify travelling with it.

I have up and down days. On my down days on Camino I keep to myself and generally this was easy for me to do. On my up days I tend to want to socialise and this is also easy for me when I walked the Camino Francés.

I have now walked three Caminos and they work well for me. As someone else said I generally walk alone and find myself talking to the local wildlife as I walk or singing quietly to myself. Certainly there is plenty of time to contemplate my thoughts.

Of course, I can't predict how the Camino will be for you but as you have got yourself to this point in your life then I think that there is a really good chance that you will love your Camino. Don't sweat it, it is normal to be worried and excited before hand and once you are walking things will sort themselves out.

I won't see you on the Frances around the 24th but I am in Spain during August and September and if you want to chat then feel free to contact me.

You have this! Buen Camino.

 

[WGroleau]

But I have been struck yet again by some of the "magical thinking" about the Caminos in the suggestions that of course they are for everyone with little reflection on what may be genuine severe and potentially disqualifying health problems for some

Outside of Logroño, I encountered a large info board titled something like “A Camino for Everyone” all about accessibility, etc. Even had a large amount of Braille on it which I didn’t bother to read. But I couldn’t help noticing that it was right before a hill that no one in a wheelchair could ascend without assistance.

 

[Totu]

I am also neurodivergent and have done several Caminos. I have absolutely loved them, but have always had to spend more money to stay in private accommodations because Albergues can be a sensory nightmare and after my first Camino where I made a huge effort to "fit in", I just gave up

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I have AuADHD and will be walking the Camino Frances starting Aug 21st 2024. Crowded restaurants with loud music and even louder conversation are my idea of hell. I get annoyed by the sound of traffic from the road next to my apartment. One of the reasons I'm walking is to get away from urban noise. Would love to hear about experiences and tips/ tricks to avoid overstimulation and have a better time.

Here's a metaphor for the experience of being noise sensitive. It's a normal mildly irritating ant bite but there's nothing you can do to stop it hurting unless you're a mile away from civilisation. But you have a job / friends / family etc so you just have to bear with it. Forever.

Good luck with that! Spain is a noisy place. Like most Mediterranean countries. You could look into other Camino routes, many of those are really quiet.

 

[Donna Sch]

My first thought was to consider your route choice. The CF is obviously the most popular. My idea of hell is the CF in pilgrim highway mode which is one of the reasons I try to avoid it. Choosing a quieter route is also an option. But take my advice with a grain of salt because the routes I have done so far are very quiet and I did not do them during busy times. You may only meet a handful of people all day on some like the VDLP and if I hadn't brought my partner on the Levante I would have met only 3 other pilgrims. It all depends how much you want to get into your own head.
Not picking the popular towns to stay in is an excellent idea and paying for the odd hostal room can be useful to save your sanity. If you have the chance to stay at a religious albergue/monastery/convent etc they are often very quiet and a little austere. @TheRealPixie I inwardly giggled at your post. I would post photos of stunning countryside but people don't realise that while it is lovely that you may end up looking at the same scenery for hours and it can drive you nuts.
If you are on stimulant medication this is very controlled and medications are likely to be affected by narcotic regulations. At minimum you need a copy of a doctor's letter which mentions the medication details. But it is also worthwhile contacting the embassy just to see if a permit is required. Also check for anywhere you may be stopping over or transiting. If something happens and you end up spending an extra day in a country you didn't expect to be in eg UAE, then you need to know what their stance is.
You'll probably find the exercise of walking helps with your attention and the Camino routine and simplicity is ADHD behavioural therapy. Make sure you develop your own routines and checks to make it easier not to forget stuff.
Buen Camino!

 

[lsg]

Just a quick update on travel and medication for posterity. I've spent the past week in England and am now in Athens. I have brought a 40 day supply of stimulants and a 90 day supply of other prescription medication in my checked luggage and have not been stopped at customs at any point. As a precaution I've brought all medication in the original pharmacy bags printed with my name and prescribing hospital but as far as I know, this hasn't been examined.

 

[Donna Sch]

Just a quick update on travel and medication for posterity. I've spent the past week in England and am now in Athens. I have brought a 40 day supply of stimulants and a 90 day supply of other prescription medication in my checked luggage and have not been stopped at customs at any point. As a precaution I've brought all medication in the original pharmacy bags printed with my name and prescribing hospital but as far as I know, this hasn't been examined.

That's good. Tourists can get caught out with OTC codeine based products in Greece. I assume you had to declare the meds when you flew in?

 

[lsg]

That's good. Tourists can get caught out with OTC codeine based products in Greece. I assume you had to declare the meds when you flew in?

Er nope, didn't declare anything. Everything issued to me is in a blister pack.

 

[lsg]

I'm in SJPDP now! Start walking tomorrow. 1st night in the albergue was alright. Took a while to get to sleep but slept through the other pilgrims leaving at 5.30am. Bottom bunk is the best bunk. Iykyk

 

[CarolamS]

I'm in SJPDP now! Start walking tomorrow. 1st night in the albergue was alright. Took a while to get to sleep but slept through the other pilgrims leaving at 5.30am. Bottom bunk is the best bunk. Iykyk

Buen Camino
How exciting. It's a year since I was there so very poignant for me. I hope you have a pleasant crossing of the mountain with great views. Be friendly, some of these people you'll never see again and some you might always stay friends with...impossible to know until much later

 

[lsg]

Writing this from Larrasoaña. Stayed at the albergue in Roncesvalles last night. There were so many people chatting away that I had to wear both the earplugs and the headphones to go to sleep. Would rather not do that again.

 

[CarolamS]

Writing this from Larrasoaña. Stayed at the albergue in Roncesvalles last night. There were so many people chatting away that I had to wear both the earplugs and the headphones to go to sleep. Would rather not do that again.

You shouldn't need to sleep with so many people again but at least you have headphones and earplugs. Well done.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Writing this from Larrasoaña. Stayed at the albergue in Roncesvalles last night. There were so many people chatting away that I had to wear both the earplugs and the headphones to go to sleep. Would rather not do that again.

When you are arriving in Pamplona, stay in Trinidad de Arre (albergue right at the bridge). And when you continue onward, stay in the smaller villages... and not in the large private albergues (unless you can get your own room). Municipal and parochial albergues generally have stricter regulations about lights out times, and quiet hours. You won't see another really large albergue after Pamplona until Burgos (though the one in Estella can get very busy... it does have quiet hours). The Estella albergue used to have two side-by-side bunks down the middle of the dorm and that may not be great for you, so you should inform the hospitalero of your needs... perhaps get a more private corner...

 

[NualaOC]

Great that you’re on your way!
Another suggestion re Estella: the Albergue Capuchinos on the way out of town is beautifully calm, kind and civilised. More expensive than a Municipal, but cheaper than a pensión.
¡Buen Camino!