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That’s entirely normal.
I wished I had learned more Spanish. Very little English spoken on the Caminos at the time. Being extremely lazy I still wish I had learned more Spanish but I've still not done much about it!
Beat me to it! I did mine at a couple of days notice with no time to plan and was very straightforward. No time to plan or fuss. Get to the start and start walking with a few changes of clothes!
Buen Camino Angm'! It's just nervous energy and excitement. You're in for the experience of a lifetime! It's been 8 years since I walked, and I haven't made it back, but long for it every day. You'll do great!
On the Camino Frances I assume? Buen Camino and keep in the shade!
I’ve been walking since 2000, and my pre-camino mental state is always exactly as you describe. What I find, though, is that when the door closes on my first flight, the nerves and worries decrease a lot and I am able to relax. And when I actually take my first step on the camino, that’s when they disappear completely, and my focus is on just putting one foot in front of the other.
PMFJI:
My only regret from my first Camino is that I stressed too much and over planned. By day four I had discarded the spreadsheets and embraced the day to day simplicity. I reckon at least 90% of us were that very nervous Pilgrim at one time or another. Let the Camino companionship and esprit de corp carry you along the road to Santiago. BUEN CAMINO
Great and download the right map and accommodation apps-that half the job done. Oh and use Gronze.com which is not in app form!
Buen Camino!
Exactly, just take it one step at a time and it will all unfold as you go.
I agree with so many of the comments. We learned very early that “the Camino provides.” It does. Get out there, enjoy the sites, enjoy the people, and relax. You will get to where you’re going.
I'd have started my camino many years before had I known how simple it all was. It's a long days walk, followed by a night in a dorm maybe and a communal meal...sometimes
You are going to love it! I'm doing my second Camino for my birthday in Sept. I will just offer some practical tips - the paths are very well marked (at least on the way of St. Francis) so it's hard to get lost, and plenty of other people to walk with. A lot of people use Booking.com to get your accommodation ironed out in advance and then it's all lined up in chrono order on the app. Super easy! And hosts like to message you about check-in instructions, etc. on the app too. Take advantage of the bag transport - I take a small daypack with me, and for 4 euros a day, the service will take your bigger backpack or suitcase to your next location (at your first accommodation, you can arrange for the transport with the host). Huge help. And take some cheap flip flops for any shared shower facilities. I also took old T-shirts that could be thrown out, which can be easier than dealing with laundry, although a lot of hostels/albergues have laundry facilities. Buena suerte y Buen Camino!
I wish I had already known that within me was the willpower to accomplish the camino, through pouring rain over the Pyrenees with a way too heavy backpack, three times 450 miles each time. I did it. So can you!
Nerves are healthy, and most of us suffer from them at some point or another.
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I would have brought a powerbank.
From my first Camino, I found that communal meals and going out to restaurant dinners with other pilgrims was very helpful. I learned a lot from their experiences. Just absorb with your eyes and ears, and filter out what does not appeal to you.
Is that the one where Christ is reaching down with one hand?
It is helpful to realize that no one but you are causing this 'super nervousness;' therefore, no need to reach out to anyone. You are causing this nervousness so fix it yourself. In addition, this is a super positive thing as your subconsciousness or your over-thinking is generating this . . . and for a good reason. Go where this is taking you; do not try to hide it or remove it. It is there for a reason. Self-doubt is often much more of positive than a negative as there are often reasons for self-doubt. It is there so that you can recognize it and deal with it. Running away from it makes it worse. It may be you do not know the true reason for doing the Camino or that the reasons you do have are inappropriate.
Being taken down from the cross - in the words of the church curator: "Signifying His last days on Earth and your last days on the Camino" - I found it quite profound.
I just googled the church and found the image of Christ reaching down with his right hand from the Cross. It is a very moving image! Thank you, @Barbara, for mentioning this.
I wish I'd started using a bag transport service sooner.
Not so much reaching down as slumping. The right palm bears a bloody stigmata and the nail hole on the cross drips blood too where it has been detached from the cross.
What I learn from the Camino every time I walk is that God/the Universe/Higher Power/The Camino is to be trusted. Even went things go screwy (as they occasionally do) it works out OK and something good comes of it.
And what you think is essential before you leave is probably still too much!
For my first Camino, I wish I had given myself more time. In general, I would advise not worrying too much. The Camino is a very supportive place.
I wish that I knew that freak weather could happen on the route napoleon over the Pyrenees and taken a jacket. Buen Camino.
You'll be fine. Just fine. Trust in yourself. You're in for a magic experience. Buen Camino!
What I somewhat knew, but now I am convinced after several Caminos, is that you have to trust in God. Not that things will necessarily go well, although most do, but that whatever happens you will be able to handle it with a little prayer. Together with the spiritual aspect of the community, it is being willing to experience the possible unknown (whether good or maybe not so good) that makes a Camino truly unique.
Which route are you Doing? Just remember that the Frances is not the only route and the other routes also have their attractions.
Me too! I start in 3 weeks and I'm going to just let go and not over plan....good luck I'm sure it will be an awesome experience
I hear you. I leave home in two weeks and I'm not prepared, and that's ok. As long as you have good shoes and a credit card, everything else can be gotten along the way.
Travel light, have a good pair of walking boots/shoes, sandals are nice to wear when route allows. Change socks often, carry several means of payment ie Cards and a little cash and be friendly. You're gonna love, first time nerves are normal. But remember Travel Light
After my first Camino, I aways take one of those 'camping' synthetic sink plugs and a collapsible mug.
I am indeed! Just completed day 2
Oh yeah. You're on your way. Enjoy.I am indeed! Just completed day 2
Definitely packed too much! But other than that, I’m feeling good. All the advice and recommendations were super helpful! Thank you all!
