I’m baaaack!!!! (Update)

[HBS60]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

 

[C clearly]

It's great to hear about your positive plans! Stay in touch!

 

[VNwalking]

Hector, wonderful to hear your plans - may they unfold smoothly!

 

[bestfootforward]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

Hello Hector!

Great to hear you're well and WOW, you sure do have a lot going on! It's fair to say your Camino has been a truly life-changing experience for you. So much achieved and so many wonderful opportunities and adventures ahead.

You have people assisting you with the relocation process and while it may be ardous, the result will hopefully give you what you need. And from other threads, it's clear many other non-national forum members are in Spain permanently or close to, and they'll have helpful advice. And if it's southern Spain you choose, you won't regret it. You'll be spoilt for choice with beautiful (warm) places to live. My parents moved there from Australia in the 1980s and never looked back.

It's great to see you back here, and who knows..... on a Camino or in an Albergue somewhere in Spain! Buen Camino and so much more!

 

[grdemedeiros]

Congratulations! We've been flirting with leaving our Seattle area home for Europe or Brazil for many years, and have never been able to make the leap. We wish you all the best! If you're contemplating other Europe based thru hikes there are lots of great threads here.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

(...) Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation. (...)

Exciting plans!
I left my home country at the age of 45 and it was a huge change. It did not feel traumatic for me. But then again everyone is different. Wishing you success and may your dreams come true

 

[Robo]

Best Wishes and good luck with your plans Hector. Moving to a new country can be both exciting and initially a bit stressful. Particularly with all the paperwork and Logistics. But I've done it a couple of times now and have no regrets!

What an amazing experience you have ahead of you...

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Thanks for reporting back Hector.

Spain gives Puerto Ricans an easier path to citizenship so look to see if they have a residency visa for Puerto Ricans that would allow you to work.

 

[HBS60]

Thanks for reporting back Hector.

Spain gives Puerto Ricans an easier path to citizenship so look to see if they have a residency visa for Puerto Ricans that would allow you to work.

I don’t think I’ll be allowed to work on a non lucrative visa, but I do know that I can apply for Spanish Citizenship after just two years. Also, after one year I could apply for a change to a work visa if I felt so inclined and had a job offer, neither of them are true at the moment, but who knows!

 

[HBS60]

Best Wishes and good luck with your plans Hector. Moving to a new country can be both exciting and initially a bit stressful. Particularly with all the paperwork and Logistics. But I've done it a couple of times now and have no regrets!

What an amazing experience you have ahead of you...

Thanks! I’ve followed your you tube posts and wanted to thank you for how helpful they’ve been!

 

[dick bird]

My theory is that nobody does the Camino twice. Some do it once and that is enough, but a lot of us are helplessly hooked. If you walk a less followed Camino e.g. la Plata or la Lana it will give you a really good chance to sort ideas out, but even better it will be a priceless opportunity to know and understand Spain. And if you decide to be a volunteer Hospitalero, HosVol are the people to talk to.

 

[Harris]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

What a wonderful decision. I wish that I had done what you are planning twenty years ago. Keep posting.

 

[BarbaraW]

Welcome back, and good luck with your plans. One tip from a friend who made the brave decision to relocate to Spain over 20 years ago. She was solo and in her 50s. After talking to many people who'd also made the move, she chose to settle in a city rather than one of the smaller towns she'd originally thought of. Several people had told her that it might be harder to integrate in a smaller place with a more tight knit and traditional society. Granada, with its university and more cosmopolitan population, certainly worked for her.

 

[HBS60]

My theory is that nobody does the Camino twice. Some do it once and that is enough, but a lot of us are helplessly hooked. If you walk a less followed Camino e.g. la Plata or la Lana it will give you a really good chance to sort ideas out, but even better it will be a priceless opportunity to know and understand Spain. And if you decide to be a volunteer Hospitalero, HosVol are the people to talk to.

I’ve been getting suggestions in relocation forums that I should consider Granada, because composer Manuel de Falla lived there, it’s strong in arts and culture, and the Camino Mozárabe goes through it. I had this image of my retirement in a quiet house close to the city, playing my piano, serenading pilgrims as they walk by. Close enough to town so I can get whatever I need, or go to a piano lesson, and on difficult days I could also walk along the Camino as a local, meeting pilgrims, without worrying about finding an albergue unless I decide to walk farther than a couple of hours. I could hop on a train to other cities and get on other caminos. It might be far fetched to think that way, but I could dream, can’t I?

There’s a Hospitalero training in California in February but I have no idea of where I’ll be in the visa process, so it’s good to know about HosVol, thanks!

 

[davejsy]

I’ve been getting suggestions in relocation forums that I should consider Granada, because composer Manuel de Falla lived there, it’s strong in arts and culture, and the Camino Mozárabe goes through it. I had this image of my retirement in a quiet house close to the city, playing my piano, serenading pilgrims as they walk by. Close enough to town so I can get whatever I need, or go to a piano lesson, and on difficult days I could also walk along the Camino as a local, meeting pilgrims, without worrying about finding an albergue unless I decide to walk farther than a couple of hours. I could hop on a train to other cities and get on other caminos. It might be far fetched to think that way, but I could dream, can’t I?

There’s a Hospitalero training in California in February but I have no idea of where I’ll be in the visa process, so it’s good to know about HosVol, thanks!

I think there are many places in Spain that will fit your dream Hector.

Spain is a beautiful country and the only other place I could ever consider living, albeit in the NW as I'm not a massive fan of Southern Spain. I think there are many people wishing to leave America after recent events and what that might mean for the future.

Wishing you the best of luck and hearing where you might decide on!

 

[VNwalking]

It might be far fetched to think that way, but I could dream, can’t I?

Things are only far-ferched if you only think about them - and you've long since passed that point along the way.

I’ve been getting suggestions in relocation forums that I should consider Granada, because composer Manuel de Falla lived there, it’s strong in arts and culture, and the Camino Mozárabe goes through it.

There are lots of places in Spain with links to music. Like El Vendrell, between Tarragona and Barcelona - the birthplace of Pablo Casals. Or Ávila, where Tomás Luis de Victoria is thought to be from. You're spoiled for choice!

 

[J Willhaus]

I’ve been getting suggestions in relocation forums that I should consider Granada, because composer Manuel de Falla lived there, it’s strong in arts and culture, and the Camino Mozárabe goes through it. I had this image of my retirement in a quiet house close to the city, playing my piano, serenading pilgrims as they walk by. Close enough to town so I can get whatever I need, or go to a piano lesson, and on difficult days I could also walk along the Camino as a local, meeting pilgrims, without worrying about finding an albergue unless I decide to walk farther than a couple of hours. I could hop on a train to other cities and get on other caminos. It might be far fetched to think that way, but I could dream, can’t I?

There’s a Hospitalero training in California in February but I have no idea of where I’ll be in the visa process, so it’s good to know about HosVol, thanks!

You can also take the training in Spain.

 

[60LifeChange]

Congratulations on your decision. I hope you find someplace to call home. I am on the prowl for a new home, but have not had any country or place reach out and say "HERE"!!!! so will keep searching... hope you enjoy your journey!

 

[Sue127]

I glad to see that you have had the time to process your thoughts for your next step. I moved to France from the UK 20 tears ago and have never regretted it. Sometimes a big upheaval is necessary to reprocess life. I wish you all the best on your journey..

 

[countycork]

Best of luck with your plans Hector and shur you are not too far away from Ireland if you fancy a holiday there at some stage - a great little country. Wish I had your courage though!

 

[t2andreo]

Please keep us informed. Those of us who also yearn to possibly relocate, would love to hear periodically about the process, and how you are managing and maneuvering the bureaucracy. I would also be very interested to know where you finally land.

Best wishes as you progress in living the dream!

Tom

 

[Becky 59]

I’ve been getting suggestions in relocation forums that I should consider Granada, because composer Manuel de Falla lived there, it’s strong in arts and culture, and the Camino Mozárabe goes through it. I had this image of my retirement in a quiet house close to the city, playing my piano, serenading pilgrims as they walk by. Close enough to town so I can get whatever I need, or go to a piano lesson, and on difficult days I could also walk along the Camino as a local, meeting pilgrims, without worrying about finding an albergue unless I decide to walk farther than a couple of hours. I could hop on a train to other cities and get on other caminos. It might be far fetched to think that way, but I could dream, can’t I?

There’s a Hospitalero training in California in February but I have no idea of where I’ll be in the visa process, so it’s good to know about HosVol, thanks!

The hospitalero training course in Feb IS the Hosvol course (translated into English and sponsored by American Pilgrims), so certainly sign up if you can! (The courses fill quickly)

As a fellow musician, I feel your pain about leaving a grand piano. When you relocate and get a new piano, be sure to tell me where you live so I can walk past!

 

[trecile]

American Pilgrims will be offering four training sessions in 2025:



Info here:

2025 Hospitalero Training Sessions Announced - American Pilgrims on the Camino

American Pilgrims has announced its 2025 schedule for hospitalero training. Four sessions are planned in California, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.

americanpilgrims.org

 

[bullingtonce]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

Hector, Hooray for you in so many ways. And what news! You realize, of course, that you have raised the expectations of people in terms of keeping everyone abreast of your continued journey in life that doesn't even end in death. Your plans are clearly thought out. Well done! Chuck

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

I did the same in 2019 after my 2016 Camino. We live near Astorga and love life in Spain.

 

[PelegrinNikolai]

Wishing you happiness and success, Héctor

 

[Kev&Kath]

You might find the YouTube channel 'Spain Revealed' useful. Lots of very pertinent information for you there.

 

[HBS60]

You might find the YouTube channel 'Spain Revealed' useful. Lots of very pertinent information for you there.

Thanks, I’ve already been following them, and I was actually at one of their webinars today. I’m also working with bureaucracy.es to help me through the visa process. They are all great!

 

[alexwalker]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

I thoroughly enjoyed following/"reading" your Camino journey, and am happy to "see" you back here again.

I have myself toyed with relocating to Spain for a long time (easier for a European, I reckon), but due to a recent permanent, terminating (long term) diagnose, I better stick to my country's good, and free, healthcare safety net system for my autumn years. But I will continue my Caminos as long as I am able; next May with my daughter.

I wish you all the best and good luck with your relocation plans!

And welcome to yet another member of the Caminoholics Anonymous for repeat offenders!

 

[Harris]

Ah, Hector, welcome again to the Repeat Offenders club, and thank you again for continuing to fire up and bring ideas to me on this cold and foggy day here on the west coast of Canada. Though this is my adopted country, and continues to be my home of choice - after having several cross-world moves, I wish that I had started serious Camino-ing earlier in my life. I would have landed in a city such as Coimbra, or Salamanca.
Keep us all up to date on where you are on your journey.

 

[Robo]

I thoroughly enjoyed following/"reading" your Camino journey, and am happy to "see" you back here again.

I have myself toyed with relocating to Spain for a long time (easier for a European, I reckon), but due to a recent permanent, terminating (long term) diagnose, I better stick to my country's good healthcare safety net system for my autumn years. But I will continue my Caminos as long as I am able; next May with my daughter.

I wish you all the best and good luck with your relocation plans!

And welcome to yet another member of the Caminoholics Anonymous for repeat offenders!

Maybe we need to rekindle that thread about 'buying a village' for Caminoholics to retire to?

Be careful Hector, we might all become your neighbours!

 

[davebugg]

Good to see you back. My best to you as you pursue your major life change and keeping my fingers crossed that the smoothest path is found to meet your goals.

 

[RobinGore]

Hello, again, fellow Pilgrims!

Sorry I needed to take a break from these boards, it’s complicated but I have a lot to share.

For the newbies here, I did my Camino Frances between August and September, and chronicled it extensively until I got home to FL right as a hurricane was lashing the other side of the state (but still could be felt). Then we got another hurricane, this time went through Central FL where I live. That was a lot of stress and cleanup to do. But I was also drained and exhausted. It felt like I was having a Camino hangover, for a while I needed to disconnect, stopped following this and other Camino boards as I needed to “detox”. It felt like having gorged on plates and plates of food to the point I couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Finally, it started to get better, and I would scroll over my FB postings with gratitude and joy, then…how do I put this?… things have happened in my country that slammed me back to the ground.

So, I’ve made the decision to move out of my country and relocate to Spain, so I’m applying for a non-lucrative visa. The truth is that I’ve been thinking about making this move for a few years, and I finally got the message that I shouldn’t keep postponing it any more. While I could move to any number of Spanish-speaking countries, having done the Camino gave me the confidence that I can relocate successfully to Spain. Not that it will be easy, as it’s traumatic leaving the country that has been home for 40 years, leaving behind friends and family, but I know I’m not the only person in the world that has dealt with this type of situation.

I’ve met so many delightful people, Spaniards and from elsewhere, that I know that I’ll have no trouble meeting people that would support me through this transition. I met 4 Spaniards at the Camino, one in Madrid, one in Murcia, one in Seville, one in Valencia and have been in touch with them. I do not know yet where I’ll be living, probably southern Spain as I don’t like cold weather.

While I made it a point in my earlier posts that I couldn’t even think of doing other caminos, well…I might do so anyway, as I’m sure it will be therapeutic and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having so many caminos gives me choices and flexibility. It’s not that I’m thrilled about it, but I also see its value. While I am not allowed to work with a non-lucrative visa, I’m sure I could volunteer at places like albergues. Being that I’ll be in Europe, I can also take the opportunity to travel through Europe, visit places, without having to fly across the ocean. I would also want to find an institution or teacher that can work with me in my piano technique.

I still have lots of decisions to make, like what to do my my house here in FL, what do do with my grand piano, how to figure out the finances, the bureaucratic paperwork, etc. I’m currently working with an agency that’s guiding me through the process. I’m hoping to get everything in order over the next couple of months, but who knows.

Once again, I’m grateful for the incredible support I got during my Camino, and. I look forward for more human connections.

Thanks, everybody!

Hector

Well done. I doubt you'll regret it - we don't. I have a YouTube channel called Wanderlust Pilgrim but the previous channel name was "Leaving Crazy for Italy" ... it was all about leaving the US and starting new lives in Italy where we both qualified for Italian Citizenship. I applaud your decision. Spain's a great option! Look at all the Camino's you could do. I'm excited for you . I'm doing the Frances again in the Spring - can't wait. Good luck Hector.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I’m also working with bureaucracy.es to help me through the visa process. They are all great!

Good news for you. They have a reputation though.

 

[RobinGore]

Maybe we need to rekindle that thread about 'buying a village' for Caminoholics to retire to?

Be careful Hector, we might all become your neighbours!

I'd buy a house there

 

[Phil W]

I’ve been getting suggestions in relocation forums that I should consider Granada, because composer Manuel de Falla lived there, it’s strong in arts and culture, and the Camino Mozárabe goes through it. I had this image of my retirement in a quiet house close to the city, playing my piano, serenading pilgrims as they walk by. Close enough to town so I can get whatever I need, or go to a piano lesson, and on difficult days I could also walk along the Camino as a local, meeting pilgrims, without worrying about finding an albergue unless I decide to walk farther than a couple of hours. I could hop on a train to other cities and get on other caminos. It might be far fetched to think that way, but I could dream, can’t I?

There’s a Hospitalero training in California in February but I have no idea of where I’ll be in the visa process, so it’s good to know about HosVol, thanks!

Hector,

HosVol has courses in other countries. Here is a link to the HosVol hospitalero training for 2024, https://www.caminosantiago.org/cpperegrino/hospitaleros/cursos.asp. They normally have some in Spain also.

Phil

 

[naplesdon]

Allow me to offer this alternative. I got my residency in Portugal. They have recently changed some of the requirements but it is quite a bit easier there than applying in Spain.