Remote working from the Camino Frances

[SantiagoCruzB]

Hi all,

I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

 

[Robo]

I think your idea has some merit in theory.

Though some potential challenges might be:

Poor Internet. You won't really know till you check in how good it is. (make sure they actually have it)

Taxi/bus costs. And might be hard to find them. For example.

Day 1, walk from Pamplona to Puente La Reina. Taxi back to Pamplona . Maybe e25-30
Day 2. Taxi to Puente La Reina, walk to Estella. Taxi out e25 Taxi back to Pamplona e50
Day 3. Taxi to Estella, walk to Los Arcos, Taxi back. Taxi out e50 taxi back to Pamplona e75.
etc etc
You'll end up spending more on taxis than hotel rooms, and spending a couple of hours each day in a taxi.

(rough taxi costs at about e1 / km)

Do you speak Spanish?

An alternative, might be to keep moving each day, but book ahead.
Talk to the Hotel and make sure they have good internet before reserving your room.

If you plan accomodation ahead, you could still have packages sent to your Hotel.

And.......

Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!

There is also the consideration of other guests?
Will you just be working alone online, or taking part in meetings.
I wouldn't want to be in the next room with a heated online discussion going on at 3am!

 

[tomnorth]

I suggest you bag this idea and save your Camino for when you can truly get away. I don’t see how you’re going to walk 12 miles a day after having been up from 3 to 9. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

 

[trecile]

You don't have to be away from home for 6 weeks to walk the Camino. I suggest that you decide how much time you can unplug from work and walk for that period of time.
If arriving in Santiago is important to you choose a starting point that will allow you to walk there in the time that you have available.

 

[Former member 31048]

Hi, I appreciate your dilemna. And there is not one right way but …I agree with @trecile - perhaps you can see how long you can take off from work and make your plans with that in mind.

For me, one of the most wonderful, free-ing and rewarding aspects of the camino is the uninterrupted, day after day walking, one foot in front of the other, with few responsibilities other than where to sleep and to eat. The rest will unfold.

FYI - many people walk the Camino Frances from SJPP to SdeC in around 4 weeks …. And many people walk, for example, for two weeks one year, and come back the next …. and pick up where they left off etc

Best wishes

 

[oursonpolaire]

I wonder if you couldn't manage every second day for your work schedule. To my mind the real challenge is going to be able to put in a reasonable 4-6 hours walking, and getting enough sleep, as well as your office's requirement for 3-6 hours. If they really want this, I do not know if I could count on doing much more than 15-16km/day. Perhaps they can be made happy with you working for two days a week. You could then walk away, then check into your hotel and set up your office for a couple of days, then charge on. They might be able to adjust.

That having been said, you needn't limit yourself to a few cities. Spain is not a third world country and most towns have very effective internet. With the possible exception of the meseta, you would have reasonable facilities every couple of days.

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

I think your idea has some merit in theory.

Though some potential challenges might be:

Poor Internet. You won't really know till you check in how good it is. (make sure they actually have it)

Taxi/bus costs. And might be hard to find them. For example.

Day 1, walk from Pamplona to Puente La Reina. Taxi back to Pamplona . Maybe e25-30
Day 2. Taxi to Puente La Reina, walk to Estella. Taxi out e25 Taxi back to Pamplona e50
Day 3. Taxi to Estella, walk to Los Arcos, Taxi back. Taxi out e50 taxi back to Pamplona e75.
etc etc
You'll end up spending more on taxis than hotel rooms, and spending a couple of hours each day in a taxi.

(rough taxi costs at about e1 / km)

Do you speak Spanish?

An alternative, might be to keep moving each day, but book ahead.
Talk to the Hotel and make sure they have good internet before reserving your room.

If you plan accomodation ahead, you could still have packages sent to your Hotel.

And.......

Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!

There is also the consideration of other guests?
Will you just be working alone online, or taking part in meetings.
I wouldn't want to be in the next room with a heated online discussion going on at 3am!

Thanks Robo!
* Poor Internet. You won't really know till you check in how good it is. (make sure they actually have it) Understood.
* You'll end up spending more on taxis than hotel rooms, and spending a couple of hours each day in a taxi.
I agree I'll have to budget for the taxi. I'm thinking of moving cities that will be within 30 minutes taxi/bus ride from the Camino as I move along. I'm considering Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Sarria, and SdC.
* Do you speak Spanish?
I've been brushing up on my Spanish for the past year and hope to be fluent enough by the time I make the trip.
* An alternative, might be to keep moving each day, but book ahead. Talk to the Hotel and make sure they have good internet before reserving your room.
Excellent suggestion. I may end up doing this most of the time.
* Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!
I've used this (dongle) before in France and Germany, and overall they worked quite well although there were some areas where my local (HK) provider's dongle didn't work at all even though they assured me it should work well all over EU. Apparently there are the usual "dark areas" especially in the countryside. I just have to find one that will work well on the Camino but I'll have to wait until I'm in Spain to get this (and get one from a Spanish provider, instead of bringing one with me from home like I've done before)
* If you plan accomodation ahead, you could still have packages sent to your Hotel.
Understood.
* There is also the consideration of other guests?
Yes, and I'm thinking I can't stay in Albergues because of this. Although I will be using earphones mostly for conference calls and webinars, I do not want to risk waking up fellow pilgrims whenever I have to talk.

Thanks again for your insights. They're well appreciated.
Stay healthy and safe. Buen Camino!

 

[Robo]

Thanks Robo!
* Poor Internet. You won't really know till you check in how good it is. (make sure they actually have it) Understood.
* You'll end up spending more on taxis than hotel rooms, and spending a couple of hours each day in a taxi.
I agree I'll have to budget for the taxi. I'm thinking of moving cities that will be within 30 minutes taxi/bus ride from the Camino as I move along. I'm considering Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Sarria, and SdC.
* Do you speak Spanish?
I've been brushing up on my Spanish for the past year and hope to be fluent enough by the time I make the trip.
* An alternative, might be to keep moving each day, but book ahead. Talk to the Hotel and make sure they have good internet before reserving your room.
Excellent suggestion. I may end up doing this most of the time.
* Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!
I've used this (dongle) before in France and Germany, and overall they worked quite well although there were some areas where my local (HK) provider's dongle didn't work at all even though they assured me it should work well all over EU. Apparently there are the usual "dark areas" especially in the countryside. I just have to find one that will work well on the Camino but I'll have to wait until I'm in Spain to get this (and get one from a Spanish provider, instead of bringing one with me from home like I've done before)
* If you plan accomodation ahead, you could still have packages sent to your Hotel.
Understood.
* There is also the consideration of other guests?
Yes, and I'm thinking I can't stay in Albergues because of this. Although I will be using earphones mostly for conference calls and webinars, I do not want to risk waking up fellow pilgrims whenever I have to talk.

Thanks again for your insights. They're well appreciated.
Stay healthy and safe. Buen Camino!

However............having read the other replies, I should add.
My initial reply was just the practical aspects.

I would have to agree with others 100% in regard to:

Trying to work whilst enjoying the true benefits of a Camino, would be very very hard!
You may end up doing both rather badly.

I would rather have 1 week, totally work free on a Camino, than 4 weeks trying to manage both.

 

[Robo]

I'm thinking of moving cities that will be within 30 minutes taxi/bus ride from the Camino as I move along. I'm considering Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Sarria, and SdC.

Just remember, that every day's walk (say 30 kms), is roughly the same as a 30 minute taxi ride!
So day 1 is a 30 minute taxi ride.
Day 2 60 minutes.
Day 3 90 minutes.........

 

[Malachiuri]

The answer to your question is a resounding, "Depends".

What is the nature of your work? Will you be shagging emails and simple documents for work or would you be video conferencing and generating large image files?

When will you go? Winter or early Spring will be very sparse on other pilgrims and most of the lodging I have enjoyed during those times have pretty good wifi. If you are going in late Spring or high Summer, you will be competing with tons of other pilgrims for bandwidth no matter how great it is. Superb hotel wifi doesnt deal well with 50-100 pilgrims all updating Facebook with pics and vids on the best days.

If you want to do this, make it easy on yourself. Planning an intricate schedule of hotels, taxis, broken up walks will be more stress than it is worth. You are literally describing something harder than actually going to work...

Explain to your employer that you will shag stuff from the Camino, but there may be a day or two here and there you cant check in, but it wont be that often. Im guessing that if you can even thing about enough time for a Camino, you probably don't do a whole lot of ultra time sensitive stuff. If you do, reconsider maybe.

Whatever you decide, have a safe and tremendously fun trip!

M

 

[Anamiri]

I just googled the time difference between Hong Kong and Spain - 6 hours.
Time differences can be difficult to work with - even when it is much less, even 2 hours difference can do your head in.
I once had a job where I ran a large marketing department in Auckland NZ, whilst at the same time was seconded to the Sydney HO to set up a marketing department there and also complete various project roles in logistics. For 10 months I alternated between countries, running both departments until I just about wore myself out.
Auckland is 2 hours ahead, so I had to be ready to roll at 6am, which meant a 5pm Sydney start to be ready for the Auckland office. Then in the evening I worked until 8pm Sydney time (project hours), then went back to my lodgings and finished off there. I also had to travel around the various ports in Australia which added to my travelling times.
I flew out on the first flight out of Auckland on Mondays as I had to work some of the weekend here, and flew back in on the 6pm out of Sydney on Fridays.
And when I was working in NZ, I still had to work longer hours due to the time difference, to support the Sydney team - most of whom were new.
As it was a fixed term secondment, I just put up with it - but I have to say I had no life in my life - and I was so tired on my one day off that I didnt enjoy the weekends either. And I was so busy that I barely had time to enjoy the sights of Sydney.
Obviously I was younger then - I dont think I could do it now .

I imagine thats what your Camino could end up like if you aren't careful. Your workmates would likely not realise that a Camino is not a typical resort-type holiday in a fixed location with good internet service, and their expectations of you might be too high.

Being on a Camino which means you exist in a 'bubble' for the duration of the walk, where you are cutoff from your 'other' life - thats one of the things that makes a Camino so great , you truly have time just to focus on yourself.

You also need to walk 20 kms or so each day, which doesn't come without its own challenges.

And if you have to keep travelling back to the same base for a few days (as per Robo's maths) , you lose all chance of keeping up with the same set of pilgrims friends, as they will be staying, dining and socialising ahead of you. That may not be a priority for you now, but you never know until you experience it.

 

[Former member 49149]

Excuse me, why not just just work with the time your job allows?

 

[Mark McCarthy]

There are not enough cities on the to make the bus thing work other than for a day either side of arriving and leaving in a city. There are however enough towns where you can get stuff delivered to hotels every second or third day.

For internet, there is wifi everywhere but the quality of the wifi is generally quite weak. The 4G signal along the Camino Francés is generally very good and a mifi with a local Spanish SIM would likely work very well. If you are having to work from 3am till 9am, you are best booking private rooms so as not to disturb other pilgrims.

What you are proposing is very tough, working six hours and then walking 6 - 8 hours but if you have 6 weeks you can afford to do it in shorter walking days if you choose.

I have carried an ultraportable laptop on Camino before but with chargers and cables it is an extra 1.5Kg in your pack, though you can choose to ship your pack each day if it it is too heavy.

The only way you can be sure if it is feasible or not is to try it out and if it does prove unworkable you can just come back another time to complete your Camino, so I would be tempted to say go for it and keep us posted on how you get on.

A couple of hotel reccommendations would be Hotel Maisonnave in Pamplona and Spa Hotel Paris in Leon.

 

[Anniesantiago]

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

Honestly, I don't think all that moving is necessary unless you need a file cabinet to work. There is good accessible internet all along the route. Nearly every village has an internet accessible point, at least. I never had any problems finding internet the last few years.

 

[RajeevS]

Lots of good information above. Only thing I would add is that I am on the Camino Frances right now with a 30gb sim card/28 days from Orange Spain and have had absolutely no issues with high speed connectivity. I need to check in with work all the time and sometimes wish I could use the excuse of poor connectivity to get away from it all! May be next year!

 

[ChipFrazier]

At the risk of being negative & judgmental, I will ask an obvious question. Why do you feel compelled to take such extraordinary measures to "walk" the Camino? I recommend you more seriously examine what outcomes you expect from your Camino experience. A walking/working Camino may not meet your expectations despite considerable cost in time & money & perhaps unacceptable impact on your job performance for 6 weeks. Personally, I would recommend you not take that risk. But, that recommendation is based on my experience....not yours. Regardless, buen Camino!

 

[Xali1970]

I wouldn't do this. If you have the budget, it's your choice though.

I couldn't get the introspection and benefits from a multi day walk, be it 3 days or 3 months, if I have to sort out business issues during my walk. How will you clear your head from the office problem when you have to deal with them every day while on the Camino.
For me the entire point of a Camino is to leave everything behind for a while and hope for something else. Stuff can wait and it'll still be there on my return.

 

[HaveringRob]

In my very uninformed opinion, you might just try it and see how it goes. If you feel called to do the Camino, despite time and work challenges, maybe there is a reason. It might not be a traditional one, but it might be the one for you.

 

[VNwalking]

Thanks very much for your inputs

Honestly, @SantiagoCruzB , this sounds completely exhausting.

Walking is its own physical challenge, but loading sleep disruption and logistic/connection challenges on top of that? The drain would likely be multiplicative rather than additive.

On top of that, as others have said, a big part of the joy of the camino is the absolute simplicity of just being, for an extended period of time - when the only job is a daily repetition of walk wash eat sleep. To do what you propose would make that impossible.

 

[Geodoc]

SantiagoCruzB, Ignore those saying "don't work". Sometimes, people can't afford to take the time to leave it behind, so needs must. I worked through my Camino. Didn't particularly enjoy having to work, but it had to be done, so I did it and still had an enjoyable Camino.

If you're one of those saying "don't work", please stop it. That doesn't add to the conversation and doesn't help the OP. She/He's looking for solutions, not criticism. Let him/her do his camino her/his way. I heard the same criticism, and it did not help at all (and all you're really doing is make the OP feel bad, despite the fact that they're trying to do the Camino with the cards they're dealt).

I found that working in the afternoons while others napped or read worked for me. Not sure how the 3 AM thing will work for you, particularly if staying in an albergue. If you can afford it, it might be best to stay in hotels, pensiones, or casas rurales where you have a private room and can work those hours without interrupting others. But, and I can't stress this enough, use your days off to stay in the albergues so you can experience the Camino as others do.

 

[JamesQuast]

I found that most of the Wi-Fi is somewhat unstable and is not secure. In the big cities you don’t have a problem but in a small towns I find you will. I bought a eSIM for my phone as well as a regular SIM for my iPad with a keyboard. I’m using Orange but there might be other connection companies. This so far has given me very stable Conference calling, Wi-Fi/Data connection throughout the entire Camino. I’m on day 21 and started from SJPDP and I’ve been very happy so far. I update a blog every day, communicate to my friends/family, call my parents, and haven’t had any issues with this approach. I’ve also done zoom and FaceTime without being dropped. Good luck.

 

[VNwalking]

If you're one of those saying "don't work", please stop it. That doesn't add to the conversation and doesn't help the OP. She/He's looking for solutions, not criticism

I offered what I did not as criticism but as a reality check. If work could be done without taxi-ing or getting up so early, that would be more of a realistic possibility.

But it would still be intrusive.
What you never experienced is life on the camino without the tether of work.

The OP should try, and see what works for them. But it will not be the same experience. At all.

 

[lt56ny]

I hope he figures this out but to be honest I don't get it and he seems young enough to go when it is far less complicated. I stopped reading the thread just feeling stress thinking about this. Don't go now my friend. The camino can be one of the most wonderful experience you may have. The only thing that has brought me more joy and profound emotion was seeing my children as they came into the world.
It is like they say about some relationships and other important things in one's life. If it is this hard imagine what it will be when you are actually doing it. Don't abandon your dream just wait. It will be far less stressful, far more fruitful and with moments of preciousness that you can't imagine.

 

[alexwalker]

To the OP: Why not test yorself for a few days at home? Switch to Spanish time, and start working and walking like you were in Spain, including taxi back to your home at the end of the walk? And then taxi back to where you ended last?

 

[Former member 91017]

I offered what I did not as criticism but as a reality check. If work could be done without taxi-ing or getting up so early, that would be more of a realistic possibility.

But it would still be intrusive.
What you never experienced is life on the camino without the tether of work.

The OP should try, and see what works for them. But it will not be the same experience. At all.

The same experience as what, though? It will be that person's experience... and for whatever reason, the call is strong enough in the present to try even with this stress.

I had a less time-sensitive situation on my first camino, but I did have to work for the first 2.5 weeks of my walk, and so I missed some group dinners (because I had to handle copy-edits and page proofs in a time sensitive way). Seeing as I *hate* the adult summer camp feel that can develop on camino, I was not at all bothered by missing some dinners. I needed the time to myself to be me... and who I am has obligations...

What irritated me most was people who said should not be there with my work, that I should have stayed home, should have delayed.... to a less complicated stage of life. They treated me as though I was somehow diminishing *their* camino when my life and theirs had nothing to do with each other. I just didn't join them for their reindeer games and it seemed to really peeve them. Why??
The camino was not built for retirees and those wealthy enough not to have to work. And a tragedy that unfolded at home in the time around my camino means that my life will forever and ever be complicated.

As the forum motto says, "Go and do, because life won't wait."

Maybe the OP will find it is too difficult, or too expensive, too taxing... and will return home, or take up a permanent spot for 6 weeks in an Air BnB... I dunno.

But if they can work out the details, they can do it. In my non-covid life I walk between 10-12 km per day and work a full day... the hours are differently set, but the OP has an idea of how to do it to make it work for themself.

I hope I don't sound overly cranky, but I am really piqued by the frequent advice of those who say that until life is less complicated the camino is not for a given person. That's kind fo like saying that until we are perfect people, that the comfort of communion is to be withheld. It makes no sense in the history of pilgrimage.

The only requirement of a pilgrim to go on camino in any historical sense has been a letter from the priest verifying that the pilgrim was not abandoning responsibility by going. It seems to me that the priest would write the letter of passage for this pilgrim to receive the blessings of St. James at the end.

As a professor I have students with very complicated lives (especially now). I don't tell them to wait for life to be less messy before they take my courses. I work with them to find out what we can do to make it possible to meet my requirements, the institutional requirements, and their situation.

 

[Flog]

It's a daft idea. Do a camino when you have some proper headspace for it. Yes, that's a judgemental statement. Sorry.

 

[Niels]

You do have received many good answers to your post. And I agrre with most of them. Doing the Camino the way, you have planned, has nothing to do with the Camino spirit. It'll be something and nothing. You won't have the time to meet fellow pilgrims. You won't have the time to relax. The idea of walking the Camino is to leave your ordinary life for a time. Why not settle for a short Camino like Camino Primitivo or just drop the thougt completely and wait a few years, 'till you'll have the time. The Caminos's not running anywhere.

 

[Barbara]

It's doable by walking most days, maybe shorter distances than many you will meet. Rather than relying on someone else's internet just get a Spanish SIM card with enough data. You can always reload it. You might sometimes need a "rest" day to catch up with either the work or the walk.
The "why" of it is nobody's business but yours. Yes, you will almost certainly need private rooms. Which is in itself no hardship. Pilgrim conviviality is IMHO much overrated at times. Especially the ones who insist on "my way is the right way" when you are just trying to get some peace and quiet.
Just get the lightest gear you can, and you should be good to go.

 

[Marbe2]

The OP obviously knows that his/her situation is not ideal. This person is seeking a way to make the process doable. Telling someone it is a “daft” idea is not helpful!

Pamplona, Estella, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Ponferrada, Sarria, and Santiago de Compostela will all have strong WIFI service. Some of the smaller towns that The Brierley guide for the CF uses to begin and end stages often have good connections as well. As previously stated…but it also depends also upon the establishment you are staying at.
Also consider renting some type of portable internet connection. Sometimes accommodations turn the WiFI connections off during certain hours at night so this is another consderation.

Clearly, if you need-to receive packages by mail in a timely fashion, then setting up several bases along the route makes sense. You still might want to consider renting a portable wifi such as Wifivox in Spain. I have never used it, but I am sure others on this thread can recommend a good service provider for mobile WIFI in Spain.

 

[Geodoc]

I offered what I did not as criticism but as a reality check. If work could be done without taxi-ing or getting up so early, that would be more of a realistic possibility.

But it would still be intrusive.
What you never experienced is life on the camino without the tether of work.

The OP should try, and see what works for them. But it will not be the same experience. At all.

To whom would it be intrusive? The OP is doing the Camino their own way. Sorry, but this comes across as somewhat selfish (I'm trying to find the right word, but that's pretty much the only one I can come up with right now, other than maybe offensive). I, personally, have experienced life on the Camino without work (two short Caminos without work, one long one with and without).

While I prefer not to work while on Camino, I also recognize that life is fleeting, and that if one waited to do the Camino (or anything) until they have time to devote all their attention to 4-6 weeks walking without distractions, then they might miss it. People die unexpectedly all the time (my wife almost did, hence her Caminos) and I'm surprised I'm still alive after being diagnosed with a terminal disease and given 18 months to live (8 years ago!). If I waited until I had the time to do it while not working, I might never make it. Heck, I'm just hoping I live long enough to retire and have some free time to pursue other ventures.

Again, to all those saying "Don't work", please, stop it. It's selfish on your part to denigrate somebody else's decisions on how to do their Camino. Rather than push your agenda, please offer support.

Rant off.

 

[Former member 91017]

You do have received many good answers to your post. And I agrre with most of them. Doing the Camino the way, you have planned, has nothing to do with the Camino spirit. It'll be something and nothing. You won't have the time to meet fellow pilgrims. You won't have the time to relax. The idea of walking the Camino is to leave your ordinary life for a time. Why not settle for a short Camino like Camino Primitivo or just drop the thougt completely and wait a few years, 'till you'll have the time. The Caminos's not running anywhere.

I know that people are not usually aware that the “point” of walking a Camino is to arrive at the bones of the saint, not to fall into a very contemporary very “new age” version of walking meditation… but there is little historical precedent for disconnection as the “spirit of the Camino”.
People have walked not because walking was the only laudable mode for 1200 years, but merely the only accessible mode to most people. We walk now in hommage to that history. And *some* walk as a walking meditation, or a personal discovery quest.
But the point of pilgrimage is to arrive at the destination, and the necessity of the medieval faithful arriving mostly on foot (or horse, or by carriage if very lucky) does not require telling the family and work to bugger off. The literate on pilgrimage always sent letters home to their parishes and families, and the Templars set up the first password encrypted banking system in the world for the sake of pilgrims and crusaders. Pilgrims have always used the best connection and technology available to them. Of course most were peasants and did not bring their work with them; of course the wealthier ones could pay someone else to carry on work at home for them, and the very wealthiest just stayed home to keep business running and sent someone else “in vivo vocare“.
The idea of leaving ordinary life behind is a contemporary conceit. It does not reflect the long arc of pilgrimage history, in which, again, the “idea” — the *objective* is to arrive by whatever means necessary to the site of worship for a powerful saint to achieve an intercession or blessing.

 

[alexwalker]

Fellow pilgrims,

@SantiagoCruzB , as a very new member among us (Welcome!), has asked a question in here. How has he been received? Not well, IMHO.

We can mean a lot about his plans (and some have, even harshly so), But his question was about places with good Internet connection. (Edit/): Not about bussing/taxiing back and forth on the Camino, at high cost in the long run, having quite a stressful and tiring Camino (/edit). Very few have answered him on his issue.

@SantiagoCruzB : I could never do a Camino like you are considering, but I am old (67), and I believe you must be much younger and stronger than me, so maybe it will work. But it will be tough...

Maybe this thread has run its course?

 

[Tincatinker]

I’ll walk to Santiago, to pay homage to one who perhaps touched the divine. I’ll walk to Muxia because one day the boat will not be broken and I’ll sail across those sundering seas to where my elders wait. I’ll carry my responsibilities and my cares but I’ll not confuse that luggage with the act of pilgrimage.

I waited 30 years to walk a Camino because my masters would never grant me leave or let. In retrospect I wish I’d have told them rather than asked. (Profanity avoided)

 

[Tincatinker]

@alexwalker i can’t but agree but isn’t it one of the unanswerable questions. I have great connectivity here, moderate in my local pub and sh*te on the hill where I stretch the dogs. It varies, like what everything else from the quality of the Menu Peregrino to the shudder level of the Tinto. Best possible advice? If you really want to do it, do it. Just don’t expect it to be anything like your expectations

 

[alexwalker]

@alexwalker i can’t but agree but isn’t it one of the unanswerable questions. I have great connectivity here, moderate in my local pub and sh*te on the hill where I stretch the dogs. It varies, like what everything else from the quality of the Menu Peregrino to the shudder level of the Tinto. Best possible advice? If you really want to do it, do it. Just don’t expect it to be anything like your expectations

Wholeheartedly agree. Was just trying to be a politician.

 

[Sue127]

I had to work and walk, but luckily not as intensively as @SantiagoCruzB. I needed to be in contact every 48 hours and only needed to spend as much time as was necessary to assess some work. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to speak, so no annoyance to others. Yes, I would have preferred to take five weeks off without having to work, who wouldn’t? But I did find it disappointing that people became judgemental in how and why SantiagoCruzB wanted (needed) to walk his/her Camino. I’m off again soon, but the only way I can walk the Camino is to take my tablet with me again. Although there were a couple of times I had to miss out on evening jollies, I benefited immensely from the friendliness, support and challenge. WiFi was reasonably good in most places but there were a couple of places where I couldn’t download; I didn’t need conferencing facilities. Good luck on whichever way you decide, remember, it is YOUR Camino and you’ll be able to look back on it with pleasure. Buen Camino

 

[alexwalker]

I had to work and walk, but luckily not as intensively as @SantiagoCruzB. I needed to be in contact every 48 hours and only needed to spend as much time as was necessary to assess some work. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to speak, so no annoyance to others. Yes, I would have preferred to take five weeks off without having to work, who wouldn’t? But I did find it disappointing that people became judgemental in how and why SantiagoCruzB wanted (needed) to walk his/her Camino. I’m off again soon, but the only way I can walk the Camino is to take my tablet with me again. Although there were a couple of times I had to miss out on evening jollies, I benefited immensely from the friendliness, support and challenge. WiFi was reasonably good in most places but there were a couple of places where I couldn’t download; I didn’t need conferencing facilities. Good luck on whichever way you decide, remember, it is YOUR Camino and you’ll be able to look back on it with pleasure. Buen Camino

The only(!) problem for @SantiagoCruzB is that he/she will be 6 timezones after his working place. That's what makes it much more difficult, with night-time work, which can not be done in an albergue (silence/dark/sleep), hence the need for private accomodations, getting up at night-time for work, and wifi up and running at night-time, and transportation issues each day...

And then a day's walk, including transportation to/from different places...

 

[Sue127]

The only(!) problem for @SantiagoCruzB is that he/she will be 6 timezones after his working place. That's what makes it much more difficult, with night-time work, which can not be done in an albergue (silence/dark/sleep), hence the need for private accomodations, getting up at night-time for work, and wifi up and running at night-time, and transportation issues each day...

That I understand. I mainly worked in the communal area or behind a towel over my bunk to stop the light shining. Not ideal, but unlike the OP, I didn’t have to work for 6 hours during the night. If he/she goes ahead with the plan, I wish him strength, stamina and some free time to make some Camino acquaintances. This Camino can work (agreed, not everyone’s cup of tea, but that is why camions are so individually special)

 

[Geodoc]

Hi all,

I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

@SantiagoCruzB, one thing to take into account is the Spanish lifestyle. They're usually up quite late (and arise quite late). You'll want to ensure that, if you want any sleep, stay away from any civilized areas on Friday and Saturday. My experience was that these were the nights the Spanish partied all night (which made sleep impossible).

 

[Marbe2]

I’ll walk to Santiago, to pay homage to one who perhaps touched the divine. I’ll walk to Muxia because one day the boat will not be broken and I’ll sail across those sundering seas to where my elders wait. I’ll carry my responsibilities and my cares but I’ll not confuse that luggage with the act of pilgrimage.

I waited 30 years to walk a Camino because my masters would never grant me leave or let. In retrospect I wish I’d have told them rather than asked. (Profanity avoided)

This is about someone new on the Forum, not you?! How could you be helpful…with all your experience. BTW…I don’t believe the person mentioned “pilgrimage” at all! Is there anything constructive you might offer him being such a seasoned moderator!

 

[Tincatinker]

Wow @Marbe2, what did I say? I’ll agree the OP didn’t mention pilgrimage but they did mention, at least in passing, the Camino and the Camino’s are pilgrimage routes. My point, for what it’s worth, is that Camino is pilgrimage unless someone is really determined to set themselves up with a really complicated walking holiday. In which case they could try Everest Base Camp which, incidentally has world class wi-fi.

 

[Tincatinker]

Oh sod it. I’m out of here. The Camino is to special to me. It’s a holy road not a playpen

 

[Marbe2]

Wow @Marbe2, what did I say? I’ll agree the OP didn’t mention pilgrimage but they did mention, at least in passing, the Camino and the Camino’s are pilgrimage routes. My point, for what it’s worth, is that Camino is pilgrimage unless someone is really determined to set themselves up with a really complicated walking holiday. In which case they could try Everest Base Camp which, incidentally has world class wi-fi.

@Tincatinker, I don’t doubt your sincerity in seeking the divine as you walk the caminos (paths). But your vision cannot be where this OP currently and realistically is, nor should s/he be there….These paths are not exclusively pilgrimage paths in 2021 and likely never were exclusively. Today we have the speeding cyclists, race teams, record breaking cyclists, blaring music, groups of chattering students partying till or beyond curfews, marathon runners, artists, folks drunkenly falling into their bunks…surely you know this! And yes, there are folks who must work while they walk. I believe, anyone who walks these paths , whatever their initial intentions, may well benefit from their time walking, whether two hours a day or twelve.

 

[Anamiri]

The OP obviously knows that his/her situation is not ideal. This person is seeking a way to make the process doable. Telling someone it is a “daft” idea is not helpful!

Pamplona, Estella, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Ponferrada, Sarria, and Santiago de Compostela will all have strong WIFI service. Some of the smaller towns that The Brierley guide for the CF uses to begin and end stages often have good connections as well. As previously stated…but it also depends also upon the establishment you are staying at.
Also consider renting some type of portable internet connection. Sometimes accommodations turn the WiFI connections off during certain hours at night so this is another consderation.

Clearly, if you need-to receive packages by mail in a timely fashion, then setting up several bases along the route makes sense. You still might want to consider renting a portable wifi such as Wifivox in Spain. I have never used it, but I am sure others on this thread can recommend a good service provider for mobile WIFI in Spain.

On earlier Caminos I used the free wifi, and sometimes struggled, so last time I just used the Vodafone roam option, and it worked well throughout the CF.

 

[Former member 31048]

@SantiagoCruzB

Best wishes, whatever you decide. And Buen Camino.

 

[dick bird]

Hi all,

I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

Some sensible suggestions, though a lot of people share my thoughts which you can basically summarise as 'why?'. Maybe you should ask yourself one question first: If this proves to be unsustainable, which one will you give up, your job or the camino?

Anyway, I would say the bigger the city, the better the facilities (i.e. Léon, Burgos) and also the closer to the middle, the shorter the bus/taxi journeys (i.e. Léon or Burgos). Good luck.

 

[Robo]

I do sympathise with you @SantiagoCruzB.
The desire to undertake a Camino can be strong.
And for those of us who can't just drop work and take off for a few weeks, we may try to juggle things.

You will sense from the replies, the passion that many members here have for the Camino
Many of the replies may seem to be pushing back against your plans,
but in most cases,
it is purely out of a desire for you to have a great Camino experience.

Many of us can't imagine trying to juggle a Camino with work.
I was trying to think of an Analogy.
Maybe like trying to meditate whilst assembling a piece of Ikea Furniture

But I know one thing, I would rather be on Camino in one form or another, than not.

Your plan will work, or not.
Your plan will no doubt adapt and change as you work out what works best for you.
But whatever, I'm sure you'll have an amazing experience.
And want to try it again.

Buen Camino

 

[BookGirl305]

OP, I have not walked the Camino yet, but I did have to work while on vacation with a 6-8 hour time difference. The most important thing for me was to set the expectations with my colleagues and clients before I left and then hold to it. Put your out of office on with a note that you are on a working vacation. Please communicate via email and emails will be answered between (hour after you wake up where you are) and (hour before dinner). Anything more urgent, please either text me or call ___ at the office for assistance. You will be amazed at the respect your folks back home will give you and it may not be as necessary as you think to be so in-depth. Do you truly need video or could you audio your meeting? Could you leave a coded, encrypted flash drive with potential files needed with someone back home and skip carrying the laptop? Options are your friend.

I will also add this: everyone is entitled to a day or two off at minimum. Everyone is entitled to a vacation. Doesn't mean we always get it, but you deserve that opportunity. If your work environment doesn't allow for that, then maybe you consider walking a shorter day after work and enjoying the moment and walking longer days when the office is closed.

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

WOW! I expected a few responses but not this explosion of thoughts and opinions which I guess shows that the Camino is really full of surprises. Thanks!

*On having to work in different in times zones, I’ve done this before (once or twice a year pre-covid) every time I travel to Europe and have had no problems with it. But of course, I didn’t have to walk 3-4 hours after which is the big unknown/concern (for me).

*On my motivations for walking the Camino, this is a long-winded answer so bear with me: I have been a devotee of St. James since I was a child and have been interested in all things St. James.

I first learned of the Camino back in university and immediately thought of doing it. But at that time (almost 40 years ago) the situation was very different. For one, travel was not as cheap as it is now in relative terms. After graduation, I had the time but didn’t have the money.

Nevertheless the dream of doing the Camino “when the time is right” stuck with me over the years. But　later I found the hard way the “the right time” never really comes, at least not in the way I thought it would. By the time I had the money, I had lost the time (too busy with work, family, etc) Over the next decades the dream stayed with me, although it would recede into the back of my mind for a few years, come back, recede again, come back again, etc. I manage to live with “this situation” but was never really at peace with it.

My default frame of mind was to think that there will always be a “next time/right time”. But Covid changed all that. I won’t go into the details but I learned (the hard way) that there isn't always a “next time/right time”. At this point in my life I have the money, the fitness (still reasonably healthy for a 60-year-old and confident I can walk 3-4 hours each day for 30-40 days), but will have to make the time (instead of waiting for it) if I am to do the Camino.

I really wish I could just leave everything behind and just walk but that is not really meant to be at this point.

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.

God bless and Buen Camino!

 

[Former member 31048]

@SantiagoCruzB Just to say - having read your story you sound to me that you are someone who will appreciate The Way, whenever and however you are able to experience it.

You may not have walked on the path yet, but your pilgrimage started many years ago. You are already a pilgrim. Best wishes

 

[C clearly]

Thank you for listening to all of the opinions expressed!. I do hope that you manage to figure out a way to make a Camino work for you. It is possible, and I think you will come up with a solution that suits you! Please keep us posted.

 

[Former member 91017]

WOW! I expected a few responses but not this explosion of thoughts and opinions which I guess shows that the Camino is really full of surprises. Thanks!

*On having to work in different in times zones, I’ve done this before (once or twice a year pre-covid) every time I travel to Europe and have had no problems with it. But of course, I didn’t have to walk 3-4 hours after which is the big unknown/concern (for me).

*On my motivations for walking the Camino, this is a long-winded answer so bear with me: I have been a devotee of St. James since I was a child and have been interested in all things St. James.

I first learned of the Camino back in university and immediately thought of doing it. But at that time (almost 40 years ago) the situation was very different. For one, travel was not as cheap as it is now in relative terms. After graduation, I had the time but didn’t have the money.

Nevertheless the dream of doing the Camino “when the time is right” stuck with me over the years. But　later I found the hard way the “the right time” never really comes, at least not in the way I thought it would. By the time I had the money, I had lost the time (too busy with work, family, etc) Over the next decades the dream stayed with me, although it would recede into the back of my mind for a few years, come back, recede again, come back again, etc. I manage to live with “this situation” but was never really at peace with it.

My default frame of mind was to think that there will always be a “next time/right time”. But Covid changed all that. I won’t go into the details but I learned (the hard way) that there isn't always a “next time/right time”. At this point in my life I have the money, the fitness (still reasonably healthy for a 60-year-old and confident I can walk 3-4 hours each day for 30-40 days), but will have to make the time (instead of waiting for it) if I am to do the Camino.

I really wish I could just leave everything behind and just walk but that is not really meant to be at this point.

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.

God bless and Buen Camino!

Buen Camino; ultriea et sussiea.
When you arrive in Santiago, attend one of Father Manny's masses. He is a special priest, devoted to the smaller gatherings who are not there for the big show of the giant cendrier... he has walked 7 caminos and does not think he has all the answers. He honours our questions... and I *wept* at his simple mass held one rainy November morning in the side chapel at the Pilgrim Office.
Peace be with you...

 

[Geodoc]

Buen Camino SantiagoCruzB!

We all do the Camino our own way. If I had waited until I had free time, I probably would never have made it.

 

[VNwalking]

@SantiagoCruzB , you'll manage somehow, because your intention is strong. The main thing will be not to overextend yourself. A lot of people go the distance from SJPP to Santiago in 33-34 days, without work. With work? It will depend entirely on your energy levels. 5-15km per day is often easily doable on the Camino Frances, because the infrastructure is there. So if you start easy, you'll find your comfort zone by extending your distance little by little. And as you go along that distance is likely to increase. Find your own way by listening within to your body and mind.
Buen camino!

Buen Camino; ultriea et sussiea.
When you arrive in Santiago, attend one of Father Manny's masses. He is a special priest, devoted to the smaller gatherings who are not there for the big show of the giant cendrier... he has walked 7 caminos and does not think he has all the answers. He honours our questions.

Absolutely and wholeheartedly second Faye's suggestion

 

[OzAnnie]

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.

God bless and Buen Camino!

That's the spirit ! @SantiagoCruzB

Welcome.

I'm not adding to advice at all. Just wanted to say I loved to see the spirit in which you took all the advice posted so far.

I know many people may get 'agro' when an alternative suggestion is given. The great thing is that so many people have cared and really given consideration to the topic. They could have taken the easy way out and ignored it. I think from your response you are pleased to see how many different points of view there are. It is much better to make a decision armed with the negatives and the positives (even if you didn't ask those particular questions).. Many of those caring about you are experienced and are just trying to help. Sometimes we don't know all the questions to ask.

So my point is really... I'm glad you have received this array of responses as you are now much more informed to make your own decision.

I'm wishing the best outcome possible and will be watching your progress.

Take care & buen camino.
Annie

 

[Stuart Lennon]

Hi all,

I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

Hey SantiagoCruzB

Sounds tricky. Connectivity on hotel wifi is really patchy and variable. Getting a good SIM might serve you better. In that way - most places (but not all) you should be OK for a spot of Zoom or Teams. Heck, I'd love to talk to someone who was walking the camino as we chatted. That way - you can walk at your own pace, and stay where you like. No need for taxis and buses.

Courier packages - once you know one is coming, you could phone ahead, book a place to sleep and hook up with the package there.

It's certainly doable - but things will go wrong now and again - but then they do that while we're at home too.

Buen Camino!

 

[longwayhome]

Hi all,

I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

Any approach to the Camino by an individual is a response to its call. How you interact with the history and the un-nameable feeling of your own feet following those ancient paths, or your own purposes being met, is entirely up to you! Congratulations on your creative thinking! My own experience was that of total rest from obligations, expectations and the every day, but your experience will be your own. Buen Camino!

 

[pjacobi]

I work full time and found it nearly impossible to get six weeks off for a Camino.

Instead, I took two weeks off over three years and completed the Camino from St Jean. PP. I don't think doing the Camino this way diminished the experience. If fact, I was more excited each year to return.


-Paul

 

[Sue127]

@SantiagoCruzB well you certainly had a variety of responses, but, having read them all, the concensus is, go do ! It Is your Camino and you obviously have the call to go now - I understand that and am yearning for my second - you will adjust your pace to suit your needs as you go along. Wishing you a joyous çamino, buen camino. May the sun shine down upon you and the wind be always at your back.

 

[alexwalker]

Hi all,

I’m planning my Camino but cannot afford to get away completely for six weeks. With explosion of “remote working” because of Covid, I cannot find an excuse for not being able to stay connected while doing the Camino that my bosses and colleagues can understand. Also, the challenges of the pandemic demands that I stay connected to my work to ensure the success of our company, clients, and business, in these difficult times. This means I have to stay connected with a stable and reliable internet network for at least 3-6 hours of the day very early morning (3-9am, Camino time). I also need a place where I can stay long enough to receive courier packages if needed. My plan is to set up a mobile office in a good hotel in a major city (like Pamplona, for example) and taxi/bus from there to the Camino at the start of my walking day, then taxi/bus back to the hotel at the end of walking day (get some sleep, dinner, socialize, etc) then wake up early morning Camino time, do some work, then taxi/bus back to where I finished the previous day, and start walking again, etc.

My question is: which cities/hotels between Pamplona and SDC would be the most suitable places to consider for this type of scenario? The main consideration is that there is a good and stable internet connection but be close enough to the Camino. Thanks very much for your inputs. Buen Camino!

Hi again, @SantiagoCruzB

I have been thinking about your plan: Who am I to critisize! You sound very determined to do it your way.

Here is a suggestion:

Get the Wise Pilgrim CF app on your phone.
Check the whole route for larger cities/communities (like Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Logrono, etc.)
The app has several places to stay each place.
Call hostals etc. (Not albergues) to check wifi quality at the place. For your plan, you need privacy.

This way, you will have a picture of where you can stay/have a base for a couple of days. This will limit your transport costs back and forth during the whole Camino, and still let you move forward to SdC.

Write down a cunning plan after you've researched your Camino.

Not my way of a Camino (retired), but what the heck: It's yours!

Buen Camino!

 

[Geodoc]

Here is a suggestion:

Get the Wise Pilgrim CF app on your phone.
Check the whole route for larger cities/communities (like Pamplona, Puente la Reina, Logrono, etc.)
The app has several places to stay each place.
Call hostals etc. (Not albergues) to check wifi quality at the place. For your plan, you need privacy.

This way, you will have a picture of where you can stay/have a base for a couple of days. This will limit your transport costs back and forth during the whole Camino, and still let you move forward to SdC.

Also, using GoogleMaps to find albergues (I used both - the WP app is great for getting reviews). Some albergues/casas rurales aren't listed in the WP app.

 

[Marbe2]

Another option is using https://www.booking.com/index.en-gb...be10dae43;keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&. for accommodations. Actually https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances … another great camino resource lists accommodations linked to booking.com

 

[Former member 59618]

It's a daft idea. Do a camino when you have some proper headspace for it. Yes, that's a judgemental statement. Sorry.

Just know that the statement is about you and no one else.

 

[alexwalker]

Another option is using https://www.booking.com/index.en-gb...be10dae43;keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&. for accommodations. Actually https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances … another great camino resource lists accommodations linked to booking.com

I would try to contact the hostal directly: Booking.com, good as it is (my favorite), takes a fee from the places you book: Less money for them. Not sure about the Gronze site; if they're doing affiliate business, they may also get their share of your money, at the cost of the actual place.

If you can learn enough Spanish to book directly (learn the weekdays you will arive, etc.), you will give more to the place itself, and not to websites outside Spain. It will be a good thing for local business.

Just MHO.

 

[Flog]

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.

God bless and Buen Camino!

I appreciate the grace and humility you've shown in your response to some of the more critical opinions, my own included. Please understand my own reply wasn't a personal attack on you, but a direct and honest opinion of what I personally believe is an unworkable, impractical idea. Whatever you do decide, I wish you the best..

 

[Flog]

Just know that the statement is about you and no one else.

For being honest, yes. Get off your high horse.

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

You may not have walked on the path yet, but your pilgrimage started many years ago. You are already a pilgrim. Best wishes

Thanks for your incisive comment Jenny! I never really thought of it this way but now that you've mentioned it I guess you're right! God bless!

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. It won't be for a while yet but now that I have all your inputs, I can really start making some plans. I'm still hoping and praying that my situation will change (that I may be able to just walk without having to do these elaborate measures) but until that happens it feels good to know that I’m already on my way.

Stay healthy and safe everyone. God bless and Buen Camino!

 

[Former member 91017]

Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. It won't be for a while yet but now that I have all your inputs, I can really start making some plans. I'm still hoping and praying that my situation will change (that I may be able to just walk without having to do these elaborate measures) but until that happens it feels good to know that I’m already on my way.

Stay healthy and safe everyone. God bless and Buen Camino!

As one who had to work while on the road — handling large files for publishing, including graphics, photographs and learning components… I will underscore the good advice from others: Get yourself a SIM card that you can load and reload with enough GB of data. I used Vodafone, could not use Movistar (because at that time they did not have nano-SIM cards)… and I hear that the major competitors to Vodafone are also reliable. When you are in a post with great WiFi you won’t have to worry about data, but it really takes pressure off to load up a nice data package. I did find that sometimes I would work during lunch (and boy was I grateful for that totally sealed keyboard don my iPad when I knocked a full cafe con leche all over it!).
SIM card… for the win. YOu may find it alleviates some of your schedule pressure, as well as giving a greater data transfer assurance.
Buen camino.

 

[HaveringRob]

WOW! I expected a few responses but not this explosion of thoughts and opinions which I guess shows that the Camino is really full of surprises. Thanks!

*On having to work in different in times zones, I’ve done this before (once or twice a year pre-covid) every time I travel to Europe and have had no problems with it. But of course, I didn’t have to walk 3-4 hours after which is the big unknown/concern (for me).

*On my motivations for walking the Camino, this is a long-winded answer so bear with me: I have been a devotee of St. James since I was a child and have been interested in all things St. James.

I first learned of the Camino back in university and immediately thought of doing it. But at that time (almost 40 years ago) the situation was very different. For one, travel was not as cheap as it is now in relative terms. After graduation, I had the time but didn’t have the money.

Nevertheless the dream of doing the Camino “when the time is right” stuck with me over the years. But　later I found the hard way the “the right time” never really comes, at least not in the way I thought it would. By the time I had the money, I had lost the time (too busy with work, family, etc) Over the next decades the dream stayed with me, although it would recede into the back of my mind for a few years, come back, recede again, come back again, etc. I manage to live with “this situation” but was never really at peace with it.

My default frame of mind was to think that there will always be a “next time/right time”. But Covid changed all that. I won’t go into the details but I learned (the hard way) that there isn't always a “next time/right time”. At this point in my life I have the money, the fitness (still reasonably healthy for a 60-year-old and confident I can walk 3-4 hours each day for 30-40 days), but will have to make the time (instead of waiting for it) if I am to do the Camino.

I really wish I could just leave everything behind and just walk but that is not really meant to be at this point.

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Rest assured I appreciate and will consider all your inputs, even the critical ones. I trust things will all work out in the end.

God bless and Buen Camino!

The best of luck to you, my friend. I hear what you are saying. Follow your call. I truly believe that there is a reason that you have always felt the pull of St. James. I pray that you find what you have been looking for.

Buen Camino!

 

[HaveringRob]

Write down a cunning plan after you've researched your Camino.

heh

 

[Geodoc]

Second (third) the SIM card. Get as much data as you can. If I recall, the plans are usually only for 30 days, so you'll likely have to reload it. This might necessitate going into a store and seeking assistance from somebody who can translate if you get your original SIM card in Spain.

 

[Former member 59618]

For being honest, yes. Get off your high horse.

Well you got on your high horse too, so there

 

[nassim]

Are you particularly attached to doing the camino or do you just want to hike in Spain? If it's the latter, perhaps you could rent a studio somewhere rural with nice trails and just hike everyday without the stress of different starting points.

 

[Former member 91017]

Are you particularly attached to doing the camino or do you just want to hike in Spain? If it's the latter, perhaps you could rent a studio somewhere rural with nice trails and just hike everyday without the stress of different starting points.

OP already indicated that the pilgrimage to St. James has been a dream for 40 years.

 

[alexwalker]

Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. It won't be for a while yet but now that I have all your inputs, I can really start making some plans. I'm still hoping and praying that my situation will change (that I may be able to just walk without having to do these elaborate measures) but until that happens it feels good to know that I’m already on my way.

Stay healthy and safe everyone. God bless and Buen Camino!

With some planning and private accomodation, I think the OP @SantiagoCruzB 's plan is doable, IMHO. But he needs to go early to bed each afternoon. More demanding indeed, but doable. Shorter walking days, maybe, but his 6 weeks leave a lot of room for adjustments. Using transport for some etappas can also help make it doable.

Not what I would want to do, but who am I to tell?

Let us be tolerant; his situation is special, and let's leave some levvy for all pilgrims. His wanting to walk seems strong. But it will take some stamina; more than I have. Words from an old man though...

Buen Camino!

 

[Richard Smith]

As an ex IT Ops Manager, this could be done but I would suggest to adjust certain things.
1) Scope: It may be possible to work a 4 day week, therefore have 3 days open for free walking?
2) Scope: It may be possible to walk certain sections of your camino? No need to be contiguous?
3) Resources: Book hotel rooms for sure and good ones in terms of the experience, don't worry about the budget.
4) Resources: Take 2 SIM cards from different providers with you plus use a VPN and the hotel wifi - this should cover black spots and security.
5) Schedule: Don't walk every day, i.e. on your 4 day work week do some short walks into/out of your town and just enjoy the town you are in the other work days. Then walk 3 days with a light pack and ship your gear ahead to the next work spot.
6) Don't try to reproduce the continuous Camino, you will be in a different head space to other walkers but you can still interact with them and create your own pilgrimage.

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

OP already indicated that the pilgrimage to St. James has been a dream for 40 years.

Thanks Faye. Stay healthy and safe. God bless and Buen Camino!

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

Just an update: Both of these arrived today. I ordered them after much research, a lot of it from this forum. The Osprey I ordered Nov 10, the guide book I ordered Nov 17. Considering each one came from a different place half-way around the world, it's a nice coincidence. Or if you believe in signs, it's a very good sign. I would say its a confirmation of my plans. Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. Stay healthy and safe all. Buen camino and God bless!

 

[Sue127]

Things are getting exciting @SantiagoCruzB - Buen Camino for whenever you take the plunge and good luck.

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

UPDATE:

Hi all,

When I made my original post here almost two years ago, doing the Camino was still just a dream for me. Now after decades of dreaming, wishing, and praying, the dream is becoming a reality. I have booked airline tickets to Madrid for Oct 1, will soon book train tickets to Pamplona (October tickets are not yet available on Renfe), and have even made reservations for the first week. Best of all, my wife of 29 years is coming with me. Until recently she was a bit skeptical of the Camino but now she shares the dream too.

Thanks to all who offered advice, support, criticisms, and encouraging words.

Buen Camino!

 

[Katherine Radeka]

I am so happy to hear that!!! My husband and I traveled together, too and it was a peak experience for us. I was the one who wanted to go first but now he's the one who wants to go back

I wrote a reflection on our experience walking together here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-mistakes-when-walking-with-my-husband.75733/

 

[goldie from aus]

Carry a WiFi dongle or have a good internet plan on your phone as a back up!

Robo, can you suggest a Wifi to purchase in Aus. I will have mobile with plan, yet to be organised but I want a dongle for a Tablet.
Help much appreciated. Regards G

 

[trecile]

Robo, can you suggest a Wifi to purchase in Aus. I will have mobile with plan, yet to be organised but I want a dongle for a Tablet

Does your phone plan allow you to use it as a hotspot?

 

[goldie from aus]

Does your phone plan allow you to use it as a hotspot?

Thank you food for thought. I was planning getting a SIM solely for my time on the Camino, I can look at options with Wifi hotspot, maybe? Not my forte

 

[Robo]

Robo, can you suggest a Wifi to purchase in Aus. I will have mobile with plan, yet to be organised but I want a dongle for a Tablet.
Help much appreciated. Regards G

I would buy one at your destination.
Or just use yourphone as a hotspot.

 

[Seger]

Just an update: Both of these arrived today. I ordered them after much research, a lot of it from this forum. The Osprey I ordered Nov 10, the guide book I ordered Nov 17. Considering each one came from a different place half-way around the world, it's a nice coincidence. Or if you believe in signs, it's a very good sign. I would say its a confirmation of my plans. Thanks again to all who responded, offered suggestions, and expressed support. Stay healthy and safe all. Buen camino and God bless!

I am leaving in October 2023 .
What is the start date for your camino?

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

I am leaving in October 2023 .
What is the start date for your camino?

The plan is to be in SJPP by Oct 2. Hope to see you there.