A less friendly Camino Francis this Holy Year?

[Maya2]

I read a post on another Camino site by someone who has walked the Camino Francis several times. He said there is resentment along the Camino by merchants and bar owners that Holy Year hasn't resulted in more revenues. He was kicked out of a bar for asking why they were charging pilgrims twice as much as locals.

In one instance, he was with a woman looking for information and a hospitalero threw something at her.

Apparently, the numbers are not what was expected between St. Jean and Sarria and the improvements that were made by locals in anticipation of record crowds didn't happen--except between Sarria and Santiago.

I have to admit, I'm having second thoughts about walking this year--maybe next. This will be my first time and I'd like to have a good experience.

Has anyone here experienced this kind of treatment?

 

[LTfit]

Hi Maya2,

I never and repeat NEVER experienced such treatment along the Camino Francés this summer. Walking from St. Jean to Finisterre I only encountered friendly, helpful locals and hospitaleros. I stopped everyday for hot chocolate or coffee, shopped in local markets and slept in municipal or parroquial auberges. I was always met with a friendly smile, a wave from a distance and/or a 'buen camino' along the way.

I do speak some Spanish which may colour my experience and didn't expect any special treatment. During my chats with locals and store keepers I heard that larger crowds had been expected and yes, some sounded disappointed but that did not change their service or attitude to me.

Go for it!
Cheers,
LT

 

[AJ]

Has anyone here experienced this kind of treatment?

I walked the Frances between SJPdP and Leon, and between Palas del Rey and Santiago earlier this year and did NOT experience any such treatment. I did hear comments by hospitaleros and restauranteurs about numbers being down.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Sometimes, not always, but sometimes a person's bad experiences are a result of their own expectations.

I had only one or two "bad" experiences. I suspect one of them was a truly "naughty" person trying to cheat a pilgrim. The other was a pilgrim who was in a bad mood. Maybe he had blisters! lol

Not bad odds, really, for 3 months of walking!
I encounter more negativity on the freeways of the good old USA!

All in all, my experiences on the Camino were POSITIVE!