A present for special people

[Davey Boyd]

Sorry this is long and rambling.

I am rubbish at buying presents. I really have no idea. But I want to buy a present or maybe a few presents for some lovely local people I met on camino. I want to say thank you. First here is why.

In 2015 I was walking in a ‘family’ on the Camino Frances and me and the other lad, a young German decided to sleep outside in the woods. The girls got an albergue for the night (Torres De Rio) and we carried on. I saw on the map there was a church or chapel in the forest, the weather was great, we would sleep outside there. Well, it got dark, it was around 11pm when we arrived. We got a surprise.

There was one of those outside café/bars in a ramshackle shed part tent. It was closed of course, but the owner and his son were still there. When they spotted us it was ‘hey perigrinos! Come here!’. So we did. They opened the bar and presented us with two unfeasibly large beers (1 litre glasses). I was rolling a cigarette and got slapped around the head playfully, No! And the guy placed a pack of cigarettes on the table, I was not allowed to smoke my own. Before we even drank our first beer the second one arrived. During the third beer they started the barbecue and served the biggest plate of meat I have ever seen. Then another beer.

They were sleeping in a tent, a big one with two ‘bedrooms’. They let us sleep in one end and they squeezed in the other.

They would not except a penny even though we tried to pay. They said we were all brothers. We gave them a coat (an army jacket the son liked). We helped them set up in the morning before we met the girls and walked on.

I walked again that year. When I got there they were open. Just dad this time. There was a long queue so I sat back and waited to say hi. But the bloke saw me sitting there, stopped serving, jumped over the counter and gave me a massive hug. Then a one litre beer. Would not let me pay again, but I managed to slip five Euros in the till box thing without him seeing. More hugs and I walked on again.

Next year they were closed, It was late and they were locked up for the night. So I wrote them a message on the graffiti on their bar. The same year I was walking back to France, dad was there and joyfully pointed out the message I had written on the bar. Then fed me. Lots.

Third year and their bar was in a new place, but I knew it was them. I walked up and this time it was the son. I ordered a beer and he just looked at me. Davey? Yep, how you doing? Lots of beers were had again. Also this year I was sleeping out again, so I stayed all afternoon until they closed. I helped serve customers, refuelled the genny and helped clear up. Felt like I was home. They (son and his mate) went home. I convinced them that I was ok sleeping out here and I would help them set up in the morning.

I had just set up for the evening (they had left me more food and beer than I could ever consume), when about an hour later they came back. Son got out of the car, picked my rucksack up and threw it in the car, ‘Get in’ he said. No arguments.

They took me home (Viana), dad was there with a big hug, and so were about half a dozen more of the family all waiting to meet me. This is our brother they said. They fed me again, then took me out for the night. Would not let me pay a thing.

I spent the next day helping out at the bar before walking on once more.

So, I would really like to bring them a gift. Something I can carry maybe, or possibly post to the town before, then walk it to them. But what? I have thought many things, a bottle of malt maybe. I don’t know. Maybe something for all of them.

I really haven’t a clue. What would you take? How do I say thank you?

Davey

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Sorry this is long and rambling.

I am rubbish at buying presents. I really have no idea. But I want to buy a present or maybe a few presents for some lovely local people I met on camino. I want to say thank you. First here is why.

In 2015 I was walking in a ‘family’ on the Camino Frances and me and the other lad, a young German decided to sleep outside in the woods. The girls got an albergue for the night (Torres De Rio) and we carried on. I saw on the map there was a church or chapel in the forest, the weather was great, we would sleep outside there. Well, it got dark, it was around 11pm when we arrived. We got a surprise.

There was one of those outside café/bars in a ramshackle shed part tent. It was closed of course, but the owner and his son were still there. When they spotted us it was ‘hey perigrinos! Come here!’. So we did. They opened the bar and presented us with two unfeasibly large beers (1 litre glasses). I was rolling a cigarette and got slapped around the head playfully, No! And the guy placed a pack of cigarettes on the table, I was not allowed to smoke my own. Before we even drank our first beer the second one arrived. During the third beer they started the barbecue and served the biggest plate of meat I have ever seen. Then another beer.

They were sleeping in a tent, a big one with two ‘bedrooms’. They let us sleep in one end and they squeezed in the other.

They would not except a penny even though we tried to pay. They said we were all brothers. We gave them a coat (an army jacket the son liked). We helped them set up in the morning before we met the girls and walked on.

I walked again that year. When I got there they were open. Just dad this time. There was a long queue so I sat back and waited to say hi. But the bloke saw me sitting there, stopped serving, jumped over the counter and gave me a massive hug. Then a one litre beer. Would not let me pay again, but I managed to slip five Euros in the till box thing without him seeing. More hugs and I walked on again.

Next year they were closed, It was late and they were locked up for the night. So I wrote them a message on the graffiti on their bar. The same year I was walking back to France, dad was there and joyfully pointed out the message I had written on the bar. Then fed me. Lots.

Third year and their bar was in a new place, but I knew it was them. I walked up and this time it was the son. I ordered a beer and he just looked at me. Davey? Yep, how you doing? Lots of beers were had again. Also this year I was sleeping out again, so I stayed all afternoon until they closed. I helped serve customers, refuelled the genny and helped clear up. Felt like I was home. They (son and his mate) went home. I convinced them that I was ok sleeping out here and I would help them set up in the morning.

I had just set up for the evening (they had left me more food and beer than I could ever consume), when about an hour later they came back. Son got out of the car, picked my rucksack up and threw it in the car, ‘Get in’ he said. No arguments.

They took me home (Viana), dad was there with a big hug, and so were about half a dozen more of the family all waiting to meet me. This is our brother they said. They fed me again, then took me out for the night. Would not let me pay a thing.

I spent the next day helping out at the bar before walking on once more.

So, I would really like to bring them a gift. Something I can carry maybe, or possibly post to the town before, then walk it to them. But what? I have thought many things, a bottle of malt maybe. I don’t know. Maybe something for all of them.

I really haven’t a clue. What would you take? How do I say thank you?

Davey

Words an you going to visit them is so wonderful thats a thank you on it's own.

 

[Davey Boyd]

Words an you going to visit them is so wonderful thats a thank you on it's own.

Yes but, it may sound strange. I know I will be walking there again soon (I hope), but every time I turn up, me and nothing but a rucksack, I get this beautiful welcome, but have nothing to give. Not give in a payment sense, just a thank you sense. A little gift from home or something. I am really rubbish at this! I was thinking of stopping for like a week and working for them for free, just to help out. But I would like to give them a gift of appreciation, even something simple.

 

[NorthernLight]

Something kitschy from your home? Something for the wife and mother of these two, like a locally made (your local) bit of lace? A football jersey from your home team?

 

[Davey Boyd]

Something kitschy from your home? Something for the wife and mother of these two, like a locally made (your local) bit of lace? A football jersey from your home team?

Yes I was thinking of something maybe for the ladies or the kids. The guys I think would appeciate that (rather than just a bottle of malt - but maybe that for them too)!?

 

[NorthernLight]

If you bring something for the wife and children, dad and son will say, "oh, you shouldn't have", but be pleased as punch that you did.

Go to your local tourist shop and browse the kitsch. Ask them for a nice lace or embroidered bit of tablecloth or 'table runner' not made in China. Be prepared for sticker shock at the price.

Are there any English board games?

 

[TaraWalks]

Sorry this is long and rambling.

I am rubbish at buying presents. I really have no idea. But I want to buy a present or maybe a few presents for some lovely local people I met on camino. I want to say thank you. First here is why.

In 2015 I was walking in a ‘family’ on the Camino Frances and me and the other lad, a young German decided to sleep outside in the woods. The girls got an albergue for the night (Torres De Rio) and we carried on. I saw on the map there was a church or chapel in the forest, the weather was great, we would sleep outside there. Well, it got dark, it was around 11pm when we arrived. We got a surprise.

There was one of those outside café/bars in a ramshackle shed part tent. It was closed of course, but the owner and his son were still there. When they spotted us it was ‘hey perigrinos! Come here!’. So we did. They opened the bar and presented us with two unfeasibly large beers (1 litre glasses). I was rolling a cigarette and got slapped around the head playfully, No! And the guy placed a pack of cigarettes on the table, I was not allowed to smoke my own. Before we even drank our first beer the second one arrived. During the third beer they started the barbecue and served the biggest plate of meat I have ever seen. Then another beer.

They were sleeping in a tent, a big one with two ‘bedrooms’. They let us sleep in one end and they squeezed in the other.

They would not except a penny even though we tried to pay. They said we were all brothers. We gave them a coat (an army jacket the son liked). We helped them set up in the morning before we met the girls and walked on.

I walked again that year. When I got there they were open. Just dad this time. There was a long queue so I sat back and waited to say hi. But the bloke saw me sitting there, stopped serving, jumped over the counter and gave me a massive hug. Then a one litre beer. Would not let me pay again, but I managed to slip five Euros in the till box thing without him seeing. More hugs and I walked on again.

Next year they were closed, It was late and they were locked up for the night. So I wrote them a message on the graffiti on their bar. The same year I was walking back to France, dad was there and joyfully pointed out the message I had written on the bar. Then fed me. Lots.

Third year and their bar was in a new place, but I knew it was them. I walked up and this time it was the son. I ordered a beer and he just looked at me. Davey? Yep, how you doing? Lots of beers were had again. Also this year I was sleeping out again, so I stayed all afternoon until they closed. I helped serve customers, refuelled the genny and helped clear up. Felt like I was home. They (son and his mate) went home. I convinced them that I was ok sleeping out here and I would help them set up in the morning.

I had just set up for the evening (they had left me more food and beer than I could ever consume), when about an hour later they came back. Son got out of the car, picked my rucksack up and threw it in the car, ‘Get in’ he said. No arguments.

They took me home (Viana), dad was there with a big hug, and so were about half a dozen more of the family all waiting to meet me. This is our brother they said. They fed me again, then took me out for the night. Would not let me pay a thing.

I spent the next day helping out at the bar before walking on once more.

So, I would really like to bring them a gift. Something I can carry maybe, or possibly post to the town before, then walk it to them. But what? I have thought many things, a bottle of malt maybe. I don’t know. Maybe something for all of them.

I really haven’t a clue. What would you take? How do I say thank you?

Davey

Hi Davey, my partner and I carried some small and very light magnets from our home country and I made a stack of friendship bands. All up I made about 12 friendship bands and carried 12 magnets. We gave away all of them throughout our Camino

 

[C clearly]

Do you have any photos of you with them? You know how you can get photos printed on all sorts of things? Get something silly that they can display at the bar - playing cards, coffee cup, mouse pad, or whatever. Also, a local souvenir or food/drink from home is always good.

 

[Former member 49149]

Depending on how long you would carry it, good old cheddar cheese never goes wrong. You have the best of answers above, starting with the first one, down to the one prior to mine. Your own idea of giving a hand for a day or so would also be lovely. Maybe a lady friend would go around a local craft market with you to find some trinkets for the ladies... the thought will speak loud and clear, that is where the value resides.

 

[Anthony18]

Sorry this is long and rambling.

I am rubbish at buying presents. I really have no idea. But I want to buy a present or maybe a few presents for some lovely local people I met on camino. I want to say thank you. First here is why.

In 2015 I was walking in a ‘family’ on the Camino Frances and me and the other lad, a young German decided to sleep outside in the woods. The girls got an albergue for the night (Torres De Rio) and we carried on. I saw on the map there was a church or chapel in the forest, the weather was great, we would sleep outside there. Well, it got dark, it was around 11pm when we arrived. We got a surprise.

There was one of those outside café/bars in a ramshackle shed part tent. It was closed of course, but the owner and his son were still there. When they spotted us it was ‘hey perigrinos! Come here!’. So we did. They opened the bar and presented us with two unfeasibly large beers (1 litre glasses). I was rolling a cigarette and got slapped around the head playfully, No! And the guy placed a pack of cigarettes on the table, I was not allowed to smoke my own. Before we even drank our first beer the second one arrived. During the third beer they started the barbecue and served the biggest plate of meat I have ever seen. Then another beer.

They were sleeping in a tent, a big one with two ‘bedrooms’. They let us sleep in one end and they squeezed in the other.

They would not except a penny even though we tried to pay. They said we were all brothers. We gave them a coat (an army jacket the son liked). We helped them set up in the morning before we met the girls and walked on.

I walked again that year. When I got there they were open. Just dad this time. There was a long queue so I sat back and waited to say hi. But the bloke saw me sitting there, stopped serving, jumped over the counter and gave me a massive hug. Then a one litre beer. Would not let me pay again, but I managed to slip five Euros in the till box thing without him seeing. More hugs and I walked on again.

Next year they were closed, It was late and they were locked up for the night. So I wrote them a message on the graffiti on their bar. The same year I was walking back to France, dad was there and joyfully pointed out the message I had written on the bar. Then fed me. Lots.

Third year and their bar was in a new place, but I knew it was them. I walked up and this time it was the son. I ordered a beer and he just looked at me. Davey? Yep, how you doing? Lots of beers were had again. Also this year I was sleeping out again, so I stayed all afternoon until they closed. I helped serve customers, refuelled the genny and helped clear up. Felt like I was home. They (son and his mate) went home. I convinced them that I was ok sleeping out here and I would help them set up in the morning.

I had just set up for the evening (they had left me more food and beer than I could ever consume), when about an hour later they came back. Son got out of the car, picked my rucksack up and threw it in the car, ‘Get in’ he said. No arguments.

They took me home (Viana), dad was there with a big hug, and so were about half a dozen more of the family all waiting to meet me. This is our brother they said. They fed me again, then took me out for the night. Would not let me pay a thing.

I spent the next day helping out at the bar before walking on once more.

So, I would really like to bring them a gift. Something I can carry maybe, or possibly post to the town before, then walk it to them. But what? I have thought many things, a bottle of malt maybe. I don’t know. Maybe something for all of them.

I really haven’t a clue. What would you take? How do I say thank you?

Davey

Great story. Maybe a heartfelt letter to them explaining just how wonderful they make you feel. Include a picture of the three of you.

 

[t2andreo]

This was a wonderful OP and thread. Thank you for making my day.

 

[KJFSophie]

Sorry this is long and rambling.

I am rubbish at buying presents. I really have no idea. But I want to buy a present or maybe a few presents for some lovely local people I met on camino. I want to say thank you. First here is why.

In 2015 I was walking in a ‘family’ on the Camino Frances and me and the other lad, a young German decided to sleep outside in the woods. The girls got an albergue for the night (Torres De Rio) and we carried on. I saw on the map there was a church or chapel in the forest, the weather was great, we would sleep outside there. Well, it got dark, it was around 11pm when we arrived. We got a surprise.

There was one of those outside café/bars in a ramshackle shed part tent. It was closed of course, but the owner and his son were still there. When they spotted us it was ‘hey perigrinos! Come here!’. So we did. They opened the bar and presented us with two unfeasibly large beers (1 litre glasses). I was rolling a cigarette and got slapped around the head playfully, No! And the guy placed a pack of cigarettes on the table, I was not allowed to smoke my own. Before we even drank our first beer the second one arrived. During the third beer they started the barbecue and served the biggest plate of meat I have ever seen. Then another beer.

They were sleeping in a tent, a big one with two ‘bedrooms’. They let us sleep in one end and they squeezed in the other.

They would not except a penny even though we tried to pay. They said we were all brothers. We gave them a coat (an army jacket the son liked). We helped them set up in the morning before we met the girls and walked on.

I walked again that year. When I got there they were open. Just dad this time. There was a long queue so I sat back and waited to say hi. But the bloke saw me sitting there, stopped serving, jumped over the counter and gave me a massive hug. Then a one litre beer. Would not let me pay again, but I managed to slip five Euros in the till box thing without him seeing. More hugs and I walked on again.

Next year they were closed, It was late and they were locked up for the night. So I wrote them a message on the graffiti on their bar. The same year I was walking back to France, dad was there and joyfully pointed out the message I had written on the bar. Then fed me. Lots.

Third year and their bar was in a new place, but I knew it was them. I walked up and this time it was the son. I ordered a beer and he just looked at me. Davey? Yep, how you doing? Lots of beers were had again. Also this year I was sleeping out again, so I stayed all afternoon until they closed. I helped serve customers, refuelled the genny and helped clear up. Felt like I was home. They (son and his mate) went home. I convinced them that I was ok sleeping out here and I would help them set up in the morning.

I had just set up for the evening (they had left me more food and beer than I could ever consume), when about an hour later they came back. Son got out of the car, picked my rucksack up and threw it in the car, ‘Get in’ he said. No arguments.

They took me home (Viana), dad was there with a big hug, and so were about half a dozen more of the family all waiting to meet me. This is our brother they said. They fed me again, then took me out for the night. Would not let me pay a thing.

I spent the next day helping out at the bar before walking on once more.

So, I would really like to bring them a gift. Something I can carry maybe, or possibly post to the town before, then walk it to them. But what? I have thought many things, a bottle of malt maybe. I don’t know. Maybe something for all of them.

I really haven’t a clue. What would you take? How do I say thank you?

Davey

I wondered if you had taken any photographs together? I had a similar situation where I made a print of a photo and put it in a small frame. I had the duplicate at home and told them how heart warming it was to see the photo and send a prayer their way each time I did...the family was thrilled at the idea that we had the same exact photo in opposite sides of the world. I also agree with the little gifts for the women and kids...

 

[WalkingJane]

Something kitschy from your home? Something for the wife and mother of these two, like a locally made (your local) bit of lace? A football jersey from your home team?

Those are good ideas. My thoughts were similar.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

Bake a huge fruit cake and send it to the nearest post office. (Or get someone who bakes to do one for you). When I first lived in japan, my mother's Jamaican friend sent me one of her cakes every Christmas. It was big enough for everyone in my office (30-40 people) to have a slice - and I think it contained enough rum to get some of them a little tipsy. They'd never had anything like it in their lives. Some of them loved it and some of them didn't - but it left an impression on everyone.
I don't know why, but that's what came to my mind when I read your story about the hospitality that those people have shown to you.

 

[AlwynWellington]

@Davey Boyd , a great story.

On my 2016 trip I was given a significant personal kindness from the proprietor of the albergue on entering Hontanas . On my return in 2017 to complete I made of point of stopping at Hontanas. Towards the end of dinner I asked him to joing us and presented him with clothing with designs local to my home.

 

[Sheffield James]

How about a Christmas tree decoration with the name of your town/region/country, or inscribed with a personal message? This way you’ll be remembered at a family time each year when, probably, you can’t be there in person.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Don’t delay!!
When we walked the Primitivo in 2014 the proprietor of a bar at the top of the hill after Mieres plied us with cokes and a variety of tapas - and all we had asked for was water. Then he refused payment. When we walked there again last year we took a photo of him and us along with a thank you note - imagine our dismay to find his premises closed up and for sale. We still tucked our wee offering in the letterbox and hope he might have got it.

 

[Davey Boyd]

Some great ideas there thank you!

I really like the idea of something from home. I live in Brighton England (Hove Actually). So maybe a football top, or a bottle of Brighton gin. A local cheese maybe - but walking it there maybe not so good! I like the lace idea for the ladies too. I also like the photo suggestions, but maybe some mugs that I could get a design put on? I could send some stuff ahead by post, pick it up then walk it there the last bit (their cafe is in the middle of nowhere). Can I send cheese in the post? Lol!

Still thinking (I have a few months at least before I walk again), will let you know what I decide though!

Davey

 

[Davey Boyd]

Bake a huge fruit cake and send it to the nearest post office. (Or get someone who bakes to do one for you). When I first lived in japan, my mother's Jamaican friend sent me one of her cakes every Christmas. It was big enough for everyone in my office (30-40 people) to have a slice - and I think it contained enough rum to get some of them a little tipsy. They'd never had anything like it in their lives. Some of them loved it and some of them didn't - but it left an impression on everyone.
I don't know why, but that's what came to my mind when I read your story about the hospitality that those people have shown to you.

I really like the cake idea too! I would have to post it before I set off though and pick it up weeks later. Not sure if this would be good? Will have to look into it

Davey

 

[Davey Boyd]

Don’t delay!!
When we walked the Primitivo in 2014 the proprietor of a bar at the top of the hill after Mieres plied us with cokes and a variety of tapas - and all we had asked for was water. Then he refused payment. When we walked there again last year we took a photo of him and us along with a thank you note - imagine our dismay to find his premises closed up and for sale. We still tucked our wee offering in the letterbox and hope he might have got it.

The bar at the top of the hill after Mieres is closed? You mean this one at Padrun? I hope not if so, because that is a very welcome bar after a long uphill slog! This one?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Something for the bar. One of the flags that says "Open" maybe. Or a Jolly Roger pirate flag. Or a Welch one. All light. Maybe some kind of bar puzzle like the one where you have a ring on a loop on one one side of a board and you have to move it to the loop on the other side. A radio?

Edit: A tent set up a night could use reflective ropes and stakes.

 

[Davey Boyd]

Something for the bar. One of the flags that says "Open" maybe. Or a Jolly Roger pirate flag. Or a Welch one. All light. Maybe some kind of bar puzzle like the one where you have a ring on a loop on one one side of a board and you have to move it to the loop on the other side. A radio?

Great ideas! Love the flag idea for the bar. Could even get one made to a design of my own maybe!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I made an edit to my post above but I see now that you already read the post so here is my idea again.

A tent set up at night could use reflective ropes and stakes.

 

[Davey Boyd]

Maybe Brighton ashtrays for the bar (and a flag). Brighton Gin for the boys themselves. Still stuck for the ladies/kids. I like lace maybe for the ladies, cake for the kids (and everyone). Mmmmm.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Maybe Brighton ashtrays for the bar (and a flag). Brighton Gin for the boys themselves. Still stuck for the ladies/kids. I like lace maybe for the ladies, cake for the kids (and everyone). Mmmmm.

A bunch of super strong magnets for the kids?

 

[twh]

Wow Davey, what an incredibly special experience you have had and continue to have. Thanks for sharing another magical story about the Camino.

You can’t go wrong with any of the ideas you have received so far.

I like the idea of a long letter or story that expands on your original post. The “brotherhood” concept seems very important to them so work with that along with “family”,….they seem to have adopted you. You have a ton of material right there to authentically explore and write about. They have influenced you in your attitude about the magic of the Camino, the country of Spain, the region, the city, their profession, religion, food, camaraderie…etc… Have you learned things from them you could write about? Do you think differently about anything because of them? I think it’s hard to write something out in one sitting but you have time to work with it, shape it into something that is honest and sincere. If you have lots of pictures, you can design a layout where you add the pictures into the text and then have 2 books printed, one for you and one for them. Maybe their book is in Spanish if you can find a good translator…maybe someone here in this community could do that? I’ve seen vacation or travel books that people have printed where they write about a vacation and have lots of pictures included in the hard cover book. I’ve never done this or looked into it but I’ve seen many examples. I think it can be done for a reasonable cost. You can bring both copies with you and have the family members sign your version that you take back home with you. You could include one of your Compostela certificates attached to an inside cover. If you like the book idea but don’t have the pictures you need to do it justice you could bring a different gift this year and then capture all the pictures you need for your story & picture book on this Camino to be delivered next year. If you go this route, you could have this year’s Compostela certificate dedicated to their family name or the patriarch and mount that in the book. You could integrate the cover or even each page of the book with a light or faint background image of their stamp/sello. You could design and then fabricate your own stamp/sello that has some imagery of your hometown and have both of your surnames in the perimeter…or ???? You could have an abbreviated family tree of theirs on the inside front cover and your abbreviated family tree on the inside back cover or some kind of historical graphic/tree listing each camino you have done where you met up with this family. All these things emphasize and celebrate unity which seems really important to them and you.

Let us know what you end up doing.

 

[Davey Boyd]

Wow Davey, what an incredibly special experience you have had and continue to have. Thanks for sharing another magical story about the Camino.

You can’t go wrong with any of the ideas you have received so far.

I like the idea of a long letter or story that expands on your original post. The “brotherhood” concept seems very important to them so work with that along with “family”,….they seem to have adopted you. You have a ton of material right there to authentically explore and write about. They have influenced you in your attitude about the magic of the Camino, the country of Spain, the region, the city, their profession, religion, food, camaraderie…etc… Have you learned things from them you could write about? Do you think differently about anything because of them? I think it’s hard to write something out in one sitting but you have time to work with it, shape it into something that is honest and sincere. If you have lots of pictures, you can design a layout where you add the pictures into the text and then have 2 books printed, one for you and one for them. Maybe their book is in Spanish if you can find a good translator…maybe someone here in this community could do that? I’ve seen vacation or travel books that people have printed where they write about a vacation and have lots of pictures included in the hard cover book. I’ve never done this or looked into it but I’ve seen many examples. I think it can be done for a reasonable cost. You can bring both copies with you and have the family members sign your version that you take back home with you. You could include one of your Compostela certificates attached to an inside cover. If you like the book idea but don’t have the pictures you need to do it justice you could bring a different gift this year and then capture all the pictures you need for your story & picture book on this Camino to be delivered next year. If you go this route, you could have this year’s Compostela certificate dedicated to their family name or the patriarch and mount that in the book. You could integrate the cover or even each page of the book with a light or faint background image of their stamp/sello. You could design and then fabricate your own stamp/sello that has some imagery of your hometown and have both of your surnames in the perimeter…or ???? You could have an abbreviated family tree of theirs on the inside front cover and your abbreviated family tree on the inside back cover or some kind of historical graphic/tree listing each camino you have done where you met up with this family. All these things emphasize and celebrate unity which seems really important to them and you.

Let us know what you end up doing.

Wow there are some good ideas in there, worth pondering on for sure!

Thank you so much!

 

[Kanga]

I like the idea of something from your own area - Brighton rock for the children, a local football jersey for the boys (signed would be fabulous, then they could put it up on the wall of the bar), perhaps a locally made scarf or something crafty for the women. Or anything you can make yourself - it shows effort.

 

[Davey Boyd]

I like the idea of something from your own area - Brighton rock for the children, a local football jersey for the boys (signed would be fabulous, then they could put it up on the wall of the bar), perhaps a locally made scarf or something crafty for the women. Or anything you can make yourself - it shows effort.

Brighton rock of course! That would be great for the kids. And easy to carry too. Why didn't I think of that? However as a dim man 'something crafty for the women' is beyond my imagination!

This forum is splendid, thank you!

 

[Kiwi-family]

The bar at the top of the hill after Mieres is closed? You mean this one at Padrun? I hope not if so, because that is a very welcome bar after a long uphill slog! This one?

View attachment 54870

Unfortunately yes.
Although maybe someone has bought it by now and will open it again.
At least it’s all downhill from there ( or to the next town anyway)

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I thought the idea of silk scarves was great.

 

[Thomas McCabe]

Sorry this is long and rambling.

I am rubbish at buying presents. I really have no idea. But I want to buy a present or maybe a few presents for some lovely local people I met on camino. I want to say thank you. First here is why.

In 2015 I was walking in a ‘family’ on the Camino Frances and me and the other lad, a young German decided to sleep outside in the woods. The girls got an albergue for the night (Torres De Rio) and we carried on. I saw on the map there was a church or chapel in the forest, the weather was great, we would sleep outside there. Well, it got dark, it was around 11pm when we arrived. We got a surprise.

There was one of those outside café/bars in a ramshackle shed part tent. It was closed of course, but the owner and his son were still there. When they spotted us it was ‘hey perigrinos! Come here!’. So we did. They opened the bar and presented us with two unfeasibly large beers (1 litre glasses). I was rolling a cigarette and got slapped around the head playfully, No! And the guy placed a pack of cigarettes on the table, I was not allowed to smoke my own. Before we even drank our first beer the second one arrived. During the third beer they started the barbecue and served the biggest plate of meat I have ever seen. Then another beer.

They were sleeping in a tent, a big one with two ‘bedrooms’. They let us sleep in one end and they squeezed in the other.

They would not except a penny even though we tried to pay. They said we were all brothers. We gave them a coat (an army jacket the son liked). We helped them set up in the morning before we met the girls and walked on.

I walked again that year. When I got there they were open. Just dad this time. There was a long queue so I sat back and waited to say hi. But the bloke saw me sitting there, stopped serving, jumped over the counter and gave me a massive hug. Then a one litre beer. Would not let me pay again, but I managed to slip five Euros in the till box thing without him seeing. More hugs and I walked on again.

Next year they were closed, It was late and they were locked up for the night. So I wrote them a message on the graffiti on their bar. The same year I was walking back to France, dad was there and joyfully pointed out the message I had written on the bar. Then fed me. Lots.

Third year and their bar was in a new place, but I knew it was them. I walked up and this time it was the son. I ordered a beer and he just looked at me. Davey? Yep, how you doing? Lots of beers were had again. Also this year I was sleeping out again, so I stayed all afternoon until they closed. I helped serve customers, refuelled the genny and helped clear up. Felt like I was home. They (son and his mate) went home. I convinced them that I was ok sleeping out here and I would help them set up in the morning.

I had just set up for the evening (they had left me more food and beer than I could ever consume), when about an hour later they came back. Son got out of the car, picked my rucksack up and threw it in the car, ‘Get in’ he said. No arguments.

They took me home (Viana), dad was there with a big hug, and so were about half a dozen more of the family all waiting to meet me. This is our brother they said. They fed me again, then took me out for the night. Would not let me pay a thing.

I spent the next day helping out at the bar before walking on once more.

So, I would really like to bring them a gift. Something I can carry maybe, or possibly post to the town before, then walk it to them. But what? I have thought many things, a bottle of malt maybe. I don’t know. Maybe something for all of them.

I really haven’t a clue. What would you take? How do I say thank you?

Davey

Seems to me that you are the gift. Love is perfect kindness....

 

[Davey Boyd]

Unfortunately yes.
Although maybe someone has bought it by now and will open it again.
At least it’s all downhill from there ( or to the next town anyway)

Hope so! When I went there first time the owner was smoking a pig.....

 

[NorthernLight]

A lace shawl made in Brighton would be special and useful, and every time she gets it out - perhaps for Mass, baptisms, weddings, etc, they think of you. Check the craft markets, seniors homes or spring bazaars.

 

[Davey Boyd]

A lace shawl made in Brighton would be special and useful, and every time she gets it out - perhaps for Mass, baptisms, weddings, etc, they think of you. Check the craft markets, seniors homes or spring bazaars.

A good idea! I have a while yet to ponder before I walk past there again. Thank you all!

 

[Leibniz]

What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing it.
Looking forward to finding out what you’ll decide to bring in the end.
When are you off?

 

[Davey Boyd]

What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing it.
Looking forward to finding out what you’ll decide to bring in the end.
When are you off?

I don't know when I am walking next. My dad is ill at the moment, so cannot travel too far for now. Might be able to slip in a Frances hopefully in the next year before my next long one. Then I can take some prezzies then Will keep you informed!

Davey

 

[Leibniz]

I wish your dad better soon.

 

[Parisian]

Some great ideas there thank you!

I really like the idea of something from home. I live in Brighton England (Hove Actually). So maybe a football top, or a bottle of Brighton gin. A local cheese maybe - but walking it there maybe not so good! I like the lace idea for the ladies too. I also like the photo suggestions, but maybe some mugs that I could get a design put on? I could send some stuff ahead by post, pick it up then walk it there the last bit (their cafe is in the middle of nowhere). Can I send cheese in the post? Lol!

Still thinking (I have a few months at least before I walk again), will let you know what I decide though!

Davey

I have had similar meetings with the kindest of people who show up on the Camino at the most needed of times. They are Camino angels and you have met these two and their family. When I wanted to give them money, no one would accept as happened to you. One wisdom man (Angel) said, "As you, I was helped along the way. You have already gifted me by allowing me be the giver and you the receiver. Don't give me reciprocity. The intention would stop here. Pass it on."

Stunned then and today when I write this. For me profound. And yes, I have passed it on in his memory. Buen Camino in life. Elin

 

[WalkingJane]

Words an you going to visit them is so wonderful thats a thank you on it's own.

Yes!

A good idea! I have a while yet to ponder before I walk past there again. Thank you all!

I like the idea of something from your own area - Brighton rock for the children, a local football jersey for the boys (signed would be fabulous, then they could put it up on the wall of the bar), perhaps a locally made scarf or something crafty for the women. Or anything you can make yourself - it shows effort.

These are great ideas. Especially something for the women....