Camino Portugues: Damage on "the Camino".

[Jakobsvejen.dk]

This has to happen once. I am an old man who has walked many pilgrimages since 1987. So after more than15,000 kilometers on various pilgrimage routes, something went wrong. Already on the second day of a summer trip along the Camino Portugues from Porto, I twisted my left leg and had to stop. I couldn't stand on my feet and had only one wish - to come home to Copenhagen.
Here is my story, as I would like to thank for help with the journey home, and it might help others in the same situation:
4 July: Flight, Copenhagen - Porto. Exit the airport and leave immediately. Accommodation first night in Casa Laura with Carlos and Laura. Everything was good, Community with other pilgrims.
July 5: I didn't get further than "the 207 Kilometer Stone". I moved in by Louis in Casa de Maria in Pedra Furado. Stumbled and tripped on the left leg. And on the morning of July 6 I had to realize that I could not stand on my leg. End of "the Camino" for this time! A plane ticket was bought from Porto to Copenhagen, departing early on Sunday morning. Very helpful Louis offered to drive directly to the departure hall. Thank you very much. At the airport, help from the security staff. No problems with the walking stick and the limping man with the big backpack. Everyone was friendly. (What a contrast to the airport in Santiago)
Cancellation of Alsabus from Santiago to Porto. (The money was returned kvickly)
Cancellation of accommodation last night in Santiago (No problem)
Cancellation of an overnight stay in AirPortoHostel, 16 July to 17 July. Unfortunately a problem. Per mail I was promised 44 euros back before the end of the week. The money has not yet appeared. And my emails about the missing refund are not answered. Then you know. AirPortoHostel does not refund, even though they promise to. I have stayed there before and am amazed to be ripped off.
But now what. I dream of coming back on a Camino !. But I am an old man and my knees and legs are still not good. So for now I have to enjoy all the fantastic trips I've had and wish all readers here on the site. Pax et Bonum and Buen Camino !!!
Poul Erik
www.jakobsvejen.dk

 

[Grousedoctor]

I think that many of who travel a great deal have had from time to time to cancel a reservation only to find out it wasn’t possible to get a refund. IMHO it is a price we pay for the opportunity to travel. Like you, I, too, have found most places more than willing to work with me usually by altering my accommodation stay if I have missed the absolute deadline for a refund. Nonetheless, it’s discouraging when there isn’t a certain flexibility to accommodate an unforeseen situation.

I don’t mean to minimize your loss of €44, but if you think about all of the kindness you received getting home perhaps that was a far larger compensation than your loss at the hostel. Speedy recovery and hope to see you back on the Caminho!

 

[Jakobsvejen.dk]

Airport Hostel Porto advertises on their website that you get your money back if you cancel in good time.
When I canceled on 8 July due to my injury (8 days before I was supposed to spend the night there) I also got this reply:
We're really sorry to hear that :/
I sent the information to my boss and we will proceed with the refund. If at the end of this week you don't receive it please contact me again.

Best regards,
reception

But then, unfortunately, nothing more happened. And - it might seem strange to you - but when a hostel or other place advertises with a certain tyope service, it's not so strange that mnan also expects them to keep their word and not "cheat the customers".

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

I am sorry this has happened to you and I send you good wishes. I am also old and getting older. I have walked to Camino only since 2008 but I noticed pains in my knees this year.
I am trying to imagine life without the Camino. It will be so one day.

 

[GDS]

With a grace of God, your leg will heal, and you will be granted the privilege of walking the Camino once again

 

[Jakobsvejen.dk]

Dear GDS and Caomhin,
Thank you very much for your kind regards. Unfortunately, things are going slowly with the knee and I'm still limping. BUT, BUT, BUT - then it's not so worse. I can hump around the Swedish forests and pick chanterelles, all the while with a bit of luck being joined by an elk or a red deer, while the great cranes soar above my head. So I can still - even if I am not on a pilgrimage - sense that there is something bigger than me, namely God.
And with a bit of luck, I'll hopefully be able to wear the backpack again sometime in the late autumn. But once again, thank you for your kind comments.
Pax et Bonum
Poul Erik