- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2012
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How dare they eat late and party all night?Don't forget the locals who should stop having fun or enjoying a local fiesta after ten pm.Afterall we pilgrims are " entitled" to a decent night of sleep...
Swipe left Joe; there’ll be another along in a moment.Oh, I clicked on this because I thought it was for me since the thread title is my exact description on most dating sites…
I wouldn’t take it personally. There are always posts that complain and want to skip parts or where people are acting entitled. Nothing wrong with doing the Camino your way for whatever reason.I assume this is partly in response to my post about taking a taxi out of Porto - keep in mind that not all pilgrims have the luxury of time. When on a restricted schedule maybe it makes sense to skip a section? You don’t have to be rude about it. I swear people who wax on about the spirit of the Camino end up being the most judgmental
I rail against the concept of editing a Camino, and I don’t care how little time anyone has. It’s a journey from A to B; and if you can’t do it in the time available: tough. Start a bit closer to B. Don’t do the highlights and pretend.
I second that. I am walking for my reasons and no one else’s. How & why I walk is no one’s business.I wouldn’t take it personally. There are always posts that complain and want to skip parts or where people are acting entitled. Nothing wrong with doing the Camino your way for whatever reason.
Nope, nothing personal. If you think it is about you then I regret that imposition. I have no interest in any “spirit” of the Camino. The Camino just is. No soul, no carnal existence. Just a thousand roads spider-webbing to the shrine of one who may perhaps have touched the divine.I assume this is partly in response to my post about taking a taxi out of Porto - keep in mind that not all pilgrims have the luxury of time. When on a restricted schedule maybe it makes sense to skip a section? You don’t have to be rude about it. I swear people who wax on about the spirit of the Camino end up being the most judgmental
I’m not taking it personal. I just find it so rude that people make post like this or make comments on peoples post when they just have questions. The Camino is a new thing for a lot of people and questions are valid yet some people on this forum judge for not doing things the way they did it.I wouldn’t take it personally. There are always posts that complain and want to skip parts or where people are acting entitled. Nothing wrong with doing the Camino your way for whatever reason.
Exactly. These people who shame others have been doing it for years. It why I left this forum when planning my 2016 Camino. Those are also the same people who say embrace the spirit of the Camino yet they are totally jerks on this forum.
ditto on Saria to Santiago...But I loved the Astorga to Sarria section...loved it.How dare they eat late and party all night?
Ah… the memories of getting up and walking through a city at 6am - watching the last of the locals stagger their way towards home.
I wouldn’t trade one minute of the Camino - even the Sarria to Santiago section which is my least favorite section so far.
Hmm... I guess mine is kind of similar in thought to yours. I think for me, my perfect Camino will be walking longer days (I love 30-35km days with some 20-25km days mixed in), walking by myself most of the day (love being totally alone) - but the ability to find someone to walk with for short periods of time when I am in the mood, and then I love the idea of a communal meal together most nights.In answer, my perfect Camino would be staying where we prepared a communal meal together each night, had a Pilgrim Mass with blessing, and only walked 10 miles (16 km) each day. May it be so!
WoW!!!! You managed to express exactly how I feel about my first upcoming Camino. And so eloquently. Thank youIt's so easy, while planning, to get caught up in other people's struggles and impressions. Like, am I strong enough, fit enough to take the Napoleon Route over the Pyrenees? Can I really carry this crazy backpack all the way across a country? Will the pain I'm experiencing in my foot today derail my journey in 4-something months? I'm such a light sleeper, can I tolerate the snoring in albergues? What about the food - will I find what I like and need? There are so many things to worry about, and be afraid of, or be sidelined by. But the thing that I look forward to is, well, all of it. I've learned a few things about myself over the years - struggle has a tendency to make me stronger - mentally and physically. The so-called "ugly" bits make me appreciate the beautiful parts. The rude people, and the hordes of teenagers (I deal with a lot of them at work), make me appreciate the quiet kindness of someone else. And when it's all said and done, no matter where I've begun, or where I've ended, knowing that I completed my journey has often been the most rewarding part.
I've been fortunate enough to sail across oceans, I've traveled all over the world, I nearly died in a third-world country, and I've absolutely lived my best life in some of the most amazing places in the world. And all of that has made me exactly who I am. It's all a part of the story we write about ourselves. A friend of mine always reminds me: bloom where you are. It's easy to look over the fence and say: it looks better over there. But finding the beauty in struggle, and pain, and darkness, just makes the brightness of light all that much better.
Over the last few years, I've watched way too many Camino vlogs, and what I've discerned from all of those is that everyone's journey is different. One person may despise the Meseta, and for another it might be their favorite part. Some folks thrive in the chaos of crowds, and some can only tolerate solitude. In the end, my plan is to try to take the good with the bad, if there is such a thing. Take the hard with the easy. Take it all to the best of my ability. And bloom exactly where I am.
Here's to the perfect Camino - whatever that means...
Stina
I've occasionally added 10+km to my day just to be sure of leaving someone well behind me.I will say that the Way is not as much a problem as other pilgrims. I admit to walking on if I see someone who rubs me the wrong way is at an albergue where I wanted to stop.
Haha I’m guilty of this too!I've occasionally added 10+km to my day just to be sure of leaving someone well behind me.
I've seen that happenI assume this is partly in response to my post about taking a taxi out of Porto - keep in mind that not all pilgrims have the luxury of time. When on a restricted schedule maybe it makes sense to skip a section? You don’t have to be rude about it. I swear people who wax on about the spirit of the Camino end up being the most judgmental
I disagree. There are very few set rules for walking a Camino other than those for claiming a Compostela.Those who decide to cherry-pick their route are of course entitled to do so. But those who see pilgrimage in a different light should also be allowed to state their own opinions openly. If someone has considered their own choices and believe their decision is valid then why not defend that position by reasoned argument rather than simply dismissing contrary views as "judgemental"?Who is to say what "bits and pieces" are unacceptable; we are all different, and there should be no condemnation.
This is part of the beauty of staying flexible. You can hang back with new found friends - or you can speed up/slow down to avoid those you want to avoid! We have to put up with plenty of unpleasant people at home - don't want to put up with it on a Camino. No need to be confrontational or anything - just adjust your speed/distance to move away from t hem.I will say that the Way is not as much a problem as other pilgrims. I admit to walking on if I see someone who rubs me the wrong way is at an albergue where I wanted to stop.
Yes! Of course - the person who seeks the best bits and misses what others think may be "the best" - usually doesn't know what they are missing.The concern, however expressed, is that those who seek only the bits they think best will miss the best.
Of course they should, and I agree to a point, but our personal opinions do not have to make others who do it differently feel inferior or like they are doing anything wrong. See posts #3, 11, 13, 14. Possibly they have overreacted, but we should ask ourselves why are they feeling compelled to feel that way. It seems there should be no need to defend a position or argue; it's all subjective.But those who see pilgrimage in a different light should also be allowed to state their own opinions openly. If someone has considered their own choices and believe their decision is valid then why not defend that position by reasoned argument
You might have been the latest to ask this question, but you are far from the first to raise the issue. It has been going on for as long as I have been a member. And if you look around recent posts, you will find there are still those about where to find the best meals, coffee, bag transport or a myriad other subjects that I generally avoid. Why? Because I didn't walk any of my pilgrimages looking for these things, and have no practical advice to offer someone who might be asking these things. I do have a view on most of them, both as a pilgrim and erstwhile hospitalero.I assume this is partly in response to my post about taking a taxi out of Porto - keep in mind that not all pilgrims have the luxury of time. When on a restricted schedule maybe it makes sense to skip a section? You don’t have to be rude about it. I swear people who wax on about the spirit of the Camino end up being the most judgmental
I don't think so. If you search on the forum for the word "best" in the title, you will find this many threads. And that is only for the titles.I assume this is partly in response to my post
I think you are being harsh. We should be able to discuss opinions, tolerate some frustrations, and even get annoyed with each other, without name-calling.they are totally jerks on this forum.
And there is rarely an intent to "shame" anyone.There are very few set rules for walking a Camino other than those for claiming a Compostela.Those who decide to cherry-pick their route are of course entitled to do so. But those who see pilgrimage in a different light should also be allowed to state their own opinions openly. If someone has considered their own choices and believe their decision is valid then why not defend that position by reasoned argument rather than simply dismissing contrary views as "judgemental"?
Well said, C, and very true! The oldtimers and mods are a wealth of knowledge and spend time to answer questions and offer good advice to both newbies and seasoned forum members like me.The same old timer forum members who sometimes get cranky are often the same old timers who spend a lot of time and effort to be helpful, most of the time. The newcomers and occasional members may come on the forum, ask about the best whatever, and then disappear. Other members stick around and sooner or later they will show human flaws!
I hear the phrase "that's sketch" all the time! Very common to hear it amongst the youth in my area (also US).For whatever it’s worth, I have not heard the word “sketchy” used conversationally in about 20 years here in the US.
Calling people ‘jerks’ is not exactly polite either.I’m not taking it personal. I just find it so rude that people make post like this or make comments on peoples post when they just have questions. The Camino is a new thing for a lot of people and questions are valid yet some people on this forum judge for not doing things the way they did it.
If you mis something, you never know what you've missed...The first is quite likely to be disappointed, and not be changed by the experience. The second is likely to find something that changes them.
The concern, however expressed, is that those who seek only the bits they think best will miss the best.
Amen.someone has considered their own choices and believe their decision is valid then why not defend that position by reasoned argument rather than simply dismissing contrary views as "judgemental"?
It does seem so, from the outside looking in. The OP was not talking about something completely different.Possibly they have overreacted,
but we should ask ourselves why are they feeling compelled to feel that way.
Feeling insulted is a choice.It’s insulting.
Welcome to the forum. Let's not make assumptions about the comments made by others. It just gets confusing, and it places us in a position of projecting far too much. I have been around the forum for a few years; it is not a place to take things personally. Read what you want and ignore the rest.I assume this is partly in response to my post about taking a taxi out of Porto - keep in mind that not all pilgrims have the luxury of time. When on a restricted schedule maybe it makes sense to skip a section? You don’t have to be rude about it. I swear people who wax on about the spirit of the Camino end up being the most judgmental
It is not just “this blog”, i.e. this forum.This is a Pilgrimage forum and so if some people take an approach to the Camino that is contrary to the ethos of this blog there’s going to be some pushback.
Yep smile life's to short misery makes misery.For what it’s worth I’ve walked and I’ve bussed along the Camino (due to an injury) and I learned that for me (yes it’s my opinion therefor incontestable) what ever way you travel is “your Camino” anything else is irrelevant so if you chose to start somewhere different or to transport your bag or even yourself that’s fine but asking which bit to miss or which bit is boring is subjective and will always draw negativity from somewhere…me personally, where I can, I just walk along like a grinning idiot happy to be on the waybuen camino mi amigos
That's not a viable option for all - not everyone is willing to be on facebook. Facebook is a global purveyor of hate and misinformation. This little Camino Forum is not.There is facebook for those who prefer.
I’m not sure I have a question but if I did it would probably be “Que?”.
You are right. I am not on facebook, but see references to facebook groups about the Camino.While I generally agree with your point about peace, @Kirkie, this struck me in an uncomfortable place:
That's not a viable option for all - not everyone is willing to be on facebook. Facebook is a global purveyor of hate and misinformation. This little Camino Forum is not.
That's overreaching. Facebook is just a tool, and it is the individuals who are responsible for this. You might, legitimately I suggest, be concerned that not enough is done to remove misinformation and hate speech, and that is something I think all social media platforms might do better. But lets not confuse the tool with the actions of those users who want to spread lies and hate.Facebook is a global purveyor of hate and misinformation.
It is not just “this blog”, i.e. this forum.
I was looking for a very old post (from 2008!) and then had a look at a few other comments by the same poster when I saw a link to one of the many theses about the modern secular Camino and those who walk it. The topic is about alternative rituals of conclusion of the modern peregrin@ which is obviously not a topic of this thread but the first part is a description of developments of a kind of catalogue for the “approach to the Camino“ or “ethos of the pilgrimage community” (for lack of a better expression): The influential pilgrim associations at the time (in the 1980s) were instrumental in shaping this catalogue and many Camino pilgrims have internalised it since.
Experienced Camino pilgrims frequently bring up this catalogue of attitude and behaviour because they agree with it, and it is not always clear to me why: because it is beneficial for them and they want to share this with others; because they are convinced that it is beneficial for everyone if everyone would just open their eyes and follow this catalogue of behaviour and attitude; or that it is detrimental to the idealised Camino concept overall if too many don’t follow it.
The discussion can become controversial when especially newcomers to Camino walking and to the temporary peregrin@ existence perceive such comments as prescriptive when they are perhaps only meant as sharing personal views.
Try Disney World, few real mountains, the restaurants are reviewed, there are foreign lands and you won't currently need a passport or shot record. Please post comments in their local paper.OK, so, well here we go. I’ve been seeing, and sometimes responding to, lots (it seems) of posts about, essentially, which bits of Camino to avoid. Urban bits; steep bits; roadside bits; bits where the cafés don’t get good reviews; industrial bits ( though apparently that bit on the Invierno where the Romans totally trashed an entire mountain is cool); bits where there might be more pilgrims than is desirable; bits where holiday makers soak up to much of the accommodation….
So, I think it’s time we put our heads together and helped Tourismo Galicia, and everyone who needs one, construct the perfect Camino. Not too long, attractive landscapes, comfortable accommodations supplying exquisite food and, essentially, no unpleasant bits. No grumpy Tinkers; no tired Hospitaler@; no chewy Lomo with soggy chips…
I’m not sure I have a question but if I did it would probably be “Que?”.
I think this is the only thing I don't like about this forum. We can't simply delete our own posts when we feel they should be deleted - for whatever reason.The responses I got to my post made me feel so bad that I asked Ivar to delete my post. And I've been nervous about post since then in case I get the same response.
Stina, you're correct in studying before you go, preparation is important, be prepared, be flexible, be yourself. It will all be new and you are allowed to adapt. It will be your Camino. We "The Last Patrol" will be there with you, leaving SJPP 9/20.So, I don't have a dog in this fight (conversation?), and I approach this as a total newbie, very much looking forward to my first Camino (141 days - but who's counting??) There are so many things that can feel really intimidating when planning this journey. Do I have the time I need to dedicate to this endeavor? Do I have the financial resources? Can I realistically take time out of my "real" life? (Turns out, this is my real life...) Why is anyone crazy enough to do this? And then there are the myriad questions from friends and loved ones when you finally say out loud that you're going to do this thing. They may fear for your safety, they'll certainly miss you, maybe they don't want you to go for any number of their own reasons. But, with over three years of planning under my belt at this point, I do have a few thoughts... (And I make a living talking and expressing thoughts and ideas, so...)
It's so easy, while planning, to get caught up in other people's struggles and impressions. Like, am I strong enough, fit enough to take the Napoleon Route over the Pyrenees? Can I really carry this crazy backpack all the way across a country? Will the pain I'm experiencing in my foot today derail my journey in 4-something months? I'm such a light sleeper, can I tolerate the snoring in albergues? What about the food - will I find what I like and need? There are so many things to worry about, and be afraid of, or be sidelined by. But the thing that I look forward to is, well, all of it. I've learned a few things about myself over the years - struggle has a tendency to make me stronger - mentally and physically. The so-called "ugly" bits make me appreciate the beautiful parts. The rude people, and the hordes of teenagers (I deal with a lot of them at work), make me appreciate the quiet kindness of someone else. And when it's all said and done, no matter where I've begun, or where I've ended, knowing that I completed my journey has often been the most rewarding part.
I've been fortunate enough to sail across oceans, I've traveled all over the world, I nearly died in a third-world country, and I've absolutely lived my best life in some of the most amazing places in the world. And all of that has made me exactly who I am. It's all a part of the story we write about ourselves. A friend of mine always reminds me: bloom where you are. It's easy to look over the fence and say: it looks better over there. But finding the beauty in struggle, and pain, and darkness, just makes the brightness of light all that much better.
Over the last few years, I've watched way too many Camino vlogs, and what I've discerned from all of those is that everyone's journey is different. One person may despise the Meseta, and for another it might be their favorite part. Some folks thrive in the chaos of crowds, and some can only tolerate solitude. In the end, my plan is to try to take the good with the bad, if there is such a thing. Take the hard with the easy. Take it all to the best of my ability. And bloom exactly where I am.
Here's to the perfect Camino - whatever that means...
Stina
Just for the record: You can delete your post, at least for a certain number of days or weeks. Or edit it. I make a lot of typing errors and grammatical mistakes and I often see that a chosen word or phrase could be replaced by a better one, and when there has not been a reply or other reaction to my comment, I sometimes delete it and post an improved version. What you cannot delete yourself is the first post that started the thread. Also, you cannot close a thread that you have started yourself when you feel that the replies are sufficient.I think this is the only thing I don't like about this forum. We can't simply delete our own posts when we feel they should be deleted - for whatever reason.
Yikes! I responded after reading the initial post and didn’t notice other responses or that this thread started a fire. I stand by my post, not to judge, but to encourage folks that the camino is an onion with layers of experiences that define it.OK, so, well here we go. I’ve been seeing, and sometimes responding to, lots (it seems) of posts about, essentially, which bits of Camino to avoid. Urban bits; steep bits; roadside bits; bits where the cafés don’t get good reviews; industrial bits ( though apparently that bit on the Invierno where the Romans totally trashed an entire mountain is cool); bits where there might be more pilgrims than is desirable; bits where holiday makers soak up to much of the accommodation….
So, I think it’s time we put our heads together and helped Tourismo Galicia, and everyone who needs one, construct the perfect Camino. Not too long, attractive landscapes, comfortable accommodations supplying exquisite food and, essentially, no unpleasant bits. No grumpy Tinkers; no tired Hospitaler@; no chewy Lomo with soggy chips…
I’m not sure I have a question but if I did it would probably be “Que?”.
An understandable perspective; however, a perfect Camino would be its death knoll. Preferable is a Camino that reflects life as it realistically is--full of suffering.OK, so, well here we go. I’ve been seeing, and sometimes responding to, lots (it seems) of posts about, essentially, which bits of Camino to avoid. Urban bits; steep bits; roadside bits; bits where the cafés don’t get good reviews; industrial bits ( though apparently that bit on the Invierno where the Romans totally trashed an entire mountain is cool); bits where there might be more pilgrims than is desirable; bits where holiday makers soak up to much of the accommodation….
So, I think it’s time we put our heads together and helped Tourismo Galicia, and everyone who needs one, construct the perfect Camino. Not too long, attractive landscapes, comfortable accommodations supplying exquisite food and, essentially, no unpleasant bits. No grumpy Tinkers; no tired Hospitaler@; no chewy Lomo with soggy chips…
I’m not sure I have a question but if I did it would probably be “Que?”.
Yes. The site is becoming quite judgmental. Sad.I assume this is partly in response to my post about taking a taxi out of Porto - keep in mind that not all pilgrims have the luxury of time. When on a restricted schedule maybe it makes sense to skip a section? You don’t have to be rude about it. I swear people who wax on about the spirit of the Camino end up being the most judgmental
Yes - you can delete your REPLIES for a period of time, and you can edit them if needed unless the thread becomes locked. But there are times when you start a thread and realize it would be better to just delete the entire thread... especially when it goes totally off topic and is no longer constructive.Just for the record: You can delete your post, at least for a certain number of days or weeks. Or edit it. I make a lot of typing errors and grammatical mistakes and I often see that a chosen word or phrase could be replaced by a better one, and when there has not been a reply or other reaction to my comment, I sometimes delete it and post an improved version. What you cannot delete yourself is the first post that started the thread. Also, you cannot close a thread that you have started yourself when you feel that the replies are sufficient.
You can delete your post for up to one week, after that you can request a deletion of post or thread. This was introduced to protect the continuity of the threads because over the years a few members got the hump and started deleting their threads and posts on other threads and did some serious damage to the forum. A week is a good cooling down period IMO.I think this is the only thing I don't like about this forum. We can't simply delete our own posts when we feel they should be deleted - for whatever reason.
I don't agree, this is one of the safest forums you will get and for the most part nasty and judgmental comments are shut down asap but some people have a tendency to feel judged or offended where none has been given.Yes. The site is becoming quite judgmental. Sad.
I absolutely agree with this. The forum is very well moderated.I don't agree, this is one of the safest forums you will get and for the most part nasty and judgmental comments are shut down asap but some people have a tendency to feel judged or offended where none has been given.
I respectfully disagree.Yes. The site is becoming quite judgmental. Sad.
Hate and misinformation?While I generally agree with your point about peace, @Kirkie, this struck me in an uncomfortable place:
That's not a viable option for all - not everyone is willing to be on facebook. Facebook is a global purveyor of hate and misinformation. This little Camino Forum is not.
Where does this idea come from that the Camino is a metaphor/mirror for our lives? In the Middle Ages, perhaps even earlier, Christian scholars developed the idea that we human beings are only wanderers or pilgrims on earth and that the real destination of our existence is reached upon death when we would (hopefully) enter Heaven. That the Camino is a mirror or metaphor of our lives with ups and downs turns this concept on its head and must be a pretty novel idea. As far as I am concerned, every month of my life or at least every year of my adult life had its ups and downs ... hiking or not, pilgrimage or no pilgrimage.If the Camino is a metaphor/mirror for our lives, we don’t get to skip over the ugly or boring bits. They too have their lessons and purpose. I too feel the concern that the pilgrimage bit is getting a little lost in the vacation planning.
Again, a badly understood and liberal interpretation of the medieval Christian concept of penitence and of pilgrimage as penitence and suffering including being temporarily exiled. No longer a generally taught or accepted concept in our times (PS: in contemporary mainstream Christian theology and contemporary civil and ecclesiastical law).Preferable is a Camino that reflects life as it realistically is--full of suffering.
It gets political, so if you and @dougfitz want to tread my reasons for saying that, please PM me. Just to say here, yes. Hate and misinformation. And I can stand by that, with examples. Certainly not everywhere on FB, but it has done real damage to real people. And people who just post camino stuff on their timelines never see that. So they defend the platform as innocent, because that's their only experience of it.Hate and misinformation?
When we walked the CF in 2021, part of the challenge for my wife and me was to try to find beauty even where it wasn't obvious. My mother drummed into me as a child a saying something like "a truly educated (or was it "wise"?) person is never bored." That can be taken to extremes, but on the Camino we were able to find something beautiful or interesting pretty much everywhere, whether it was a solitary flower blooming in an industrial area walking into Burgos, or the endless vistas on the meseta.I walked the Frances in 2020 from SJPDP and I never considered missing a section. It was important to me to walk every step of the way even the less attractive boring bits. I did have the luxury of time as I had just retired and had no return flight booked. I’m walking the Portuguese central route in May and starting in Porto as I’m now back working part-time so have limited time. I know the walk out of Porto is considered boring but I think you have to take the bad with the good. I’d rather do a continuous walk from A to B than skip sections. That’s just my thoughts.
Actually what you quoted and were replying to is a very mainstream and universal Buddhist idea.medieval Christian concept of penitence and of pilgrimage as penitence. No longer a generally taught or accepted concept in our times.
Fwiw, I have added "PS: in contemporary mainstream Christian theology and in contemporary civil and ecclesiastical law" to my post #73 since we are talking about the specific pilgrimage to Saint James in Galicia which saw its heydays in the Middle Ages, a period in history from which people draw ideas, based on actual facts or fiction, about Camino walking in the 21st century, and not about other forms such as the pilgrimage to Mecca or to Medjugorje for example.Actually what you quoted and were replying to is a very mainstream and universal Buddhist idea.
Oh, I clicked on this because I thought it was for me since the thread title is my exact description on most dating sites…
The purpose is stated loud and clear at the top of the forum page, although it might get very small on a phone screen.Maybe it is time for Ivar to come out of the cupboard and restate the purpose of the forum.
I understand that when one gets a different reaction or advice than one expects, it can feel uncomfortable, but in fact you received entirely polite suggestions that you consider things differently.My very first post on this forum was exactly the "cherry picking the best bits" kind of post that everyone seems to hate and I got absolutely caned for it.
Just a reminder that the forum is an international group and passports are usually needed for such travel.you won't currently need a passport or shot record.
Yes, but it is hard to know (i.e. "judge") when a thread (or post) is better off deleted. In many cases, closing a thread is a good compromise.there are times when a thread is better off being deleted.
I have been a member of the forum for 15 years, and I would say it is no more nor less judgemental than always. And I cannot imagine a multicultural forum that combines openness with courtesy any better than this one.The site is becoming quite judgmental. Sad
Virtual reality will solve all of these requests…OK, so, well here we go. I’ve been seeing, and sometimes responding to, lots (it seems) of posts about, essentially, which bits of Camino to avoid. Urban bits; steep bits; roadside bits; bits where the cafés don’t get good reviews; industrial bits ( though apparently that bit on the Invierno where the Romans totally trashed an entire mountain is cool); bits where there might be more pilgrims than is desirable; bits where holiday makers soak up to much of the accommodation….
So, I think it’s time we put our heads together and helped Tourismo Galicia, and everyone who needs one, construct the perfect Camino. Not too long, attractive landscapes, comfortable accommodations supplying exquisite food and, essentially, no unpleasant bits. No grumpy Tinkers; no tired Hospitaler@; no chewy Lomo with soggy chips…
I’m not sure I have a question but if I did it would probably be “Que?”.
I suppose the gritty bits of the Camino can be likened to the gritty bits of this forum. You can choose to "ignore" the persistent grump as you would choose to bypass unloved industrial areas. However sometimes things can be better understood in contrast. The overall pleasure of the Camino despite the onerous bits is much like the pleasure of this forum despite the occasional crankiness.I’m not one for engaging in meta discussions. But I will describe something connected to this discussion that I’m seeing on this, my first, Camino so far…
I’m surprised that even the smaller towns such as Estella and Santo Domingo have noticeable industrial sections that greet the pilgrim. But, dammit, I kind of like those gritty bits. Helps me realize that this isn’t a nature hike through the daisies but is often a slog through a chunk of very real life.
I have been walking the Camino del Norte using my iFIT. My treadmill came with iFIT and a 22-inch screen. Each morning, I program a route using Google Maps and walk for about 4 hours. I have visited many lovely towns and villages that are not listed on the typical Camino del Norte stages. The iFIT mimics actual inclines and declines (of course not in actual scale) so I know how steep or easy certain route is. I got to explore the towns that I visited many times but never really walked around. My iFIT with preprogrammed adventurous routes that take me all over the world as well as the Google-based self-programming capability is helping me to get by until I can do the actual Camino this fall.OK, so, well here we go. I’ve been seeing, and sometimes responding to, lots (it seems) of posts about, essentially, which bits of Camino to avoid. Urban bits; steep bits; roadside bits; bits where the cafés don’t get good reviews; industrial bits ( though apparently that bit on the Invierno where the Romans totally trashed an entire mountain is cool); bits where there might be more pilgrims than is desirable; bits where holiday makers soak up to much of the accommodation….
So, I think it’s time we put our heads together and helped Tourismo Galicia, and everyone who needs one, construct the perfect Camino. Not too long, attractive landscapes, comfortable accommodations supplying exquisite food and, essentially, no unpleasant bits. No grumpy Tinkers; no tired Hospitaler@; no chewy Lomo with soggy chips…
I’m not sure I have a question but if I did it would probably be “Que?”.
It seems that "judgemental" is the response of many folks here to any opinion that they disagree with or makes them a bit uncomfortable.Yes. The site is becoming quite judgmental. Sad.
I have deleted a few of my posts over the years within the time limit, but notice if said post has been quoted by someone before I've had opportunity to remove it, I think it stays forever within the quoted text; is this correct?
That is correct but if you give a mod a heads up they will delete it.I have deleted a few of my posts over the years within the time limit, but notice if said post has been quoted by someone before I've had opportunity to remove it, I think it stays forever within the quoted text; is this correct?
I tried that and it did not work. But the opposite did work— I took an unplanned zero day and let that person get way ahead so I did not have to see them anymore.I've occasionally added 10+km to my day just to be sure of leaving someone well behind me.
On my only visit to the USA I met some serious-looking gentlemen with automatic rifles who made it abundantly clear that I should visit another part of the Montana forest very soon. I've also read Bill Bryson's book about the AT. I'll stay this side of the pond for my walking in the near future!how about taking a very long walk on one of our beautiful, natural and mountainous trails in the USA.
I prefer your side, as well, especially if on multi-week traversing.I'll stay this side of the pond for my walking in the near future!
And the best way to do that is to report your own post, or the post that quoted yours.That is correct but if you give a mod a heads up they will delete it.
Yes - but when you started the thread - should be your choice to delete the thread if you feel it isn't going the way you intended. Oh well - not my forum, not my rules, and not my decision! But I do see that as the one negative of this forum. I know I can ask to get something deleted, but that is a hassle too.Yes, but it is hard to know (i.e. "judge") when a thread (or post) is better off deleted. In many cases, closing a thread is a good compromise.
I've also read Bill Bryson's book of his experience on the AT, titled "A Walk in the Woods". It had quite a few laughs and it was also made into a fun movie starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.I've also read Bill Bryson's book about the AT.
I do understand Jeanine; but that rather defeats the object of a forum with other participants.Yes - but when you started the thread - should be your choice to delete the thread if you feel it isn't going the way you intended.
And you usually tickle my funny bone, in addition to educating me many times...a twofer.Starting from a low base, mostly everyone on here educates me in some way.
Only 16km per day? We will have to disagree on that one. I'd be bored rigid with all those hours left to fill. Each to their own!I am adding to my list: Communal Meal every night, Pilgrim Mass with blessing, only walking 16 km per day, and a place to get coffee con leche every morning!
Not for me, thank you!Communal Meal every night
For me, 20k per day is perfect (I've certainly done more) and definitely cafe con leche ASAP in the morning each and every day.Only 16km per day? We will have to disagree on that one. I'd be bored rigid with all those hours left to fill. Each to their own!
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