To any who thought my "go alone, go alone, go alone!" post was too strong I thought I would try to explain, from my perspective. I have walked alone and also with a good friend. Have enjoyed both equally but in very different ways.
It is like this. There is
pilgrimage and there is
Camino, and they are different.
A
pilgrimage is the same mindset and intent as going to a retreat in a monastery or convent.
You go alone.
First thing they do is to take all your communication devices away.
This is how it is supposed to be - no distractions, just you, universe, God (or whatever name you wish to use).
You will meet and sometimes become friends with monks/nuns, have sometimes joyful mealtimes, but will spend a lot of time totally alone, even during the services you will be alone.
The only differences between a religious retreat and a pilgrimage is that in Spain you will not have a spiritual guide with you and you will probably walk 500 miles
A
Camino is going on the pilgrim route and moving towards Santiago. If it doesn't have a deep spiritual element then technically it is a hike, a holiday, tourism.
On a
Camino you can go with whomever you want, alone or with others. Use your phone, take a laptop or pad and write blogs and send photos of the meals you are eating, stick earbuds in and listen to songs, etc.
So it is about intent.
Neither is superior to the other, they both have value, both can be visited by synchronicity, the breath of the Spirit, all are called - though I would lean towards
pilgrimage as it is a Roman Catholic
pilgrim route to the remains of a saint, not a hiking holiday. Therefore my statement - Go Alone.
For most pilgrims this may be the only time they have been alone in their whole lives. Childhood, school, college, work, girl/boyfriends, marriage, children, family again - never ever alone, for decades and decades - so this, for anyone reading this and being afraid about the newness of actually being alone - be not afraid, all is well, go alone xx
Buen Camino all.