Is the best the worst, and the worst the best?

Bedspring

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

June 2024

• Tuesday at 1:59 PM

• #1

There are numerous threads on here entitled "What is the best......" whatever and I am sure most of us look at reviews before buying, well anything, even going for a Coffee in a new town entails a quick google to find the the Cafe with the most stars, its something do.
However, looking back on life, the things that stand out, are often the "worst" bits, problems overcome, satisfaction from triumph over adversity, that rubbish Cafe with the grumpy owner.
Therefore, possibly a bit less checking reviews, and just going with the flow, and learning to enjoy the bumps in the road, or at least appreciate that within a short period these things will pale into insignificance is the Camino.

Thats all Folks

 

LTfit

Veteran Member

Donating Member

• Tuesday at 2:11 PM

• #2

I avoid any thread in which an OP asks such questions. Maybe I'm the exception but I rarely read comments about albergues, routes, etc. What one person's "worst" may be my favorite and "best" may be mediocre. It is so subjective, much depends on the location, hospitaler@, time of year or quite often just your frame of mind.

 

David

A stranger in a very strange land

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.

• Tuesday at 2:18 PM

• #3

"However, looking back on life, the things that stand out, are often the "worst" bits, problems overcome, satisfaction from triumph over adversity, that rubbish Cafe with the grumpy owner."

So agree! That is where the hilarious life anecdotes come from!

When abroad and looking for somewhere to eat I like go down the poorer back streets and find somewhere with locals in it, preferably blue collar workers - and if I can't decide what I should have I ask for what most people choose that day or say "surprise me" - has never let me down!

As for "the best" re coffee and so on - I can guess what sort of people go into those, not my tribe .. worth looking it up so one can avoid it

 

CWBuff

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances\Finisterre 22 Frances 26 del Norte 27

• Tuesday at 3:03 PM

• #4

LTfit said:

....or quite often just your frame of mind.

Click to expand...

THAT should be in the beginning of any possible list!
"You" and only "you" can set the tone for the day and sometimes we all can learn to roll with the punches.

 

Rick of Rick and Peg

Veteran_Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Us:Camino Frances, 2015 Me:Catalan/Aragonese, 2019

• Tuesday at 3:10 PM

• #5

David said:

When abroad and looking for somewhere to eat I like go down the poorer back streets and find somewhere with locals in it, preferably blue collar workers - and if I can't decide what I should have I ask for what most people choose that day or say "surprise me" - has never let me down!

Click to expand...

Peg's trick is to ask docents at museums for recommendations. Her reasoning is that they don't have much money but do have good taste. She's never been disappointed.

 

Last edited: Tuesday at 4:51 PM

roving_rufus

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances (2013-2015) Portugues (2017-2019) Via Francigena (2018-??) Camino from Ireland (2020-??)

• Tuesday at 6:02 PM

• #6

I tend to use online reviews to weed out anywhere absolutely terrible with consistently poor reviews eg poor hygiene, or extortionist prices.
I don't really put much value on "top" reviews.

But local knowledge is good! Places full of locals off the main thoroughfares generally can be gems. Over the years I have had recommendations from the local doctor, pharmacist, opticians receptionist, church/museum staff, ... all good!

 

henrythedog

Unreliable in the late evening

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Annually - often more - from 2014

• Tuesday at 7:28 PM

• #7

Anything which exceeds my expectations is good. I’ve done everything from zero through five stars and always that’s the outcome.

There are certain nationalities whose reviews I always ignore as their expectations and time constraints are beyond reason in a European context.

 

SYates

Camino Fossil AD 1999, now living in Santiago de C

Time of past OR future Camino

First: Camino Francés 1999
...
Last: Santiago - Muxia 2019

Now: http://egeria.house/

• Tuesday at 7:33 PM

• #8

Also, if you don't have not so great experiences, you don't value the great ones so much ;-) Life (and the Camino) would be boring if everything would be 100% perfect!
BC SY

 

GaTeach

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

SJPP to SdC 2017,
SJPP to SdC 2024

Frances snob

• Yesterday at 2:47 PM

• #9

It's not an epic journey without trials and tribulations.