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

[Bedspring]

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]

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]

"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]

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

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]

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!

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.

 

[roving_rufus]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[MARSKA]

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.

I hope you will reconsider but cant say that I disagree

 

[bobojnr]

On the coffee.......it can be cold, hot, with or without trimming or whatever but not weak other than that is possibly a not bad day.

 

[André Walker]

There are few things more boring than perfection.
That having said, I don't aim for the best coffee, albergue, smartphone, .....

I aim for "good enough". If it is, I'm more than happy with it.

Does that include ending up with a close to undrinkable coffee sometimes? Yes it does. But even that adds to the overall experience that is called "life".

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Best works for pizza places.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

My favorites are the Frances and the Salvador.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My "worst" coffee experience was in the gites in France, made from dripolator coffeepots ahead of time served in large soup bowls with no handles, making it go cold quickly.
That said, my "best" food experienced served on the Camino communal style was also in the gites in France, and far superior to Spain's standard pilgrim meals or Del Dias.

 

[David]

strong but milky coffee served in large soup bowls with no handles is traditional at home French - one dunks croissants or bread into it.

 

[CWBuff]

To somewhat weer off (but since everyone is talking about the coffee) - at home I drink black (mostly either Maxwell House or Folgers\medium roast). all this Starbucks, Peete's, DDs etc stuff is for my kids (inc. the individual pods; I'm perfectly fine with brewing mine every morning)
When I am in France I drink Café au lait, in Italy - Cappuccino and in Spain - Cafe con leche ... don't know why but I guess in a weird way it makes it something special and something to always look forward to
Every-so-often I will go for Espresso, but couple of times that I tried it during my walk - well, I got off that kick very fast (a 20-30 mins of crazy energy boost followed by a reasonable "crash" afterwards....)

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

My "worst" coffee experience was in the gites in France, made from dripolator coffeepots ahead of time served in large soup bowls with no handles, making it go cold quickly.

As much as I loved my Le Puy camino with all the incredibly delicious food, I was not crazy about the coffee.