Is there any elitism between pilgrims taking different routes?

[Purky]

many doctoral level professors take themselves way too seriously!

As do a lot of other people, in a lot of other professions.

 

[MarcoPolo616]

So I’m doing the Camino Primitivo with a small group of friends, considered by many to be the most difficult (and among the most beautiful). The closer we get to Melide and the closer we get to uniting with the much more populated French route, it bubbled among us the idea of the French Camino pilgrims having it “easy” compared to our treks across relatively remote mountains/valleys and dense forest.

While it was completely in jest, I couldn’t help but entertain the thought in my mind a little more about the possibility of different routes being looked at differently by pilgrims depending on which one they are taking. Is this a common sentiment? Do pilgrims have preconceived notions about the people that take certain routes? I don’t hold any malice or elitism against other pilgrims, everyone has their own journey that is special to them and I find that beautiful and needing to always be encouraged, but it’s something I’m rather curious about. I know there’s disdain for “turigrino” types but is there any sort of stereotypes or disdain for the different Caminos taken?

I am fortunate to have the physical ability to walk to Camino, no matter how far, the mental stamina to remain optimistic when the weather changes abruptly, and the emotional gift of being humbled by the smiles, nods, and helpfulness of the local townspeople, who could care less how long someone has walked. We should embrace ALL Peregrinos. This is not a race, endurance test, or competition. For many of us still, albeit the commercialism, the Camino is still a spiritual pilgrimage that we have committed to complete for personal and special reasons which transcend far beyond our own prideful nature to “be the best”. We can all be a little more patient, humble, compassionate, and welcoming.

 

[Albertagirl]

Getting my doctorate was the most fun I had in my life, pushing myself as far as I could and coming to a breadth and depth of knowledge in a particular area. I find it unfortunate that it should be given as an example of elitism. As for higher education giving people a claim on authority in our society, I am terrified that warnings about the hazards of global warming by so many of our world's highly educated scientists are being largely ignored by politicians and by the public in general. There is not much recognition of authority there. But of course, except for concern for wildfires, this issue is not directly relevant to walking caminos.

 

[Kjell family]

????

My kiddo did walk his Camino in Nike trainers that we picked up a week before. He had a couple uncomfortable days with wet feet and I suspect the next time we suggest trail shoes they will be more flexible.

 

[Greg Petropoulos]

Not to mention some other yardsticks such as when a Camino was first walked, especially before "that movie", ("I hiked the _______ Camino before there was _______), hiking wearing cotton & denim clothing, carrying a canvas rucksack, or relying on self, a compass & the stars to navigate to Santiago. As mentioned several times above, can we accept ourselves and our accomplishments as adequate, regardless of how little or greater we've challenged ourselves? I hope the answer can be "Yes". In my case, I can sleep well most every night knowing what I have achieved, and I will continue to challenge myself to do more, and be gracious & humble about it (I'd like to be more consistent on this one), until my body can't do it anymore. Buen Camino everyone!

PS - Mr. Dave Bugg, you have an awesome Son!!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

My kiddo did walk his Camino in Nike trainers that we picked up a week before. He had a couple uncomfortable days with wet feet and I suspect the next time we suggest trail shoes they will be more flexible.

Getting feet wet feet is not really a problem, it is the strategy of what to do when walking in wet weather which matters the most

 

[Donna Sch]

Comparison is the thief of joy.
Just enjoy the day and make the most of the opportunities as they present themselves. And be kind.

 

[Paddy Brock]

I think there is some. For example, years back when The Way came out, if you chose to walk the French Route, it was because you were looking for the Hollywood version instead of people like myself, for whom that movie generated a call to walk that hasnt left me for seven years.

Now that REI is partnering with American Pilgrims On the Camino, there are loads of trekkers who are hearing this is an easy and cheap way to see Spain. (Heard in a class I attended in February) and very little about the religious aspect as a pilgrimage. Everyone has a right to walk. Personally I'm happy for the bucket listers to start in Sarria. They might be Americans with little leave of absence, people who might be Catholic and people who might just be hungering for something more. I've learned to be happy for anyone who has had the opportunity to walk, whatever their reasons. The current trend is for people to walk something other than the Frances because it's overcrowded. The thing is for me, I don't feel called to walk another route. I don't think this makes me better. I think it means I need to be practice the old phrase "To thine own self be true."

Loved your message , Sometimes eve3n ones mind can overcrowd. Starting from Villaviciosa on Tuesday 27th of August to walk Primitivo and look forward on my 5th Camino to meeting beautiful souls once again, Greetings to all from the Emerald Isle

 

[gerip]

Hola @Davgar99 - about the only elitism I suggest relates to those who start in Sarria (the bucket listers, not those who have medical or physical issues) compared to those starting east of Burgos. IMHO any pilgrim who walks "all of their chosen camino" should be regarded with respect.

But when the "bucket lister" is 75, never walked anywhere before and is clearly struggling it's difficult to feel a sense of superiority.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Q : Is there any elitism between pilgrims taking different routes?

A : Yes

 

[Saint Mike II]

But when the "bucket lister" is 75, never walked anywhere before and is clearly struggling it's difficult to feel a sense of superiority.

Hola - Two types of "bucket listers"; those over 65 and those between 30 and 60. The real seniors are not (imho) elistists they are there to "achieve" or mark a personal milestone. The others, the ones who really p*ss me off are the ones who turn up in Sarria, carry nothing but a water bottle (the rest in being transported) and then "run" through any group of pilgrims who have walked 300/400/500+ KM with not hint of an apology.

Big congrats on having the strength of character to start your pilgrimage.

 

[Former member 49149]

I'm still researching the 'ultimate' ultralite Rice Cooker

Robo, i had to look for one your posts re rice cookers as I have just switched on our Cuckoo rice cooker. i have been enjoying myself this afternoon using up vegetables and a bit of cooked ham... they will serve as a sauce with the rice for our meal this evening, and tomorrow, while I am off on a short trip to Warsaw. No walking, beyond the essential, as i am to be a guest for the weekend. I want to leave some food prepared for my companion in community. i have to agree with your wife Pat that a rice cooker is a rather essential piece of equipment. However, unless you can show me a weightless bulkless item, I will not be thinking of stuffing mine in at the last minute for the Ingles in August!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Love your new avatar, Kirkie! Sending you warm fuzzies! ☺

 

[El Cascayal]

Here is our little group of merry Primitivo women & men waiting to get our Compostelas after doing por Hospitales in the fog, sleet, and hail. Feeling so accomplished. Yeah! To each their own Camino.