I’ve been thinking

[Lexicos]

Lately I’ve been thinking about all the beautiful places that my wife and I have been to around the world and just how lucky we are. The Camino Frances and Portuguese is up there among the best. I count those as my most joyful and fulfilling trips. Now, with the world shut down, I realise more than ever what a privilege, what a wonderful thing it is to travel and to be with new people in different places. That, for most people, is a far away dream. I’m beginning to understand just how that must feel. Even for the local people that we met along our Camino walks it was a dream. It’s humbling.

 

[mvanert]

You are right. Not being able to travel has been a slap alongside my head waking me up to how privileged I was to be able to travel and to walk the Camino. This is hard, I hope I never take anything for granted again. Sometimes reality sucks, sometimes it is a Saviour in hiding.

 

[Anamiri]

We walked last year, and cant believe how lucky we were to go then. I finally persuaded my husband to come with me, after 2 Caminos on my own, and we took our oldest grandson (13). We chose that time to fit in with his schooling, the last year before 4 weeks off school would impact on his senior exams.
Just 6 months later we were in Covid lockdown. Who knows how long it will be until we do can this type of travel again. I cant even image air travel like that again - 2 whole days. We look back at our photos, remember how amazing it was and are so grateful we walked then.

 

[VNwalking]

When I got to Santiago last year after an epic walk from Irun along the Vasco, Frances, and Invierno, I thought— "If this is my last Camino, I will die satisfied." I sure hope it isn't, but who knows?
We have been SO lucky.

 

[Albertagirl]

I content myself with the thought that I go on pilgrimage as a spiritual retreat. God knows (literally) that I have a lot left to learn, so I am hoping that He/She will allow me to learn more of it on camino. Time is short and I find the caminos amazing places to be open to that special kind of learning.

 

[John Sikora]

Not to be an elitist, but it amazes me how many people in America have never gone overseas for any trip or vacation. I think it is somewhere near 50%. When you think back, you find that you are truly blessed that you have had the chance to talk with others who have different cultural bases. And yet, despite these, you end up coming away with the same common elements: belief, family, food, drink, and fun (please order as appropriate). Travel for me is not an option. It is the only way to keep life and self-interest in perspective and control. Buen Camino to those that I have met and to those that I will on future walks.

 

[Lexicos]

I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.

 

[ApproachingBliss]

I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.

Yes, that would be me. First it was raising children, then it was money issues, it still is a money issue now that I have the time. That might ease up but with a looming recession, some of us will never know until we go.

 

[Lexicos]

You will go and you will do it. The Camino is not going anywhere. It’ll be there when you’re ready.

 

[John Sikora]

Absolutely true. 600 years of history sets the pattern. Doesn't matter if it's a week or a month. The experience is just waiting there for you when you can do it.

 

[Zordmot]

I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.

I recently read that Rick Steves, Inc had something like 10,000 people booked on their tour busses in Europe during Summer 2020. My O My. It might be interesting to be on one of those bus tours. But on the other hand it might be interesting to see the local penitentiary or it might be interesting to go to a paint factory or it might be interesting to see the local landfill.

 

[Kathy Jaudegis]

Yes, that would be me. First it was raising children, then it was money issues, it still is a money issue now that I have the time. That might ease up but with a looming recession, some of us will never know until we go.

That was me as well. I retired and wanted to travel, but I don’t have a lot of money. Then I discovered the Camino, and it is an inexpensive way to travel, get a lot of exercise, and see beautiful countries ( a little of France and then Spain) and be awe inspired all in one!

 

[Lexicos]

It’s like walking through a history of humanity. It teaches you humility. You can’t help but come out at the other end a better and more humble person. We are in this together. All of us. I don’t ever want to see anything again from the window of a bus or to drive when I can walk. If I’d known I’d have done the Camino at 18, not 60.

 

[Anamiri]

I’m guessing that some in that 50% can’t afford it (probably the majority) some simply can’t for work or family reasons and some are not motivated. Those of us who can and do really are the 5% lucky ones. Mass tourism looks after the rest who sort of can but really can’t.

That is true, and a lot of people prioritise their money differently. For some people possessions are important. For others they like to holiday in tourist spots. And for others they cant comprehend why someone would ever want to go.
Comments from people have varied:
Why would you want to do that? (the idea of walking for a month doesnt make sense to a lot of people)
You went on your own, isnt that risky? (mainly from women but some men as well)
Why do you have to go to Europe to walk (some people can never understand)
You could buy some nice jewelry for that price (I could but I'd rather spend it on air fares)
You could have updated your car (last year when I had to buy 3 airfares, and 13 years counts as an adult fare)
You only have 2 outfits, you have to be joking (from people who cant be seen in the same thing twice)
What if he didnt like it? (thinking we were mad to take our grandson)
You went for a month, and you only saw one country! ( they think I didnt get my money's worth of countries)

I just hope I get the chance to go again

 

[WalkingJane]

Lately I’ve been thinking about all the beautiful places that my wife and I have been to around the world and just how lucky we are. The Camino Frances and Portuguese is up there among the best. I count those as my most joyful and fulfilling trips. Now, with the world shut down, I realise more than ever what a privilege, what a wonderful thing it is to travel and to be with new people in different places. That, for most people, is a far away dream. I’m beginning to understand just how that must feel. Even for the local people that we met along our Camino walks it was a dream. It’s humbling.

Oh, yes! So many places to go, so little time....
I was able to visit a number of "less-traveled" places while working with Habitat for Humanity a number of years ago: Kyrgyzstan was one.

 

[Silencio Por Favor]

Yes we are fortunate. Times change to, when I was very young in the 70s back in the homeland (UK), a family holiday to Spain was not the done thing for a good percentage, too foreign and unaffordable. By the end of 80s locations such as Florida and Thailand became viable. I for one am very grateful how much the world is more connected due to people being able to travel.

 

[Lexicos]

I don’t think I’ll ever complain again, about anything.

 

[Lexicos]

I did my first Camino 3 years ago after decades of full time work. We talked and laughed for much of the way, my friends and I. There were solemn moments too. It was a joy to be free, to meet people from around the world, to share the same space, the same meal, the same path. It was a joy to share stories, to be burden free. No one asked what work I did. Freedom again. Some raced to their destination, some took it slow. Some had done it all before. Not possible I thought. But it is, and since then I’ve done hundreds, so to speak. To Santiago, to Finisterre, to Porto, to the beginning and to the end and back again. I don’t know how to describe those 46 days?

 

[jimmyc]

Not to be an elitist, but it amazes me how many people in America have never gone overseas for any trip or vacation. I think it is somewhere near 50%. When you think back, you find that you are truly blessed that you have had the chance to talk with others who have different cultural bases. And yet, despite these, you end up coming away with the same common elements: belief, family, food, drink, and fun (please order as appropriate). Travel for me is not an option. It is the only way to keep life and self-interest in perspective and control. Buen Camino to those that I have met and to those that I will on future walks.

John, during this lock-down I have so much enjoyed your virtual caminos 0n YouTube. Many thanks.

 

[ApproachingBliss]

That is true, and a lot of people prioritise their money differently. For some people possessions are important. For others they like to holiday in tourist spots. And for others they cant comprehend why someone would ever want to go.
Comments from people have varied:
Why would you want to do that? (the idea of walking for a month doesnt make sense to a lot of people)
You went on your own, isnt that risky? (mainly from women but some men as well)
Why do you have to go to Europe to walk (some people can never understand)
You could buy some nice jewelry for that price (I could but I'd rather spend it on air fares)
You could have updated your car (last year when I had to buy 3 airfares, and 13 years counts as an adult fare)
You only have 2 outfits, you have to be joking (from people who cant be seen in the same thing twice)
What if he didnt like it? (thinking we were mad to take our grandson)
You went for a month, and you only saw one country! ( they think I didnt get my money's worth of countries)

I just hope I get the chance to go again

This is a great argument for the 'haves'. It is only a question of priorities. This doesn't include the 'have nots', people that are focused on having the basic needs met and a limited budget: food, shelter, warmth, clothing.

 

[Canche]

When I got to Santiago last year after an epic walk from Irun along the Vasco, Frances, and Invierno, I thought— "If this is my last Camino, I will die satisfied." I sure hope it isn't, but who knows?
We have been SO lucky.

Yes we have, and primero Dios we will be back

 

[KellysMom]

A year ago today, I woke up in St. Jean Pied de Port and proceeded to spend the next 9.5 hours walking over the Pyrenees which was then followed by 31 glorious days on the Camino Frances. Today, I am feeling sad and trapped due to the circumstances and now that Facebook is popping up all these memories, I yearn to share the experience and the effect it had on me but, because I walked it alone, my family doesn't understand the spell that the Camino has on me. When I am feeling this way, I find the forum and read what others are saying and it makes me feel better. It's only those that have gone through this journey that can truly understand the magic of it all. Although, this was my first Camino, it definitely won't be my last. I am very grateful for the Camino, this forum and my Camino family

 

[Grammy Kin]

I used to say that three things need to be in place to travel—time, money and health—but then I added another one—desire. Some time ago I saw the cover of a guidebook showing a cafe in Paris and asked a coworker if she wouldn’t rather be sitting there watching the world go by. Her answer was no. She preferred staying in the US and particularly our home state. I suspect that there are people the world over who agree with her, even though for many of us that’s a mindset that’s hard to take in.
If we do finally have all four travel elements in place right now, knowing how fleeting that golden moment can be makes being thwarted by a pandemic all the more sad, but we also know how lucky we are.

 

[Tony Bobcat]

Lately I’ve been thinking about all the beautiful places that my wife and I have been to around the world and just how lucky we are. The Camino Frances and Portuguese is up there among the best. I count those as my most joyful and fulfilling trips. Now, with the world shut down, I realise more than ever what a privilege, what a wonderful thing it is to travel and to be with new people in different places. That, for most people, is a far away dream. I’m beginning to understand just how that must feel. Even for the local people that we met along our Camino walks it was a dream. It’s humbling.

You don’t realise how lucky we are, even the amount of holidays you get from your company you work for. I spent last night ringing up and cancelling all the pre booked Albergues for May and June.

 

[Canche]

You don’t realise how lucky we are, even the amount of holidays you get from your company you work for. I spent last night ringing up and cancelling all the pre booked Albergues for May and June.

I am so very sorry you to cancel everything. I know how much that must hurt. I had planned a Camino in Sept but at least I hadn't make reservations yet. Good luck. I hope you can make it in 2021

 

[Tony Bobcat]

I am so very sorry you to cancel everything. I know how much that must hurt. I had planned a Camino in Sept but at least I hadn't make reservations yet. Good luck. I hope you can make it in 2021

I felt so sorry for the Albergue owners, they are so nice and friendly, hopefully we will return next year.

 

[Canche]

Yes. I do too. I am afraid some of them will go broke completely.

 

[Anamiri]

This is a great argument for the 'haves'. It is only a question of priorities. This doesn't include the 'have nots', people that are focused on having the basic needs met and a limited budget: food, shelter, warmth, clothing.

Yes Ive been in that group too, which is why I walked my first Camino when I was 58, after decades of working. Before that there were always costs and commitments for kids, schooling, housing etc, and I would never have been able to get enough time off work. It was a long time before I could indulge in something for me.
Maybe because I did have to wait so long, I appreciated it so much.
I just lost my job due to the Covid lockdown, so once again I don't know when I can go again.

 

[Old Kiwi]

I had thought about doing a camino for some years but could never afford it. In 2016 I sold a lot of accumulated possessions and raised enough to do the CF. I caught the camino bug. Last year I sold a car that I hardly used and did the CF with my daughter. This year I sold an expensive classic car and bought a cheaper one realising enough to do the CP and the CM. (When we can travel again). Friends have asked me why I am selling my assets "just to go walking" (they just don't get it). I am nearly 77 (and a pensioner) and have decided that I would rather use my assets to walk caminos, which I thoroughly enjoy, while I can. I will stop when I either run out of assets or am physically unable.

 

[BruceS]

I had thought about doing a camino for some years but could never afford it. In 2016 I sold a lot of accumulated possessions and raised enough to do the CF. I caught the camino bug. Last year I sold a car that I hardly used and did the CF with my daughter. This year I sold an expensive classic car and bought a cheaper one realising enough to do the CP and the CM. (When we can travel again). Friends have asked me why I am selling my assets "just to go walking" (they just don't get it). I am nearly 77 (and a pensioner) and have decided that I would rather use my assets to walk caminos, which I thoroughly enjoy, while I can. I will stop when I either run out of assets or am physically unable.

You have your priorities right ... I too have sold up accumulated treasures to be free!
They are anchos going nowhere.

 

[Lexicos]

Well, Anamiri, I hope you get another job and a better one in due course so that you can do another Camino!

 

[Anamiri]

Well, Anamiri, I hope you get another job and a better one in due course so that you can do another Camino!

Me too, I had a great job - but the company I worked for made a big chunk of its income from Aviation fuel.....