My bracelet from the Camino broke today :(

[LisaAnn]

I'm not typically one to buy souvenir’s but when getting my Compostela on Nov 6, I bought a bracelet while in the pilgrim’s office. Today I noticed the shell emblem that was on it had fallen out. I’m really sad. It was a constant positive reminder of how far I’m come in the past 8 months. I had been in a major ski accident and was bedridden for almost 2 months and had additional hip surgery mid-summer. Part of my healing and rehab process became getting ready for the Camino (I biked as walking that distance isn’t yet an option) and was so thrilled to have been able to complete, most of (I made a decision to skip from Tomar to Coimbra in route) the Way from Lisbon to Santiago. I guess next year when I walk, I’ll have to replace the bracelet!

 

[SYates]

Exactly! It just means you 'have' to go back to experience another Camino and get another bracelet. Buen Camino! SY

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I'm not typically one to buy souvenir’s but when getting my Compostela on Nov 6, I bought a bracelet while in the pilgrim’s office. Today I noticed the shell emblem that was on it had fallen out. I’m really sad. It was a constant positive reminder of how far I’m come in the past 8 months. I had been in a major ski accident and was bedridden for almost 2 months and had additional hip surgery mid-summer. Part of my healing and rehab process became getting ready for the Camino (I biked as walking that distance isn’t yet an option) and was so thrilled to have been able to complete, most of (I made a decision to skip from Tomar to Coimbra in route) the Way from Lisbon to Santiago. I guess next year when I walk, I’ll have to replace the bracelet!

Hi LisaAnn , now you have to come back for a new bracelet.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[Sheilajg]

In 2013, when I walked a portion of the Camino Frances, I bought a little yarn bracelet from a woman just outside Logrono and wore it until it came apart. I took the little scallop shell and fastened it to my necklace. This year, in May, I walked from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela and bought another bracelet from the same lady outside Logrono. It's starting to fray and will come apart soon so I'll have to go back again and get another one along the trail. Yeah!

 

[angus55morrison]

Every bracelet ,pin and badge broke or faded so I got a tattoo of my Camino in 2012 Buen Camino.

 

[naplesdon]

DITTO

Every bracelet ,pin and badge broke or faded so I got a tattoo of my Camino in 2012 Buen Camino.

 

[Irma Terblanche]

I'm not typically one to buy souvenir’s but when getting my Compostela on Nov 6, I bought a bracelet while in the pilgrim’s office. Today I noticed the shell emblem that was on it had fallen out. I’m really sad. It was a constant positive reminder of how far I’m come in the past 8 months. I had been in a major ski accident and was bedridden for almost 2 months and had additional hip surgery mid-summer. Part of my healing and rehab process became getting ready for the Camino (I biked as walking that distance isn’t yet an option) and was so thrilled to have been able to complete, most of (I made a decision to skip from Tomar to Coimbra in route) the Way from Lisbon to Santiago. I guess next year when I walk, I’ll have to replace the bracelet!

Good for you. Was bedridden myself with 3 pelvis fractures,broken collarbone,pierced lung and in traction in hospital for 50 days after a cycle accident. My focus was set on spiritual wellbeing(I considered it a retreat!) as well as participating 2 years later in the Cape Argus Cycle tour which I had completed successfully. Then I became aware of the Camino and finished a section of it this past summer. The shell I purchased in the office at SJPDP was proudly exhibited on my Osprey backpack. On return home it was given to my brother-in-law as his wife had passed away 4 days after we arrived home. The mountain section was walked with her (being so terrible ill with lung cancer) in mind. Why am I writing this? To remind myself of the wonder and privilege to be alive and to be able to participate in this wondrous route that takes each one on his/her own journey inward and (maybe)upward. Hope you will be able to do the hike next time. Did you cycle via Orissen or the motorway. Amazing!!

 

[babylon2505]

Sorry that your bracelet broke. Could this be a sign that you must return?
I bought a lovely small silver shell in Santiago. I put it on my silver chain when I got home. So when my friend walked the Portuguese Camino this fall, I put it on and wore it daily for the six weeks she was gone. Well after a few weeks wear...the silver was coming off...it's rather ugly looking!!! Is this a sign to come back for a new shell???

 

[LisaAnn]

Good for you. Was bedridden myself with 3 pelvis fractures,broken collarbone,pierced lung and in traction in hospital for 50 days after a cycle accident. My focus was set on spiritual wellbeing(I considered it a retreat!) as well as participating 2 years later in the Cape Argus Cycle tour which I had completed successfully. Then I became aware of the Camino and finished a section of it this past summer. The shell I purchased in the office at SJPDP was proudly exhibited on my Osprey backpack. On return home it was given to my brother-in-law as his wife had passed away 4 days after we arrived home. The mountain section was walked with her (being so terrible ill with lung cancer) in mind. Why am I writing this? To remind myself of the wonder and privilege to be alive and to be able to participate in this wondrous route that takes each one on his/her own journey inward and (maybe)upward. Hope you will be able to do the hike next time. Did you cycle via Orissen or the motorway. Amazing!!

I'm sorry to hear about your sister-in-law but it's also amazing what the body can accomplish - both of you. How wonderful that she was able to experience even a section of the Camino at that stage of her illness.

My focus was similar - healing/wellbeing/spiritual. We did the Camino Portugues, not Frances. We stayed (with 2 friends 1 Lisbon to Porto, and another Porto to SdC) on the waymarked path for the most part, but there are a few sections I would recommend another route. Hopefully in the next couple weeks I will post (via blog) my entire trip. For next year, I'm thinking the Primitivo as the thought of the crowds on the Frances isn't as appealing... Or if I can find the time El Norte.

 

[LisaAnn]

Sorry that your bracelet broke. Could this be a sign that you must return?
I bought a lovely small silver shell in Santiago. I put it on my silver chain when I got home. So when my friend walked the Portuguese Camino this fall, I put it on and wore it daily for the six weeks she was gone. Well after a few weeks wear...the silver was coming off...it's rather ugly looking!!! Is this a sign to come back for a new shell???

Yes, it's a sign to go back!

 

[LisaAnn]

View attachment 22588DITTO

That was a thought, but due to post-op restrictions it's not an option at this point. Plus, I think I'm a bit old for my 1st tattoo...

 

[naplesdon]

That was a thought, but due to post-op restrictions it's not an option at this point. Plus, I think I'm a bit old for my 1st tattoo...

I was only 69, it is never too late for a tattoo.