Snigelanna
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2018 Irun - Santander
2016 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Burgos
2015 Sarria - Santiago
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It’s perfectly possible to walk a Camino without a mobile phone. So far as I am aware, without referring to the Pilgrim Office’s website, the use of one is not compulsory. Security will direct you to a computer terminal where you can register for your Compostela.Thinking about my next walk. I really want to do the Camino without a mobile phone. Last time I used it quite a lot to find and book accomodation and other things. That was some years ago. What’s it like now? Are you more or less expected to have a phone? What are your thoughts on the subject?
I need mine for photos, writing the blog, booking rooms and reading the newspaper.What are your thoughts on the subject?
But I really do not want it. I want to be free. And if I know myself I will find many occasions when I would save time or make life easier if I just look something up.... And I really do not want to take that shortcut... but would not be able to stop myself :-DTake a phone. If you need it, you have it. If you don’t need it, leave it off. At least it’s available if you do need it.
Photos is an important thing. Bringing a camera sounds really old fashion :-DI need mine for photos, writing the blog, booking rooms and reading the newspaper.
But not so long ago, these things didn't exist and yet there were pilgrims who made it all the way to Santiago.
Of course. I am asking about your opinion. Would you like to be without?Only you can decide if it is a need or a want. You'll likely get both opinions here.
But I really do not want it. I want to be free. And if I know myself I will find many occasions when I would save time or make life easier if I just look something up.... And I really do not want to take that shortcut... but would not be able to stop myself :-D
I do not want to be part of the getting up before sunrise and walk quickly to the next cheap albergue. I want to walk slowly and rely on luck and if I have to pay for more expensive hotels I do not mind. No contact with home would be great!It’s perfectly possible to walk a Camino without a mobile phone. So far as I am aware, without referring to the Pilgrim Office’s website, the use of one is not compulsory. Security will direct you to a computer terminal where you can register for your Compostela.
Other uses? You’ve already said that you used yours to book accommodation. Were you thinking of relying on luck or an early morning start to secure your next bed this time. Navigating? Scarcely necessary on the Camino Frances. Unless, of course, you are setting out in the dark of morning in pursuit of that unsecured bed. Contacting family, friends, emergency services? Unnecessary until it is.
As @David with new Kit! has said you can always just switch the thing off and stash it with your emergency money and spare socks.
Do you find it necessary to book rooms?I need mine for photos, writing the blog, booking rooms and reading the newspaper.
But not so long ago, these things didn't exist and yet there were pilgrims who made it all the way to Santiago.
I never did the Frances. But on less frequent traveled camino like VdlP, VF, Aragones I wouldn't like to start for +30km hike without the knowledge of a bed in the evening.Do you find it necessary to book rooms?
Your question is answered. Leave your phone at home.I do not want to be part of the getting up before sunrise and walk quickly to the next cheap albergue. I want to walk slowly and rely on luck and if I have to pay for more expensive hotels I do not mind. No contact with home would be great!
Have you ever found yourself in that situation - not finding a bed? I do not think I have ever met anyone who did not find somewhere to sleep. Sometimes on the floor In the hallway, but always somewhere.I never did the Frances. But on less frequent traveled camino like VdlP, VF, Aragones I wouldn't like to start for +30km hike without the knowledge of a bed in the evening.
Sure you can always ask someone to call in behalf off you.
No, but the thought of an uncomfortable, cold night without a bed is enough for me. Many people who have hiked 30km are too exhausted to walk to the next town.Have you ever found yourself in that situation - not finding a bed?
I have only done summer before and I as I prefer very light packing (last time 3,6 kg + food). I would like the North but I think it might be harder without a phone. There are not as many accommodation options there - at least when I walked a part in 2018. Frances, I think would be easier.Your question is answered. Leave your phone at home.
You’ve not said which Camino or when but if the Frances in spring or autumn use the saved weight to take a bivi
I hear you! And I get it. Maybe I would just have to rely on other people, get out of my shell and talk to the locals :-DI think my phone is the most important thing I bring... To me it is a tool that opens doors of opportunity constantly on the Camino... like how are you going to find the best pizza place in town without a phone?
That and the whole safety issue of being out there and having to seek assistance for whatever reason.
do you know if you are allergic to anything? I didn't until I got bit by a wasp on the camino once, and started going into anaphylactic shock while walking alone...I hear you! And I get it. Maybe I would just have to rely on other people, get out of my shell and talk to the locals :-D
I walked my first Camino with no mobile phone or anything else electronic. My only contact with home was by mail and two or three phone calls from payphones. No email or internet along the way either. These days I carry a mobile phone and I am very happy to use it for many different things. I have walked two Caminos without a mobile phone. I know that it can be done but I see no benefit in deliberately robbing myself of something useful to me.Of course. I am asking about your opinion. Would you like to be without?
I would take mine because I have elderly parents who may need to reach me. I walked my first Camino without, but on another Camino, I had to make an emergency return to the US because a parent was having emergency surgery and needed my care. I think it is a very personal decision.Only you can decide if it is a need or a want. You'll likely get both opinions here.
The above is very true.Take a phone. If you need it, you have it. If you don’t need it, leave it off. At least it’s available if you do need it.
You do not need a phone.I hear you! And I get it. Maybe I would just have to rely on other people, get out of my shell and talk to the locals :-D
I do understand, and I’d fully agree with you if you just added ‘… or accept the consequences’.Ok, I just have to say this, and I'll shut up...
I think it is irresponsible for any hiker/walker to to go out on a trek without being totally self sufficient and having the means to "save themselves". My thinking may be skewed by some of my "less travelled" adventures.
Sounds wonderful!You do not need a phone.
I recall the first of my friends having a mobile in the late 80’s and the world turned on its axis before and after that.
If you speak a bit of Spanish, you’ll be fine.
For the last few weeks my iPhone has stayed home and I’ve just carried a ‘dumb phone’, and I haven’t used it. I think I just twiddle away on my iPhone because I have it, not because I need it.
I’m off to Andalusia in January and my phone’s staying home. All I need are two bus tickets and a train ticket in the course of a week and if I can’t figure that out in good old-fashioned analogue style, then I really am in trouble.
That is a risk of course! I guess the phone saved you?do you know if you are allergic to anything? I didn't until I got bit by a wasp on the camino once, and started going into anaphylactic shock while walking alone...
Well... I agree if we are talking about going to Antarctica or climbing K2... but I do think I can, and should (!), rely on other people when I go out walking in any town... we do live in a society and all kinds of relationships are worth living for... And to be honest the Frances is not much more of an adventure than taking any walk... shops and beds and people all around.Ok, I just have to say this, and I'll shut up...
I think it is irresponsible for any hiker/walker to to go out on a trek without being totally self sufficient and having the means to "save themselves". My thinking may be skewed by some of my "less travelled" adventures.
I like it!Take the phone but keep it at 0% battery level. Also take a charger, small power bank and a cord. Keep them all in a foam pad in a bag. Put a note in the bag that says "If opened before Santiago I promise to ..." then sew the bag shut.
No, not really. I happened to run into a doctor from Tennessee on the trail about an hour and a half later, who coincidentally had a "bag full of drugs." But I knew I was in trouble because I could look up my symptoms and tell him what was going on. I got lucky.That is a risk of course! I guess the phone saved you?
The problem is that 20 years ago the world was not designed for people with phones in their pockets. But now the world is. Everybody expects you to have a phone, so it's more work than it used to be to get along without one.I like it!
Ummm... They have been closed for like 15 years.Thank God for all those internet cafes you can fall back on in a crisis!
Ummm... They have been closed for like 15 years.
ok, 12/13 years,"No, no, no! Can't be!", said the grumpy old man.... "Why, I remember when I had a problem in Logrono in 2012...."
In relying on other people it's quite possible that you will also be relying on their phone.but I do think I can, and should (!), rely on other people when I go out walking in any town.
Absolutely not.Would you like to be without?
Which means rely on other people who have phones.Maybe I would just have to rely on other people
I met a man on the Frances in late April 2017 who said he had to sleep on a park bench in Pamplona due to "no beds at the inn".Have you ever found yourself in that situation - not finding a bed? I do not think I have ever met anyone who did not find somewhere to sleep. Sometimes on the floor In the hallway, but always somewhere.
Having a phone could come in handy saving a phone-less fellow pilgrim who is suffering from heat stroke.
Absolutely not.
Which means rely on other people who have phones.
Some responses reminded my of this contribution to a thread from many years ago by an earlier @falcon269 when the discussion turned to relying on the equipment carried by others:Thinking about my next walk. I really want to do the Camino without a mobile phone. Last time I used it quite a lot to find and book accomodation and other things. That was some years ago. What’s it like now? Are you more or less expected to have a phone? What are your thoughts on the subject?
This whole thread is quite long, but some quick scanning will get you some interesting observations and even a more memorable witticism.A syndrome similar to those who brag about having no watch, that they are not slaves to the clock, asking for the time so they know when the restaurant opens. Or borrowing your Brierley's after saying they only need the yellow arrows to get to Santiago. All commenting later that "the Camino provides," when the facts would indicate that other pilgrims and hospitaleros, properly prepared, do the providing!!
@dougfitz, it seems I cannot open the two threads. Is it me, or are they too old? I was especially wanting to scan for the memorable witticisms. Anyone who frequents this forum knows I love a good laugh.
Oh, is THAT what they're for?how are you going to find the best pizza place in town without a phone?
I altered the links, but they now appear to point to places in the middle of the thread. My apologies, but I'm sure you can work out how to get around them.@dougfitz, it seems I cannot open the two threads. Is it me, or are they too old? I was especially wanting to scan for the memorable witticisms. Anyone who frequents this forum knows I love a good laugh.
Great idea. Leave your phone at home. If while you are on your Camino you realize you made a mistake and need a phone purchase an inexpensive one.Thinking about my next walk. I really want to do the Camino without a mobile phone. Last time I used it quite a lot to find and book accomodation and other things. That was some years ago. What’s it like now? Are you more or less expected to have a phone? What are your thoughts on the subject?
Unfortunately, if or when you discover that you do need a mobile phone after all, you’re probably far from the nearest phone shop.Great idea. Leave your phone at home. If while you are on your Camino you realize you made a mistake and need a phone purchase an inexpensive one.
Well, If I have chocolate in my backpack, I‘ll eat it …Take a phone. If you need it, you have it. If you don’t need it, leave it off. At least it’s available if you do need it.
But is the Camino a "trek"? Would one be isolated for days on end or trampled down by 450,000 like minded pilgrims? Should one be "totally self sufficient" and all carry tents, beds, medical chests and cooking pots just-in-case? A certain amount of perspective is required.Ok, I just have to say this, and I'll shut up...
I think it is irresponsible for any hiker/walker to to go out on a trek without being totally self sufficient and having the means to "save themselves". My thinking may be skewed by some of my "less travelled" adventures.
I think you could find the best pizza place by simply asking somebody at the albergue. And then there's a human connection made.I think my phone is the most important thing I bring... To me it is a tool that opens doors of opportunity constantly on the Camino... like how are you going to find the best pizza place in town without a phone?
That and the whole safety issue of being out there and having to seek assistance for whatever reason.
I plan to use it even to pay monthly bills! Camera, home communication and local calls if need be, journal and navigation questions, make reservations If needed, I might need it for French translation ?Thinking about my next walk. I really want to do the Camino without a mobile phone. Last time I used it quite a lot to find and book accomodation and other things. That was some years ago. What’s it like now? Are you more or less expected to have a phone? What are your thoughts on the subject?
My husband was worried about me walking solo for 6 weeks, so he used his to track my location with me sharing location with him. For no other reason than helping to put his mind at ease, that was reason enough. Plus of course the ease of taking pictures. I speak almost no Spanish, so Google Translate was good for conveying more complicated communications - Spaniards with no English seemed happy to be able to communicate by typing back and forth (less useful for reading menus, but still I could mostly figure out what I was ordering). I don't know how friendly the French will be about communicating with a translation app, but I'm hoping my French is good enough I won't have to resort to that! Buen CaminoI plan to use it even to pay monthly bills! Camera, home communication and local calls if need be, journal and navigation questions, make reservations If needed, I might need it for French translation ?
Yes, I’m bringing the all essential iPhone.
Oh and I read bible on it
I respectfully suggest that you bring a smart phone, fully charged, and turned off if you insist. BUT, it is far better to have it and not need it, or choose not to use it, than to find yourself in a difficult or emergency situation, without a means to call for help. Make sure you have pre-loaded the necessary apps to help you - just in case. Alert Cops is one such app that we in the forum highly recommend.But I really do not want it. I want to be free. And if I know myself I will find many occasions when I would save time or make life easier if I just look something up.... And I really do not want to take that shortcut... but would not be able to stop myself :-D
Ah. Being free. My experience is that this is an inner state that one can experience with or without a mobile phone - or anything else for that matter.But I really do not want it. I want to be free. And if I know myself I will find many occasions when I would save time or make life easier if I just look something up.... And I really do not want to take that shortcut... but would not be able to stop myself :-D
I bring my phone to enhance my freedom to be self sufficient, to read a book, to find interesting alternate routes, to learn more about an interesting place I find myself, etc. and that all important search for the best pizza or ice cream!I want to be free
Nelson Mandela. “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”I want to be free
That is a great point, I;ve found that to be true too, only I've now taken it for granted. Knowing you can find your way back makes it so much easier to explore, especially for those who are challenged reading maps - even on my phone, I often start off in the wrong direction, back track until I can get oriented, but I always eventually find my way.I forgot to mention that the greatest freedom I get from having my phone with me is the freedom to wander.
Ten years ago in my first completely solo trip I went to Barcelona, and felt such freedom to wander wherever I wanted knowing that I could always use the maps on my phone to find my way back, whether to walk, find a bus, or call taxi.
This pretty much sums it up for the majority in the 21st century. Maybe some still long for "the good old days", but no lamenting will bring them back.I couldn't imagine doing a Camino without one - the world, and I, are no longer the same.
That's a good point, Tom. I have the ICE number on my phone, but was wondering, is that recognised in most countries or just English speaking countries? Would it be better to use a other acronym whst in Spain?I respectfully suggest that you bring a smart phone, fully charged, and turned off if you insist. BUT, it is far better to have it and not need it, or choose not to use it, than to find yourself in a difficult or emergency situation, without a means to call for help. Make sure you have pre-loaded the necessary apps to help you - just in case. Alert Cops is one such app that we in the forum highly recommend.
While I fully understand the desire to be truly disconnected, be aware that this "freedom" has definite drawbacks. In my 70+ years experience on this mortal coil - 11+ as a pilgrim, I have long ago learned that as soon as I let down my guard - like not bringing an emergency means of summoning help, something will happen to make me regret that decision. The modern smart phone is like a digital data Swiss Army Knife. You literally have the knowledge of the world at your fingertips. But, as I said, I respect your choice.
Still and all, it IS your Camino and you may accomplish it however you think best for you. If you do not bring a smart phone for summoning or locating help while on your Camino, I recommend that you carry an ICE (In Case of Emergency) document printed and in a waterproof bag.
Consider keeping it with your national passport. This way, if someone finds you incapacitated or worse, they know what your medical needs are, and who to contact in am emergency. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition, or must take prescription medication regularly.
I have carried one one on every Camino since 2013. It is translated into three languages: Portuguese, Spanish and French - plus English. So, even with a functioning smart phone, if someone comes upon my unconscious - or worse - body - the appropriate assistance can be summoned. I owe my family and loved ones at least that much.
Hope this helps.
Tom
I made a lock screen for my phone that has my emergency information.That's a good point, Tom. I have the ICE number on my phone, but was wondering, is that recognised in most countries or just English speaking countries? Would it be better to use a other acronym whst in Spain?
Me too, it's such second nature now that I forgot to mention it in my other post.That is a great point, I;ve found that to be true too, only I've now taken it for granted
Thinking about my next walk. I really want to do the Camino without a mobile phone. Last time I used it quite a lot to find and book accomodation and other things. That was some years ago. What’s it like now? Are you more or less expected to have a phone? What are your thoughts on the subject?
This pretty much sums it up for the majority in the 21st century. Maybe some still long for "the good old days", but no lamenting will bring them back.
I use my phone for nearly all the same things written on this thread, and I turn it off for nearly all the same reasons, but leave it home?...never!
That’s a good idea but it'll be hard not to have some of my grandchildren grinning at me when I unlockI made a lock screen for my phone that has my emergency information.
That way so long as my phone has power someone can look at my lock screen and find my name and my husband's contact information.
ok, It's not when you unlock, it is when someone just picks up your phone, they don't match your face, and they get your locked screen. I was thinking about the post about having emergency info on your lock screen.... that is a good idea IMO. It may take some effort... like you have to have a "background" photo including your personal info beneath the clock (iPhone). You'd have to adjust the photo using online tools to include your ICE,That’s a good idea but it'll be hard not to have some of my grandchildren grinning at me when I unlock
In Case of Emergency (English) (ICE)That's a good point, Tom. I have the ICE number on my phone, but was wondering, is that recognised in most countries or just English speaking countries? Would it be better to use a other acronym whst in Spain?
I remove it from my lock screen when I return home.That’s a good idea but it'll be hard not to have some of my grandchildren grinning at me when I unlock
we are different in terms of resourcefulness, adaptability, self confidence, skills.
I like to think of myself as somewhat adventurous, resourceful, skilled, adaptable, etc., but carrying a phone is very much part of that!Other pilgrims are more resourceful, skilled, with higher risk tolerance, and they will be fine without a phone
It may be that for some people, they need to disconnect, the phone might tie them to obligations, burdens, chaos, turmoil, so I get the need to get away from it all. As for having something to prove, I can’t be too critical about that, since for me, just walking the Camino was partly about proving something to myself, the difference may be that whatever I was trying to prove, the phone wasn’t part of it. I don’t feel any less of my Camino success because I relied on my phone, but then again, my phone wasn’t a burden or a leash to whatever unpleasantness back home others are dealing with. Just a thought…I don’t understand how not taking a cell phone can be a challenge that will prove anything to anyone. If you don’t take one and don’t need it, I’m happy for you, but if you don’t take one and find you do need it for an emergency services call, then I will hope that you are near to people who have not decided to try to prove something and have a phone that may save your life.
Ah, the Cibercafé and a stack of 100 pts coins! ¡Nostalgia!Thank God for all those internet cafes you can fall back on in a crisis!
Translating menus or any printed matter isn't too hard. I use Google translate. Just point your phone at the text with the app open and press the little camera icon.My husband was worried about me walking solo for 6 weeks, so he used his to track my location with me sharing location with him. For no other reason than helping to put his mind at ease, that was reason enough. Plus of course the ease of taking pictures. I speak almost no Spanish, so Google Translate was good for conveying more complicated communications - Spaniards with no English seemed happy to be able to communicate by typing back and forth (less useful for reading menus, but still I could mostly figure out what I was ordering). I don't know how friendly the French will be about communicating with a translation app, but I'm hoping my French is good enough I won't have to resort to that! Buen Camino
Not, it seems, available on all releases - Android 11 UK release!Android has a setting to add text to the phone's lock screen.
Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen > Add text on lock screen
On my lock screen I have an email address and a VOIP number that can be pre-set to redirect calls to several other phones. The service also transcribes the call, saves it and also emails it.
Yes, twice. Though there were phone kiosks.I need mine for photos, writing the blog, booking rooms and reading the newspaper.
But not so long ago, these things didn't exist and yet there were pilgrims who made it all the way to Santiago.
Thanks, it's not so much the technique, it's sometimes just understanding what the offering is, what the ingredients are or the preparation (after a certain point, I just coudn't bear one more fried dish, it wasn't always obvious that the menu item was a lump of breaded something that was going to be deep fried). Sometimes it's obvious from the translation, sometimes it's not. Simple example: if the menu item is translated as Russian Salad, you need to know what that means in that part of the world. I'm pretty adventurous, but I do like to know what I'm eating and there are some things I don't want to eat. I once ordered something translated as fish stomachs, I thought to myself, they must mean the flesh from the side of the fish, but no it was actually stomachs and it was disgusting, I paid for it uneaten and left to find an ice cream to cleanse my palate, hahaha!. So I think the translation is only helpful some of the time.Translating menus or any printed matter isn't too hard. I use Google translate. Just point your phone at the text with the app open and press the little camera icon.
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Agreed, as an example something prepared a certain way. Basque cheesecake, Castiilian soup, Galicia Soup, etc. Doesn't really give you the full picture. Although how far wrong could you go with cheesecake?Thanks, it's not so much the technique, it's sometimes just understanding what the offering is, what the ingredients are or the preparation (after a certain point, I just coudn't bear one more fried dish, it wasn't always obvious that the menu item was a lump of breaded something that was going to be deep fried). Sometimes it's obvious from the translation, sometimes it's not. Simple xample: if the menu item is translated as Russian Salad, you need to know what that means in that part of the world. I'm pretty adventurous, but I do like to know what I'm eating and there are some things I don't want to eat. I once ordered something translated as fish stomachs, I thought to myself, they must mean the flesh from the side of the fish, but no it was actually stomachs and it was disgusting, I paid for it uneaten and left to find an ice cream to cleanse my palate, hahaha!. So I think the translation is only helpful some of the time.
We're moving a little off-topic here, but it's fun and it's year end, so I actually don't like cheese cake, but was persuaded to try some in San Sebastian before I started my Camino, best cheese cake I've ever had in my life! We ordered a second piece! OMG!Agreed, as an example something prepared a certain way. Basque cheesecake, Castiilian soup, Galicia Soup, etc. Doesn't really give you the full picture. Although how far wrong could you go with cheesecake?
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