- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2016, 2022, 2023, 2024, planned 2025
Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
I walked a part of my Camino with a wonderful young Dr. from Germany. We are keeping in touch since and couple of days ago along with Good Wishes for Xmas & New Year she quipped that as much as she truly loves her job it became "horrible" as shortages of personnel and supplies are constant cause of stress.Nursing is a stressful profession these days and nursing school is especially stressful so I hope the 9 undergraduates and 1 graduate student will be able use this time to slow down and care better for themselves.
As a non-professional caregiver myself, I very well know how stressful caregiving is. The camino has been my “self care” antidote for years now. Wishing you and all those future nurses a wonderful camino.Nursing is a stressful profession these days and nursing school is especially stressful so I hope the 9 undergraduates and 1 graduate student will be able use this time to slow down and care better for themselves.
@J Wilhaus I think this elective is very interesting. Do they have to write a paper/essay about their experience on the Camino as part of the course?It was 4 F (-15 C) when I caught the shuttle to the airport at 4 am. Hope its warmer in Spain. Shuttle from Laramie, WY, to Denver. Flight to Denver, then flight to Madrid where I will meet my 10 students at our hotel. M., the other professor, and I should be on the same flights with 3 students. The others will make their own way to the meeting point.
Will take a flight from to Santiago tomorrow and we have us tickets from the Santiago airport to Sarria.
The course is a self-care elective called Pilgrimage for the Mind, Body, and Soul. Nursing is a stressful profession these days and nursing school is especially stressful so I hope the 9 undergraduates and 1 graduate student will be able use this time to slow down and care better for themselves.
Stay tuned for further details.
I have one grad student who has to do a grad paper. Other assignments include a pre and post holistic health assessment and posting support using either examples from Dave Whitson's book that we using as one of the texts or another scholarly source. Each student has to lead a discussion on a chosen topic with the group. Today we had 2. One was on bedbugs and the other was about pilgrim traditions old and new@J Wilhaus I think this elective is very interesting. Do they have to write a paper/essay about their experience on the Camino as part of the course?
Buen Camino and Happy New Year!
Hmmm, interesting. This is the first time I've seen something that links the Camino to an intellectual and academic exercise. IMHO the reflections can only be beneficial. Perhaps you can encourage them to post their reflections in this forum if they are so inclined. It may benefit other prospective and veteran pilgrims as well. More power to you and your students. Buen Camino and God bless!I have one grad student who has to do a grad paper. Other assignments include a pre and post holistic health assessment and posting support using either examples from Dave Whitson's book that we using as one of the texts or another scholarly source. Each student has to lead a discussion on a chosen topic with the group. Today we had 2. One was on bedbugs and the other was about pilgrim traditions old and new
Students also make notes along the way on five reflections. The first one today was about their feelings as we prepared for pilgrimage. So far its a good group and everyone has been doing what is asked.
Ah yes, the power of prayer. I can vouch for this on a personal level. Will be praying for you and your students as well as the hospitalera and her mother. Buen Camino and God bless! Happy New Year too since you'll be spending it on the CaminoPs: The hospitalera just came and told me her mother fell today and broke her hip and femur, her elbow and arm and had gash to the head which had to be repaired which is why she only now just came back. So I understand what kept her away and I told her I would pray for her mother in Santiago.
Yes, this is a formal Study Abroad class for 2 credits so there has to be some "meat" to the "study" part. The students share their reflections only with me. Reflections are sometimes quite personal and our FERPA education laws in the US prohibit me from sharing. As far as I know none of them are on the forum either. I have mentioned it, but no one has inquired further about to join or access.Hmmm, interesting. This is the first time I've seen something that links the Camino to an intellectual and academic exercise. IMHO the reflections can only be beneficial. Perhaps you can encourage them to post their reflections in this forum if they are so inclined. It may benefit other prospective and veteran pilgrims as well. More power to you and your students. Buen Camino and God bless!
I am SO glad that you are once again at the municipal albergue in Ferreiros and also able to eat at Mirallos. May you all have a good dinner. Perhaps you will hear the bells ring tonight at midnight when the new year arrives.We are at the Xunta Albergue de Peregrinos Ferreiros this evening. It was good walking weather although it rained on and off all morning. The students divided up by walking speed and the first bunch arrived and went th the bar in Mirallos to wait for the rest of us. I was the sweeper and arrived about 1:30.
The albergue was open with a note that the hospitalero would be by later to check us in. It's only the 11 of us and the one extra friend roommate in the bunk room for 19 people. I have stayed here before and doubt there will be many others.
We had a little bedbug issue last night wth the 8 women in the upstairs bunk room. This morning one had killed a really big juicy one on the sheets. Two others had bites so before they unpacked for the day here all 8 ran their stuff through a good hot dryer cycle.
Because we'd had our bedbug talk the day before, they were all calm. No one was freaked out although it was annoying. Education is a good thing.
Not much New Years Eve action here in Ferreiros, but we'll go down and eat at Mirallos at 7 pm. They close at 9 tonight. Tomorrow we are walking to Portomarin. We have reservations.
Students have been walking the Camino for a long time. Gitlitz and Davidson are known for taking university students on Camino in the 1970s, which was one of the things that led to their excellent The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook (never miss an opportunity to plug it). I think we've had at least one of their former students on this Forum. They popped up in a thread about pilgrimage before the relatively recent rise in popularity.Hmmm, interesting. This is the first time I've seen something that links the Camino to an intellectual and academic exercise. IMHO the reflections can only be beneficial. Perhaps you can encourage them to post their reflections in this forum if they are so inclined. It may benefit other prospective and veteran pilgrims as well. More power to you and your students. Buen Camino and God bless!
We had the best time at Mirallos tonight. They served us early and gave us grapes to take back the albergue. We were given a firm lesson on how to eat them. Dong, one grape, dong grape number two, etc.I am SO glad that you are once again at the municipal albergue in Ferreiros and also able to eat at Mirallos. May you all have a good dinner. Perhaps you will hear the bells ring tonight at midnight when the new year arrives.
Happy new year to ye all. Great account...We had the best time at Mirallos tonight. They served us early and gave us grapes to take back the albergue. We were given a firm lesson on how to eat them. Dong, one grape, dong grape number two, etc.
We laughed and laughed and the never ending appetite of 20 year olds for food was finally quelled although I took a good ribbing because I don't eat dessert and didn't order any. They wanted me to get something that they could try above and beyond their choices so it was duly noted that I was not to do THAT again.
Mirallos said they would open for breakfast at 8:30 so of course the gang is already talking about that. They are all gushing about the winter Camino as we have the albergue to ourselves and the restaurant, too. It is wonderful to experience this tired old section of the Camino through their eyes. BTW, they love the Xunta albergue and are asking if we will stay in more like them.
We are staying at Ultreia tomorrow night because I could not confirm if the Portmarin Xunta albergue is open. The hospitalera at Ultreia confirmed with WhatsApp that we were coming and let us know a restaurant that WILL be open on New Years Day.
A great first day on the Camino despite the bedbug incident. They are bonding and meeting the few others who are here. It is wonderful to see.
Thanks for the update. That bed bug and grape stories are funnyWe had the best time at Mirallos tonight. They served us early and gave us grapes to take back the albergue. We were given a firm lesson on how to eat them. Dong, one grape, dong grape number two, etc.
We laughed and laughed and the never ending appetite of 20 year olds for food was finally quelled although I took a good ribbing because I don't eat dessert and didn't order any. They wanted me to get something that they could try above and beyond their choices so it was duly noted that I was not to do THAT again.
Mirallos said they would open for breakfast at 8:30 so of course the gang is already talking about that. They are all gushing about the winter Camino as we have the albergue to ourselves and the restaurant, too. It is wonderful to experience this tired old section of the Camino through their eyes. BTW, they love the Xunta albergue and are asking if we will stay in more like them.
We are staying at Ultreia tomorrow night because I could not confirm if the Portmarin Xunta albergue is open. The hospitalera at Ultreia confirmed with WhatsApp that we were coming and let us know a restaurant that WILL be open on New Years Day.
A great first day on the Camino despite the bedbug incident. They are bonding and meeting the few others who are here. It is wonderful to see.
I set off from SJPDP on 2 January last year. For much of the way there were about 12-15 pilgrims walking each stage. With the limited accommodation choices at that time of year we tended to meet up frequently. About 1/3 or more of those I met on that particular Camino were Korean.Out of interest, are there enough of other peregrinos on the trail at this time? (You mentioned some Koreans at your first albergue.)
Oh, Janet, I do admire your stamina. That is something you have worked on, and it shows.Good Menu del Dia for 12 euros a plate. Our hospitalera called to see when they could take a group of 12. We took a cab the 1 km because it was raining hard. A variety of home cooked food we had fabada (excellent), then platters of tortilla, Raxo with fries, pork chops, and a plate of chicken tenders we didn't ask for, but got eaten. Some had coffee and others Santiago cake for dessert. We had to walk back in the rain and I am sure that some will be annoyed with me for it, the cabbie was going off shift and could not return to our remote location.
We're drying out now. Doing laundry. Chit chatting. Hope it is dryer tomorrow.
Whatever for?! They could have skipped dinner, or arranged for different weather!We had to walk back in the rain and I am sure that some will be annoyed with me for it
Indeed. They will laugh at that memory. Later.You are being an excellent guide, and don't want to make their experience "perfect". That wouldn't be a Camino.
Hmmm. Incentive? There's a 3-star hotel with a spa not far away. The spa is apparently very nice.No significant rain in the forecast today. We may try to go to the Pembre Castle today.
And pulpo?Tomorrow, Melide
SiAnd pulpo?
Thanks for refreshing my memory!
I recall watching a really good documentary on YT about a very similar group, very good if you can find it. They did the whole CF so quite lengthy documentary but very interesting and watchable.Hmmm, interesting. This is the first time I've seen something that links the Camino to an intellectual and academic exercise. IMHO the reflections can only be beneficial. Perhaps you can encourage them to post their reflections in this forum if they are so inclined. It may benefit other prospective and veteran pilgrims as well. More power to you and your students. Buen Camino and God bless!
Yes they were all VERY grateful today. Grateful for a very warm albergue; grateful for coffee con leche, grateful for hot water; grateful for industrial-sized washers and dryers; grateful for the Camino even in their sodden state. We have talked about pilgrims being thankful for whatever small things that we have and especially for family, friends, and each other.Janet, tell them to be thankful for a bite of anything. Incidentally, near my home place there is a spot called Rest and Be Thankful! Hope Phil gets to see the lights...
Sorry, I do not mean to sound so harsh: in later life they will appreciate the gift of having something rather than nothing...
Where? I'm always on the lookout for hidden gem pizza places... My favorite on the camino is Il Fornaccio in Arzua. Its goooood. Don't know if they are open in winter tho.We had pizza tonight for supper at a place that makes their dough from scratch
It is called Arenas.Where? I'm always on the lookout for hidden gem pizza places... My favorite on the camino is Il Fornaccio in Arzua. Its goooood. Don't know if they are open in winter tho.
De gustibus non est disputandum. Pulpo is part of the trinity of things I try to find on every visit to Spain - the others being patxaran and churros with chocolate. But it really isn't to everyone's taste. A lot of people dislike the texture and others are squeamish about eating a big mollusc!Only M. the other teacher and one student liked it so I ate my fill and the rest was left behind.
HahahaHopes were too high. I got the "big" pulpo split on 3 smaller plates. Only M. the other teacher and one student liked it so I ate my fill and the rest was left behind.
I stayed there in October, beautiful building with great facilities and a nice view out the back from the top floor. There were a lot of unhappy pilgrims though the next morning due to the behavior and noise. I guess this is because it was busy due to being on the latter stages of the CF, and at a popular time. I personally was ok, but do recall the atmosphere wasn't the same as the majority of the other Albergues I'd stayed in (municipal or not).We are in the Albergue de Peregrinos Arzua which is a very cool old stone house. Not sure why people dislike these so much.
Whilst I've enjoyed Pulpo a couple of times, I certainly wouldn't rave about it.
yes. I think the difference may be to how they cook it. Grill, or fried or boiled. Maybe you've seen that guy in Melide in the window at the restaurant. He presents a full on boiled octopus as you approach, that's where I didn't like it.I had it once in Santilliana del Mar, it was fried, and it was amazing. I had it a couple of times on the CF and I didn't really enjoy it - but it was boiled not fried. I think this is the difference to me (everything is better fried right(even Mars Bars)?
Yes in Galicia it is served boiled with paprika and olive oil. I guess just set my egocentric expectations too high. Phil doesn't like it either and when I told him of their reactions he responded "I didn't think it was that special either. "I had it once in Santilliana del Mar, it was fried, and it was amazing. I had it a couple of times on the CF and I didn't really enjoy it - but it was boiled not fried. I think this is the difference to me (everything is better fried right(even Mars Bars)?
There was noise outside last night probably due to the holiday. It didn't bother me, but one of my bunk neighbors had a very bad case of gas last night. Stinky.I stayed there in October, beautiful building with great facilities and a nice view out the back from the top floor. There were a lot of unhappy pilgrims though the next morning due to the behavior and noise. I guess this is because it was busy due to being on the latter stages of the CF, and at a popular time. I personally was ok, but do recall the atmosphere wasn't the same as the majority of the other Albergues I'd stayed in (municipal or not).
True, and written appropriately it could appeal not just to the Pilgrims audience, but Nursing too… something like 28 million of them, according to Google!Actually, Janet, there is a book in there somewhere! Your retirement is coming up, so if you are at a loss
Yes, well thanks. I have had little time to keep up my obsessive checking of the forum, so don't see a book in the near future although I have been thinking about a hospitalera tome.True, and written appropriately it could appeal not just to the Pilgrims audience, but Nursing too… something like 28 million of them, according to Google!
Well done, and congrats to all concerned. I look forward to Phil sending in a couple of photos from his trip to the local walk thread! Safe trip home, Janet, to you and all.We all made it to Santiago. Long day as no coffee stops until just before Monte de Gozo. Most everyone (minus 2) walked into the plaza together to the bagpiper's tune. I put a 10 in her case as the students were enthralled. It was a sunny day so they all laid down backpacks and just sat and leaned on them and gazed up at the cathedral front. A fitting end to our walk. The other two were distracted with shopping. They are young women after all and pretty jewelry caught their eye.
We are checked in now to San Martin Pinario. M and I went up to Cervantes wine bar for some tapas and a glass of wine (and a bottle of water) to debrief. She's feeling more confidant now for next year's planning. Planning is important for the students. While I prefer to wing it myself, you can't do that on a holiday week with 10 hungry students. The exception is the Xunta albergues. They really are perfect for our needs and no reservations taken or required.
Tonight we are going to LA Galliciana Mercado. Everyone can get what they want. Tomorrow pizza again. Its cheap and popular with this group if i can find someone who will do a gluten free crust. We will go to mass and get compostellas tomorrow. A debrief is planned for late afternoon. Tuesday we go to Muxia by bus.
Phil's in Alaska taking a bush plane to a camp above the Artic Circle to see the Northern Lights. We are on our own journey this week.
Mostly it was a day by day thing and a little complicated. I think the students were charged $1,400 each for 15 days and they also had their airfare in addition. That included a 10% padding for unforseen costs. And they get back any money we save and we will save money. There some field trips planned such as to the castle with taxis, entrance fees etc. Train, plane and bus tickets in country, plus lodging and at least one meal daily. On the Camino I forecasted 25 euros per day each and at the Xunta albergues (10 euros) that was doable often with enough money for both breakfast items and supper. Honestly in winter and on holidays there are very few and mostly no coffee or snack places in between anyway ,Congratulations, Janet!! Felicidades on getting everyone to Spain and on the Camino.
Under maintenanceWell done. It sounds like an experience to remember, for you and the students!
Curious to know: were the 4th floor pilgrims rooms at San Piñario unavailable because of being booked up, or under maintenance? It's not like it's the busy season.
What a gift to give all of them.I want them to love the Camino and I want this trip to be a great lifetime memory.
The students will treasure their compostelas. As well they might.Got our compostellas and raised the number for today by 11. I went ahead and got one with my group. No intense scrutiny of the credentials and I admit at least one day I had only one stamp as there was no other stamp option open for me. That was not questioned. The woman at the cash register told me they had no need for volunteers in the winter months.
I personally wouldn't consider the airport express bus for 6am or 8am. Taxi stand can be iffy too. Can you schedule a taxi/uber?The Airport Express bus stops nearby and there is a cab stand nearby as well. One student leaves at 6 am in the morning. Two more around 8 and the rest of us around noon or 1 pm. One student is in Madrid till 4 pm.
I am waiting for the eventual: I am home. All is well that ends well!There's a taxi stand across the street with a ton of taxi's waiting 24/7. I will get up at 3 am and personally walk the students to the Express bus. We do need to watch the budget, but I will make that call later.
Hair askew; sitting in the bright sun at Plaza Mayor enjoying a snack and coffee. A lot of shopping by half the gang today. No crying today, but had to pry 2 out of their funk and the apartment around 11:30 and they shopping, shopping, shopping now! Perhaps not the healthiest coping mechanism, but they are st least out walking in the sun.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?