Ralph Keith Redhead
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francés May-June 2016
Unfortunately, on the outskirts of Ponferrada city centre, I had a firecracker/banger thrown at me by a small group of men. If it was kids it would have been stupid fun, albeit unpleasant. But these men sat and stared at me from the comfort of a cafe terrace. It landed and exploded between my feet. It was close to going into my right boot, which would have caused me serious injury. The explosion left a large black mark on the pavement. I remunstrated, shook my crutch at them (I had injured my left ankle and was walking with the aid of a crutch), but they all sat and glared at me. The cafe proprietor was present and did nothing.
I reported this incident to my hostel/albergue - they were unconcerend. I went to Tourist Information - the lady there was shocked and angry, telephoned the police, who said as I was not injured they would do nothing about it. I showed the Tourist office lady a photo of the cafe where the men were. She knew the place, said it was not somewhere she would use, and that the people there are unpleasant. It also became apparent that other pilgrims have reported unpleasantness in this city - hostile and aggressive. Has anyone else heard this/reported anything? The Police and council do nothing unless someone is injured. I was glad to leave the city the next morning. Just take care and report anything to the central Tourist Office. Buen Camino
I reported this incident to my hostel/albergue - they were unconcerend. I went to Tourist Information - the lady there was shocked and angry, telephoned the police, who said as I was not injured they would do nothing about it. I showed the Tourist office lady a photo of the cafe where the men were. She knew the place, said it was not somewhere she would use, and that the people there are unpleasant. It also became apparent that other pilgrims have reported unpleasantness in this city - hostile and aggressive. Has anyone else heard this/reported anything? The Police and council do nothing unless someone is injured. I was glad to leave the city the next morning. Just take care and report anything to the central Tourist Office. Buen Camino