- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF 2024
In Viana tonight. I have observed many French pilgrims along the way since SJPDP. I recall in my two previous late Spring Caminos this seems to be a popular time for them. Maybe someone has already mentioned this, but today I saw an enterprising Spaniard who has set up a food stop about 4 kms from Viana. It is on a wide spot on the path, and he has six or so tables and chairs set on the left side and a food and beverage set-up in about a 6x6 foot roofed temporary structure on the right which appeared to be cantilevered over the somewhat steep hillside. It is at a spot with a lot of trees and vegetation on each side which creates a canopy of shade effect.
He had a great assortment of pastries, croissants and fruit laid out in front as well as cold sodas and drinks behind the makeshift counter. He had also placed what I assumed was a bluetooth speaker in one of the trees, which speaker was effectively hidden from view. As I approached his set-up from about 10 meters away, I could hear music and upon arrival realized he was playing Edith Piaf, and her iconic voice lilted through the air. It created quite a pleasant atmosphere. I knew there were assorted French walkers a ways behind me, so I got a juice and pastry and sat down at a table and waited for what I pretty much knew would be their reaction. I sat there for about 20 minutes and watched at least 10 French pilgrims as well as others enter. Not everyone stopped, but every French pilgrim did. Smiles erupted on their faces as they recognized Edith Piaf’s voice. Most hummed and sang along sitting at the tables.
Now there may be some solitudenistas here who might consider Ms. Piaf a kind of Camino aural pollution, but certainly none of the French nor any other pilgrims did. To phrase it in my favorite double negative Yogi Berra-like expression: “Nobody didn’t like it.”
That Spanish entrepreneur knew his market.
He had a great assortment of pastries, croissants and fruit laid out in front as well as cold sodas and drinks behind the makeshift counter. He had also placed what I assumed was a bluetooth speaker in one of the trees, which speaker was effectively hidden from view. As I approached his set-up from about 10 meters away, I could hear music and upon arrival realized he was playing Edith Piaf, and her iconic voice lilted through the air. It created quite a pleasant atmosphere. I knew there were assorted French walkers a ways behind me, so I got a juice and pastry and sat down at a table and waited for what I pretty much knew would be their reaction. I sat there for about 20 minutes and watched at least 10 French pilgrims as well as others enter. Not everyone stopped, but every French pilgrim did. Smiles erupted on their faces as they recognized Edith Piaf’s voice. Most hummed and sang along sitting at the tables.
Now there may be some solitudenistas here who might consider Ms. Piaf a kind of Camino aural pollution, but certainly none of the French nor any other pilgrims did. To phrase it in my favorite double negative Yogi Berra-like expression: “Nobody didn’t like it.”
That Spanish entrepreneur knew his market.
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