It's so nice to get this insight about post-Camino, Rebecca. And especially to learn more about the let down--always helpful to be prepared. I imagine it's similar to the post-performance let down that some in the entertainment industry experience, like when actors in a stage production perform their final show. Your full attention has been on the goal for so long, and then the goal is reached, and there is nothing significant to take its place, leaving a void for a time. Thanks for sharing this!
That's a great description, Lisa. Reminds me of the documentary I watched about Olympians and what happens to them after their wins.
There's a book, in fact, called Return to Camino that I should have mentioned in this post, now that I think about it. Gives you some things to do pre-Camino and a way to process post-Camino. The Pilgrim House in Santiago de Compostela also has reflection materials.
I don't know if you've seen Anaïs or @nosomosnadie. She became a worldwide viral sensation back in May when she opened an IG account when starting her nnnnth Camino solo, so a friend who didn't have her usual TikTok -- could follow her. She started out with 35 followers... her hilarious self deprecating videos, daily sagas and adventures walking El Camino have accrued her more than 2.1M views, 291K followers, TV and radio interviews, podcasts and even the Talento Nacional Prize in Canarias.
She had walked El Camino from every point, many times, during many years. She is an independent tour guide. With the natural, hilarious self deprecating humor of the Spanish south. Check her out🌿
Thank you for the post on pre or post Camino travel.
Pre Camino - I am always anxious before a long-distance hike. I could never be a tourist, always thinking if I will be able to make "it" all the way.
During - like your Pamplona example - I agree completely. I'm not hanging around "tourists" in the middle of a walk.
But post - after my three Caminos, I planned to spend a few days in places I would not want to go out of my way to see. But I was so close.
After the Norte, I went to Lourdes, a place I have heard of all my life. I was curious. Lourdes was packed, but it was OK. I was in my little bubble.
After the Camino Frances, I went to Gibraltar. I was so curious about that culture at the bottom of Spain. I spoke English freely and I could get a "proper cup of tea". I could check Gibraltar off my life list.
Thanks, as always, for your input, Danny. I've always thought I'd need to be in the right headspace to face the crowds at Lourdes--I wonder if it's quieter in the winter months?
Thank you so much for this post Rebecca. I’m planning my first Camino beginning sometime in September. You mentioned the movie ’The Way.’ I’d like to make a recommendation to see “The Way, My Way” by Australian director Bill Bennett. I met Bill a few months ago at a showing of his film in Coral Gables, Florida. It’s a story of his 2013 Camino walk and its transformative effect. The movie is visually beautiful and powerful!
It's so nice to get this insight about post-Camino, Rebecca. And especially to learn more about the let down--always helpful to be prepared. I imagine it's similar to the post-performance let down that some in the entertainment industry experience, like when actors in a stage production perform their final show. Your full attention has been on the goal for so long, and then the goal is reached, and there is nothing significant to take its place, leaving a void for a time. Thanks for sharing this!
That's a great description, Lisa. Reminds me of the documentary I watched about Olympians and what happens to them after their wins.
There's a book, in fact, called Return to Camino that I should have mentioned in this post, now that I think about it. Gives you some things to do pre-Camino and a way to process post-Camino. The Pilgrim House in Santiago de Compostela also has reflection materials.
That sounds like a great documentary. And even more great info. Thanks!
I don't know if you've seen Anaïs or @nosomosnadie. She became a worldwide viral sensation back in May when she opened an IG account when starting her nnnnth Camino solo, so a friend who didn't have her usual TikTok -- could follow her. She started out with 35 followers... her hilarious self deprecating videos, daily sagas and adventures walking El Camino have accrued her more than 2.1M views, 291K followers, TV and radio interviews, podcasts and even the Talento Nacional Prize in Canarias.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJmFPNzCktJ/?igsh=MW8xbm1hamdybHU2MQ==
She had walked El Camino from every point, many times, during many years. She is an independent tour guide. With the natural, hilarious self deprecating humor of the Spanish south. Check her out🌿
Thank you for the post on pre or post Camino travel.
Pre Camino - I am always anxious before a long-distance hike. I could never be a tourist, always thinking if I will be able to make "it" all the way.
During - like your Pamplona example - I agree completely. I'm not hanging around "tourists" in the middle of a walk.
But post - after my three Caminos, I planned to spend a few days in places I would not want to go out of my way to see. But I was so close.
After the Norte, I went to Lourdes, a place I have heard of all my life. I was curious. Lourdes was packed, but it was OK. I was in my little bubble.
After the Camino Frances, I went to Gibraltar. I was so curious about that culture at the bottom of Spain. I spoke English freely and I could get a "proper cup of tea". I could check Gibraltar off my life list.
Thanks, as always, for your input, Danny. I've always thought I'd need to be in the right headspace to face the crowds at Lourdes--I wonder if it's quieter in the winter months?
Thank you so much for this post Rebecca. I’m planning my first Camino beginning sometime in September. You mentioned the movie ’The Way.’ I’d like to make a recommendation to see “The Way, My Way” by Australian director Bill Bennett. I met Bill a few months ago at a showing of his film in Coral Gables, Florida. It’s a story of his 2013 Camino walk and its transformative effect. The movie is visually beautiful and powerful!
Thanks for the recommendation, Brad. Any reason you're waiting til September?
D
Where did that torture English come from? lol!
Coincidentally, I just sent moments ago this to today’s brunch date!
https://thewaymywaymovie.com/book-and-blog/
Yes, a number of personal and family obligations, and also anticipating less heat and crowds in September.