Indeed! I was feeling lonely on my first Camino and someone on some Camino Facebook group said "Your smile and eye contact are the key."
From that point on I started meeting people's eyes directly and smiling as I greeted them. I didn't usually do this at home ... just not in the habit ... and besides, most people are looking at their phones, right?
But on Camino I was stunned to find that that was all it took to make a connection. From that point on I was like a little kid ... smiling, making eye contact and saying "Buen Camino!" to anyone who would respond. 😆 I am not exaggerating when I say that it changed my Camino ... and I brought that approach home and it has changed my life. The world opened up to me, and 3 years later, it's still opening up to me.
Not sure if you want to read my account of exactly this phenomenon ... here it is:
Great post. I love talking to people but here in the U.S. I notice that so many people have ear buds and don't really converse. That's especially true at the gym.
I have intentionally not worn my ear buds at the gym--though I notice many do. Which I understand as it can keep you going on a monotonous treadmill!
But, in my opinion, the Camino is anything but monotonous. So much to notice! Nature, the different way homes and churches are built, the other people around me, and little things like the sound my hiking sticks make on various surfaces. . . I feel like we're more "in tune" with the sounds around us on the Camino. . .
On the Camino, I've noticed a few more people with ear buds than in the past, but the majority of people I see don't have them. 🙂
I’ve asked people about their tattoos (not on Camino). There usually is a story. Love the donkey story!
That’s a good one! Thanks for the tip!
Great suggestions, Rebecca, and I can attest that they work. Very useful for first-time pilgrims!
Thanks, Rebecca! And if you have any other suggestions, do let me know!
Indeed! I was feeling lonely on my first Camino and someone on some Camino Facebook group said "Your smile and eye contact are the key."
From that point on I started meeting people's eyes directly and smiling as I greeted them. I didn't usually do this at home ... just not in the habit ... and besides, most people are looking at their phones, right?
But on Camino I was stunned to find that that was all it took to make a connection. From that point on I was like a little kid ... smiling, making eye contact and saying "Buen Camino!" to anyone who would respond. 😆 I am not exaggerating when I say that it changed my Camino ... and I brought that approach home and it has changed my life. The world opened up to me, and 3 years later, it's still opening up to me.
Not sure if you want to read my account of exactly this phenomenon ... here it is:
https://rebeccalindell.substack.com/p/walking-the-camino-alone-the-loneliest
Great post. I love talking to people but here in the U.S. I notice that so many people have ear buds and don't really converse. That's especially true at the gym.
Is that true on the Camino these days?
I have intentionally not worn my ear buds at the gym--though I notice many do. Which I understand as it can keep you going on a monotonous treadmill!
But, in my opinion, the Camino is anything but monotonous. So much to notice! Nature, the different way homes and churches are built, the other people around me, and little things like the sound my hiking sticks make on various surfaces. . . I feel like we're more "in tune" with the sounds around us on the Camino. . .
On the Camino, I've noticed a few more people with ear buds than in the past, but the majority of people I see don't have them. 🙂