After my first journey to Santiago in June of 2002, I believed that a “real” pilgrimage could only be made in the traditional way, that is, the hard way. And for me, this meant eschewing the products and services that made it possible to avoid most of the Camino’s hardships. “Creature Comforts on the Camino, Part 1: Do Real Pilgrims Take Cold Showers?” addresses changes in the infrastructure that eased the way. Part 2 looks at the effect of technological advances on the Camino, specifically smartphones, email, and apps.
Filtering by Author: Katharine B. Soper
Creature Comforts on the Camino, Part 1: Do Real Pilgrims Take Cold Showers?
Tradition has it that pilgrims leave behind the comforts and security of their everyday lives to embark on a journey of the spirit. When I first walked the Camino francés in 2002, accommodations were basic, communications limited, and pilgrims who couldn’t strip down to the bare essentials had no choice but to labor under a heavy pack — or quit. This past summer, I discovered that things are changing fast, and these changes make it possible to enjoy the creature comforts of a fine vacation while on the pilgrimage trail.
Danger on the Camino: Trust in Allah and tie up the camels
One of the biggest changes on the Camino in the 13 years between my first journey and the one this past summer is an increased danger to women pilgrims, and not just the young ones. Even on that first trip, I heard reports about women being harassed by men who would expose themselves or urinate in public. But they were few and far between, and none resulted in any physical injuries.
Been There, Done That?
Can we repeat meaningful experiences? Is it possible to recapture strong emotions? And should we even try? These questions came up for me when I thought about returning to the Camino de Santiago this past summer to celebrate my seventieth birthday. What better way to mark a milestone birthday than to return to a place that has been central to my life in so many ways?
