The Camino Exposed - The Camino de Santiago can be Many Things

[@gregorygwilliams]

Rob, I have watched many of your videos and I this one really hit home for me the most, by far. I too have walked only the camino francés (3x) the first from Ponferada with a friend, the second from SJPP with 2/3 of it mostly alone, (with a gap where I had to stop for several days) but with my wife joining me for the last week, and third where my wife and I walked every step from SJPP. We are Catholic but what you describe as spiritual seems spot on for me. When I finished each of my caminos I felt it was the best ever, yes even the one where I missed several days of hiking and skipped portions so I could meet my wife to finish. I agree that distance really is not it. You need time on the camino. My first one was 9 days and it was great. With each I have walked more days than the ones before so I agree that time outdoors walking (sometime alone and sometime with others) is where the camino is walking meditation. To all of your new viewers wondering about what it is like to walk the camino; I say this video is the real deal. Rob, thanks for all you do. Regards. Greg

[@robscamino]

Thanks for the feedback Greg. and I'm so glad it resonated with you. It's hard to describe the Camino to those who have not walked it, isn't it? You kind of need to do it.........to get it. 🙂

[@faithalfon5451]

I’m glad I watched this video befor starting my Camino journey in September.

[@robscamino]

Glad you found it useful. Buen Camino!

[@meemwhale]

Thanks, Rob, for this great video. I did part of the Frances last year and much of what you said resonated with me. It was an intensely spiritual experience for me and the hardships and challenges were a small price to pay. I was astonished at how ready fellow pilgrims were to help each other reach a common goal. It was life changing.

[@robscamino]

Glad to hear you had such a rewarding Camino 🙂

[@maryleahy3108]

FAR from rubbish, Rob! ....You were absolutely spot on!! ...As I hope many more will experience the utter joy & peace of it all. Loved your video- thanks Rob 👏

[@robscamino]

Glad it made sense Mary. 🙂

[@rudymazar8666]

I have walked the Camino from Tui (123 km ) felt in love with the community of walkers ... I'm booking my next trip for 2023 already .Thank you Rob for all the information and the best tips for feet care and what to bring . No blisters in my camino !! Very happy experience.

[@robscamino]

No Blisters = Happy Pilgrim 🙂

[@frankoley6826]

Thanks for sharing your insight and experiences, I have been following your channel for some time now. I have not walked the Camino yet, but you have given me a lot to think about. I thought I would do it for an adventure, and to some degree I am. I am a non-practicing catholic so there is also a religious aspect. I am also a hiker and normally combine that with my passion for photography, but to be honest, I am thinking of leaving my camera at home. I think that if I am obsessed with taking pictures, I may miss a lot of the experience. The only thing I know for sure is that I am looking forward to unplugging for a while. I will retire from my job in a few months, and I am hoping to get a fresh perspective and direction for my life in retirement. Thanks again for all you do in bringing your experiences to light, it has been inspirational.

[@robscamino]

Glad it makes sense Frank. And best wishes for your 'first' Camino. 🙄

[@peterfontaine4627]

Rob--I like how you said "chill" and "open" and "lost"--those are all very important to me as I look ahead to my Camino. While at home I am a big hiker/backpacker, I see the Camino as a long reflective and introspectional walk that takes you through countryside, towns, villages, and cities. I wouldn't try to think of it in hiking terms. I am non-religious, but I do see the Camino as an opportunity to experience nature, history, social interaction, and personal growth. I am actually excited to do a trail that doesn't involve a tent, stove, food bag, sleeping bag, bear canisters, boots, and 30-40 pounds of backpack weight! Leaning Portugues at this point.

[@robscamino]

Whatever route you decide on I'm sure it will be great 🙂

[@greenbikescom]

Peter, have you had the opportunity to do your Camino yet? If so, what route did you do? Your comment sounds like I wrote it! As we are planning to do the Camino next year everything you said is what I have been thinking. Think we are going to do Porto, Portugal to Santiago, the coastal route. Sounds like a great way to spend 12 days walking.

[@peterfontaine4627]

Hello@@greenbikescom ! No I haven't done my Camino yet. My new job is in no way going to let me be gone for that long. I am thinking more like 2025 or 2026. Plan is to go from Lisbon to Santiago. Probably all Central Route, with a short dip into the Coastal for a couple days to get some seaside views. Trying not to do big mileage. Looking at 30 days, maybe a little over. I know the Lisbon to Porto stretch sometimes does not get rave reviews, and services are a little further apart.

[@greenbikescom]

@@peterfontaine4627 Hi Peter, thanks for the reply. We have decided on the coastal from Porto, Portugal. Planning on Srptember 2024. Long ways out lots of time to plan. Take care

[@brbwlk]

The first time, 2001, the camino was an adventure, a mother daughter jaunt. But, I became hooked. Camino is now refreshment: spiritually, mentally, and physically. Been out 5 times; 4 on CF, 1 Camino Sanabres starting in Ourense. Looking to do so again soon if I can can get a break in dementia and elder caretaking duties. Also, love experiencing a culture different from Los Angeles, Ca and New York City life. Oddly, enough I enjoy the communal living in albergues. When on pilgrimage to Santiago I experience non-stop care from pilgrims, locals, drivers passing in cars. I enjoy going to Mass as often as possible although I am not Catholic. Lastly, communing with myself, others, God is so wonderful. Love the way so very, very, much.

[@robscamino]

Yep. I can relate to that all. 100% Can't wait to be back out there next year......... Like 'coming home'....... 🙂

[@diamoo8021]

Thank you for helping me decide if a Camino experience is what I am looking for.

[@robscamino]

Glad I could help. What did you decide? 🙂

[@diamoo8021]

@@robscamino I have done a lot of solo traveling in my life. I realized as I watched you that I traveled that way to find space and time away from others and my busy life at home. It was healing for me. Now I am almost 60 and live alone. I have been diagnosed with a terminal diagnosis so I am already dealing with challenges that create a need for a daily time with God. I think I would rather use the traveling time that I have left to volunteer - likely teaching in the slums of Delhi. (I loved India when I traveled there.) It will still give me the solitary time (as the teaching day is only about 4-5 hours). Or maybe I will do the Portuguese Camino as a second trip...

[@robscamino]

Sorry to hear about your health. I wish you well. I totally 'get' that desire for solitude. You might find my next video of interest. It's about seeking solitude on the Camino. But the Camino had different plans for me ........

[@Althea1111]

Love this! Thank you so much for your insights! 🙏

[@robscamino]

Hope it makes sense! 🙂

[@stephenreid_66]

I just love the feeling of being on the camino, I have completed 4 caminos (2x Frances, Portuguese coastal and the Primitivo) and every one was a completely different experience and immensely enjoyable. Great video Rob, very insightful.

[@robscamino]

Sounds like you are well and truly hooked Stephen. I might 'try' to do 4 next year. All in one go. If my body holds up! VdlP to Astorga, Invierno to SdC, onto Finistera/Muxia, then cut across and do the Ingles from Ferrol...... Might be wishful thinking on my part 🙄😉

[@stephenreid_66]

@@robscamino I'm sure it'll be no bother for you, I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on.

[@robscamino]

@@stephenreid_66 I have come to realise.........that whatever plans I might have for a Camino......sometimes.......'someone'........may decide I need an additional challenge or 'burden' to think about along the way 🙂 Result. It's never 'easy' 🙄

[@loucherobim3617]

I got emocional looking at you, talking and getting emotional. This is de Camino spirit to me.

[@robscamino]

LOL. Don't talk to me if you meet me on Camino then. We'll both be in tears LOL

[@valerieclifton3902]

Thank you for your channel. I am planning my first Camino practically and spiritually. Your thoughts are helpful.

[@robscamino]

Glad it's helpful Valerie.

[@rikclaymore8004]

I really enjoyed this Rob, it’s helped with my preparations for my walk on the Francis route next April. Thanks so much.

[@robscamino]

Glad it made sense. You might enjoy next week..........or not. 🙄

[@aprilstarchild79]

I just bought my plane tickets for my Camino Frances yesterday! (Leaving in mid-April of next year, returning at the end of May). This video had good timing--people want to know why I'm doing it, and yeah, I really like long walks and meeting new people, and it's a lot cheaper per day than when I went to Iceland for a week last year, lol. But it *is* also spiritual for me. I'm Episcopalian (the American branch of the Anglican church). I've been looking up the Catholic mass in both English and Spanish so I can follow along at pilgrims' masses a little, but I also do plan to stop in at every church along the way if I can help it, even if just to admire the inside and sit in silence for a moment. I hesitate to put too many expectations on it, though. I don't want to expect some huge meaningful experience and then be upset when it doesn't happen. I want to be open, as you said, to whatever happens, without being too anxious if things don't always go to plan.

[@robscamino]

I'm sure you'll have an amazing journey. Just be open, without expectations. You might enjoy next week's video. 😉

[@Kitiwake]

That's great. You should attend Mass when you can and especially when you arrive in Santiago cathedral. You need permission from the bishop to receive Communion at mass, otherwise it's 1 Cor. 11;29, so now you know. (Ask first) The new alter in the cathedral is magnificent beyond words and ,be sure to pray before the relics of saint James (the point of it all). I found many of the Spanish churches to be gothic in terms of iconography tbh, but Santiago cathedral was amazing. If you go to mass on a Sunday you may have the unique experience of the giant sensor being swung, the smoke carrying the prayers of the faithful to God, just like in revelations.

[@lugsdin]

Absolutely agree - an emotional and spiritual walk in the beauty of nature!!

[@robscamino]

I have to say.......I haven't found anything else like it.......

[@jeremyevans2382]

Thanks again for another great video! I am currently on the Caminho Português. I got the notification while having dinner with another pilgrim and am watching it right before bed. I looked forward to and am enjoying meeting new people every day! Not just other pilgrims, but local people as well. I picked the Portuguese route because I learned to speak Portuguese 10 years ago. This ability has provided me some unique experiences that probably wouldn't have been possible with a language barrier. I'm also finding it disappointing when I hear others complain about the quality of this route. Life's roads are not paved in rainbows and rose petals! Take the bad and enjoy the good more! Looking back on the most boring day so far, there were still several unique sights and experiences that everyone was talking about and laughing about at the end of the day.

[@robscamino]

Sounds like you are having an amazing Caminho Jeremy 🙂 But heh. Watching Camino videos...........whilst on Camino? That's a serious issue 🙄

[@jeremyevans2382]

@@robscamino Just this one video, I promise! And more so listening while getting ready for bed in a quiet albergue room all to myself tonight. Your title from the notification had me curious, that's all.

[@marythereserenner1329]

Excellent video. You are always open and honest with your thoughts and I enjoy hearing them.

[@robscamino]

Glad you enjoyed my rambling 😉

[@woody6658]

Robo this vid is so on the money! Your openness about your journey is real and thought provoking stuff. My Camino started as an adventure; but became so much more. I have my whole life been dismissive of religion and thought of those who believed; to be lacking in the strength to live life without it as an emotional crutch! However Camino changed that in me for all the reasons you gave. The pilgrim blessing in Armentiera proved that; I just wept;! Why I don't know ? Perhaps it was the power of their faith rubbing of a bit who knows. Or maybe i was just OPEN All the best Woody

[@robscamino]

Some amazing stuff happens.........if you let it, doesn't it Woody 😉

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Great topic. Thanks. I watched at X1:5 speed and don't think I missed anything.

[@robscamino]

Good idea to watch at 1.5 x I do that a lot too 🙂 Some people like me, talk far too slowly ! 🙄

[@klipitar2007]

I really enjoyed this video Rob!

[@robscamino]

Glad it made sense 🙂

[@klipitar2007]

@@robscamino it sure did!

[@ENGABU1]

This should be required watching for all those planning a Camino

[@robscamino]

LOL. You think so? Do you think many people walk for the wrong reasons? Or maybe with the wrong expectations?

[@ENGABU1]

@@robscamino no. But firstly there is a lot of snobbery out there about what "constitutes" a Camino. You have always called bs on that. I "just" completed the 100km (115 in fact) from Sarria. I certainly did not feel any less than others. I did it on my own, I covered nearly half my daily walk in silence in the dark under clear Galecian star filled skies! Didn't care about sightseeing, and never as a hike...very few pictures taken. It was one of the single most transformative things I have ever done. thisisgerry.blogspot.com/2022/09/only-last-100km-of-camino-de-santiago.html

[@robscamino]

So glad to hear your experience was so good Gerry 🙂 Did you take the Guitar? !!

[@robscamino]

Great Blog. And in date sequence! So many you have read in reverse...... 🙂

[@ENGABU1]

@@robscamino I am MAD...not THAT MAD! I didn't even listen to music/podcasts/KZbin AT ALL while walking...which is not like me. Headphones in 24/7! I literally turned off...I had my MAPMYWALK lady telling me how I was doing at each KM only

[@fishnmick9570]

For me. It’s really a great long hike , a great cultural experience. Seeing history at every step . Sight seeing at a slow pace. You get to see and experience much more than driving or being on a tour Every hike has its challenges. I’ve read blogs from people that have hiked the Appalachian trail saying the Camino was a challenge as it’s on very different terrain . Oh yes. The best part of the Camino. And I’m sure other king distance hike. It’s good for the soul. Time to de stress switch off from your normal routine. As I tell my fishing mates. The hardest choice you have is where do I have coffee and in the evenings, so I have a beer or a wine. ;)

[@robscamino]

That's great. Do you hike in other parts of the World?

[@fishnmick9570]

@@robscamino just local here to Brisbane. It’s very good for you. We have just decided this morning to do the whole Frances in may. Even the meseta ;). So never say never. Cheers mick

[@lionelosullivan3929]

Great blog Rob you have nailed it every thing you said is spot on thanks again Rob lionel

[@robscamino]

Thanks Lionel. I often think my rambling might go off on a bit of a tangent...... 🙄

[@lionelosullivan3929]

@@robscamino not a bit rob I've been so lucky to have walked the comino 10 times its a privilege to be able to do it and as I said you nailed it best wishes on your next comino buin comino

[@robscamino]

@@lionelosullivan3929 Can't wait to get out there. I have some catching up to do! 🙂

[@jamesmolloy6328]

Excellent !!! 🙂

[@robscamino]

Glad you like it!

[@rudymazar8666]

My advice , minimize your backpack weight .Next year I will take even less gear ...I have use hostals and pensiones for a private room accomodation and I booked them one day before, Perfect for September.

[@robscamino]

100%. Carry as light a pack as possible. I'm also trying to carry as light a body as possible! Aiming to lose about 25 kgs......

[@robscamino]

What is the Camino de Santiago to You? Or what do you hope it to be? 🙂 If you enjoyed this video, you 'might' like the next one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH2Udp2vmrWfprs

[@brbwlk]

BTW love this video. Buen camino.

[@robscamino]

Many thanks. Next week might set the Cat amongst the Pigeons though. The Camino and God. Or at least my take on it 😉

[@sharonhumphrey9129]

I liked the hike and visiting every church, ending up in a group wasn't good for me turned out to be their Camino not mine. Santiago itself was so beautiful however pilgrims who are not spending loads of money are not well liked I just couldn't wait to leave. If I do go again, which was from SJPDP I will make sure I walk the walk my way. Female 58 solo hike. I won't visit Santiago again I'd walk straight through

[@robscamino]

Yes I get that. Some people love ending up in a group, some don't. I hung out with 2-3 groups over my first Camino. As I walk slowly they would pull ahead of me, and I'd meet other people coming up behind. I very rarely walked with anyone else, let alone a group. That would be a nightmare for me. Like being on a school trip. But I would often join a few others from a group I knew for dinner. Maybe about 50% of the time. Dining alone can get lonely. I agree with Santiago. It can be a 'let down'. The Pilgrims Mass is great, but other than that, next time I'll walk on through. It's about the journey, not the destination.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Is it possible to eat a vegetarian diet while walking El Camino ?

[@robscamino]

Many people do. It's useful to learn a few useful Spanish phrases, as you might want to ask what is in stuff. For example Tuna seems to a salad garnish in many places 🙂 And in some remote places you might choose to do a DIY meal from the local store.....