What to Expect: First Days on the Camino de Santiago

[@stevefoster1511]

I love this video. So helpful to share your experiences. It's funny. My biggest surprise on our 2019 Camino Portugues was (initially) my perception that most of the Pilgrims we met on the first few days after leaving Porto were simply not very friendly or talkative. I am very (American) talkative while traveling and SO interested in culture and experience and am just plain curious. As you know "Bom Camino" has a few meanings depending upon context. One distinct meaning is when you are conversing with someone and they abruptly state, "Bom Caminho." In this context it means simply, "Goodbye." They are done. No more discussion. I'm moving on. We knew this on this Camino and I was shocked at how often it happened early on. Fortunately, while curious, I'm also self-aware enough to recognize this was on me and I quickly toned down my hellos and my attempts to chat and converted to smiles, nods and quiet "Bom Caminhos." By the end of the trip I had learned much and realized that it was not unfriendliness. It was not rudeness. It was not selfishness. It was truly that every Pilgrim is on his/her own, unique walk and finding their own Way. Some are celebrating. Some are grieving. Some are processing. Some are there for religious reasons. Some are there for recreation. Some for fitness and some for reasons they don't know yet. This recognition changed my experience for the last half. This recognition has resonated with me since my return to home. This recognition made me a better person. It was a lesson the Camino taught me that I didn't know I needed. Bom Camino!

[@ginaherold]

Such great wisdom! I know future pilgrims will appreciate you normalizing the things that can feel overwhelming but are a natural part of the process and of the growth you are about to undertake. After my Camino I had a fleeting moment where I scolded myself for being so anxious beforehand and for the first day or so. But I think it was the magnitude of that change - the transformation of “Can I even do this?” into confidence and that feeling of accomplishment, that was most important for me. Buen Camino, Nadine!

[@NadineWalks]

I still have moments when I tell myself that I have no reason to feel anxious before a Camino... but I've learned to accept those feelings, and remind myself that it's normal to feel excited and anxious before any adventure or journey or trip. Those feelings keep me on my toes, and it heightens that feeling of confidence once I get going. Buen Camino Gina!

[@louisegalipeau5171]

Thanks for adressing the very important and often underated psychological adaptation aspect of any travelling but more specifically the Camino pilgrimage. Well done!

[@paulmorisset8935]

Hi first of all, thank you for sharing your thoughts about what to expect in the first few days of a Camino. It is very helpful. I will be walking the Portugués Camino (my first) starting in early September of 2022 from Porto to Santiago. I am finding the planning almost overwhelming! I am 75 years old, and while I have travelled a lot over the years, the Camino experience is daunting to me. I cycle quite a bit, but the thought of walking two hundred and fifty kilometres over hills and possibly in 30C heat in fifteen days has me terrified. With less than fifty days before the start of my Camino, I am training but so far the most I have walked is 12 kilometres in a day. Right now I feel I have bitten off more than I can chew. I thought I had taken the easy route by signing up with Follow the Camino who have booked my hotels and are moving my bag to the next stop..but after looking at my itinerary where on my first day I will have to walk 22.5 kilometres, I wonder whether I have it in me to do this? I locked myself in by having booked all of my hotels in advance. I probably would have been better off by staying in albergues and walking what I could. Too late for that now. The positives are that I have comfortable shoes, trekking poles that are supporting me and a small backpack. As well, I have John Brierley’s Camino Portugués book Someone on Facebook suggested I take a bus to the outskirts of Porto to start my Camino, I am considering doing that as it will reduce the kms on my first day. Any advice?

[@amyrullo549]

Nadine, every video I watch of you fills me with more excitement! Can’t thank you enough for your inspiration!!! I go solo on the Frances at the end of May!

[@NadineWalks]

So, so exciting!! The end of May will be such a great time to walk, I think you're going to have an amazing time :)

[@RC-qf3mp]

Yeah, I was exhausted from the social aspect and lack of sleep. I took a great nap halfway up the Pyrenees on day one. It was great. If I do the Camino again, I’m taking a sleeping pad and would just take a “siesta” whenever I feel like it. That day, I just laid down under a tree and covered my face with my hat, put my feet up on my bag and had some of the best sleep of my life.

[@NadineWalks]

I love seeing pilgrims napping off to the side of the trail, though it's not something I'm able to easily do (it's always been hard for me to fall asleep in public places, but I suspect it has to do with a safety/protection thing). But a nap in the Pyrenees sound like perfection!

[@carolinesaunders6656]

Really valuable video Nadine. It's so good to know it wasn't just me felt these things 😊. One other thing I experienced was the morning of day 4: my initial excitement had gone, I was tired and felt overwhelmed by how far I had to walk to SdC! I'd trained but not done anything like this before. I decided to only think of one day at a time, that was more than enough for me. I never truly believed I could walk the whole way until I reached Praza do Obradoiro. Who knew, I really could walk a very long way 😁

[@NadineWalks]

I think that's a wonderful strategy, to focus on one day at a time, and not let yourself get too overwhelmed by the enormity of what's ahead. And, possibly, some could break it down even further: one hour at a time! When I was hiking the Pennine Way a few years ago, I carried a much heavier pack and some sections of the trail were really tough. I got into the habit of counting my steps- 1, 2, 3, 4, etc up to 10, and then I'd start over. It gave my mind something to focus on rather than the fatigue and how hard the walking was. I like to think it helped!

[@billkrueger9305]

many thanks, Nadine for another great video! just catching up after some travel...the first word that comes to mind is 'relax'...granted the Camino is new for everyone, but how many 'firsts' have we already experienced? school? high school? college? work? relationships? etc...if we were able to survive those, we have developed the capacity to survive the Camino. That being said, after a wondrous dinner at the restaurant featured in 'The Way" in SJPDP, we set out for Roncesvalles. We sent our packs ahead knowing the challenges of the first day. We made it to Orisson in good shape, marveling at the scenery on such a clear day! So amazing. As we continued, it was obvious that my wife was struggling. So, we took it slowly, stopping when she needed to, which was often, and talking her through yet another climb, after climb. Needless to say we made it, but we know what a 'bonk' looks like. Ours were the last packs claimed in Roncesvalles. But here's the thing...you seem like a good person, many of your viewers, I am sure, are the same. So are we. There are also many good people in Spain, and along each Camino. Let your light shine, and allow others' light to shine for you. The rewards are great, and the effort costs but a smile. The language thing can be worked out in so many ways and gestures. More stories about that when you ask the question about your funniest language faux pas! Be well!

[@NadineWalks]

I love this advice- to relax, and trust that you've made it through hard things before, you'll make it through whatever hard thing the Camino might serve to you. I'm guilty of getting caught up in all the anticipation and preparation and focusing on all the small details and the worries of 'what could go wrong'. But there ARE so many good people out there, and such a strong pilgrim community, all we all carry each other through.

[@markhansen6015]

I absolutely love your videos. You are a true Camino gem. Please keep up the great work you are doing.

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much for this very kind comment :)

[@anonymoususermouse]

Really good video! Very realistic about the start of the Camino. Buen Camino! Ultreia!

[@MrDeben98]

Thanks so much for taking the time to provide all this great content. I’ve been prepping for my first Camino for the last 6 months and your videos have been a great help. As I prepare to begin walking on June 13th, this ‘what to expect video’ was particularly timely and helpful!

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so glad that these videos have been helpful! And it's so exciting that you'll be on the Camino soon, enjoy these last days of anticipation/preparation! Buen Camino!

[@FrScottHikes]

Great video Nadine. From one introvert to another, Culture shock, jet lag, social interaction, and lack of training definitely takes its toll on a person the first couple of days.

[@NadineWalks]

I'm glad the fellow introverts can understand :)

[@FrScottHikes]

@@NadineWalks 👍👍 PS I just purchased my ticket from Alaska to Lisbon for next year, April 27., 2023. 32,000 Alaska air Miles plus $250.

[@kmd2210]

I really appreciate your thoughts about culture shock. I haven't done a Camino yet but I have been fortunate to travel. I've learned to expect that the first few days will be confusing & exhausting. I was in French-speaking Switzerland on a business trip & for 2 days I couldn't figure out why all the bathrooms were locked. I was desperate! A woman saw my distress & came over to help me. I was pulling on the door rather than pushing! So even the simplest things can be different & take time to figure out. Now I tell people that among the basic phrases you need to know to travel in a non-English speaking country you need to know "push" and "pull". You also need to know the emergency phone number because it's most likely not 911. But that's a different story.

[@rickbruno3975]

Excellent video!! I am going on my first Camino next month (August 2020). Thank you for these videos!!

[@MTCHP]

That first day is so difficult mostly because we a fill with much anticipation and adrenaline. We sometimes walk too fast , have packed too much, are not physically prepared and/or mentally drained from the travel to get there. We try to have all the Camino experience all in one day. Once you wear out or wear down, you settle into the rhythm of the Way. My second Camino was a much better start. The rhythm is the key.

[@NadineWalks]

I STILL find myself trying to have all the Camino experience in one day, even as I return time and time again. But it's true, once you're able to settle in you can find a rhythm, and that really helps in so many ways!

[@itrasgu611]

Thank you for the super duper valuable info; I will take all your great advice to my camino ❤️ I wish I could tell all youtubers to ignore obtuse comments in the feed because after you take out all the disclaimers about how everyone is different and how this is a personal opinion from your script, finally we get the golden drops of information. Don't listen to them, we know you are you and you have great perspectives! People who critique can go and whistle ;)

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you for this comment and words; I always want to acknowledge that everyone's Camino is different (but I probably say this in every video!). Still, I know that there are some who feel very strongly that a certain way is the right way... and sometimes it's a very good way, but there are so many DIFFERENT ways...

[@smegheadish]

Reminds me of my Camino Portuguese... and trying to get in the routine of washing clothes as soon as you get settled.. when all you want to do is kick back and relax:)

[@NadineWalks]

And there are some pilgrims who kick back and relax as soon as they arrive at their destination, saving the chores for later. I could never do it that way, because for me one of the best moments is AFTER the chores are done, and I can fully relax into the rest of the afternoon/evening. But it did take several days to settle into that routine!

[@douglasoster7102]

Hi, Nadine. I read about an Australian woman on the Camino Frances who walked a few hundred yards, got disgusted and turned back. She said she had a wonderful holiday in Spain, however, so I suppose that is one way to deal with a Camino. I didn't train for my first camino, so much as I experienced my pack, clothing and boots so I could make good choices on what to bring. It was exciting to see other pilgrims for the first time on the train to St Jean Pied de Port. I don't mind talking to pilgrims on the way, but I prefer to be in the quiet and solitude of a hotel room at the end of the day. Thanks for your insights on feeling drained at times and how you managed it. Not many talk about that.

[@NadineWalks]

What a story about that Australian pilgrim... I just can't imagine turning around after not even walking a full day! But, then again, this kind of thing isn't for everyone (and I suppose that there's still a lot to be learned from that experience- realizing that something isn't for you).

[@douglasoster7102]

@@NadineWalks I'm sure your response is the best one, although the story is very puzzling the more I think about it.

[@sarahcrump8]

Thanks Nadine! This is great to know since I will be starting my first camino in about 2 weeks. I'm excited and a little nervous!

[@NadineWalks]

Ah, so exciting to be about to embark on your first Camino! It will be such a great experience, Buen Camino!!

[@stephkachel9191]

Planning to do this in 2023 as a 63yo with my 28yo daughter and possibly my 60yo husband if he is game.

[@NadineWalks]

This sounds like a wonderful trip, and I love that you're going with your daughter! It will be such a special experience :)

[@itriedtotellyou9740]

HUGE piece of necessary equipment: sock liners....and good hiking boots.

[@NadineWalks]

You know, I've never used sock liners! I bought a couple of pairs to train in before my first Camino, but I didn't really like how they felt on my feet and I've always just gone with one pair of (wool) socks, and it's been mostly fine. But I know that many others swear by their sock liners! Every foot is different...

[@Blue_Sarong]

@@NadineWalks Speaking of training, how did you train for the walk. This is what’s so worrisome to me. I restarted my 30mins daily walks around the neighborhood and plan to eventually do hours of hikes with a backpack to prepare. However, I’m sensing that I should incorporate strength and endurance training as well. I’m wondering how you prepared. Love your videos, btw. So helpful!

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

You’re a wealth of information. Thank you so much for sharing your experience to help us newbie peregrino. Will definitely think about this video when on the Frances in a few weeks. Thanks Nadine!!! 👍❤️

[@NadineWalks]

You're welcome, I'm so glad these videos are helpful! Enjoy the final weeks of preparation and anticipation, and Buen Camino!!

[@anilorac89airam]

Hi! So this is a silly question. When you go from Saint-Jean-Pierre to Spain do you have to go through custom or something like that? Also, where do you get the camino passport?

[@peterfontaine4627]

Such an insightful episode! How was your appetite at the start? Are you really hungry from walking or is your stomach really nervous and you don't feel like eating that much? During those first couple days, is there a "bubble" of people heading out and then it thins out or does it just vary depending on your particular speed and plans?

[@NadineWalks]

Great question about the appetite, that could have been a good tidbit to add to this video! For me, my Camino hunger never kicks in until I've walked for several days (sometimes up to a week!). I think it's a combination of nerves AND my body getting adjusted to the different lifestyle. And I think that, generally, the initial bubble spreads out, especially on the Frances. The first several days through Pamplona can be tight, but then there are a lot more options on ways to split stages and people start to thin out.

[@encouragesolutions2595]

Nice video with nice tone. I'm going on my first Camino in June and of course, have watched every YT video available. The one thing that stands out for me is day 1 or day 2, you ascend 4000ft in a pretty short distance which for those who are old, carrying injuries or have just under trained, this could be a huge physical and psychological challenge, even before you are properly warmed up. This tells me that extra tough endurance training is necessary to prevent falling at the first hurdle. Being overweight, I know that inclines are torture. I ascended from 8562ft to 11290 ft (+2728ft) at start of Everest Base Camp Trek and it nearly killed me. Exhaustion beyond belief ! Can we really expect day 1 and day 2 to be hell?

[@esa3456]

Very helpful information! How much training did you do before your first Camino?

[@daniellehilson5128]

I'm going to do the Camino Portuges next Sept. Any idea of temperature at the time?

[@stephkachel9191]

Did you take days off of the Camino at all? I found when I cycled thru Spain, Portugal and France in 1991, we needed days off from the grind. Does this happen when walking?

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, it definitely happens when walking too, and many people like to schedule in extra time on their walk for rest days. Personally, I don't love taking an entire rest day (at least right now, I've been lucky to feel mostly strong and healthy as I walk)- but some of this is because I just miss the rhythm of the walking and I feel restless with an entire day at my disposal (even in big cities with a lot to see! It's hard for me to transition out of pilgrim-mode and into tourist-mode when I'm on the Camino). But my solution is to sometimes do a few shorter stages, so that I'm still walking but have a lot of extra time in the day to rest.

[@rickhough3573]

What kind of electronic converters do I need?

[@JR-yo1fu]

Suggestion for new content: what is the most beautiful romanesque building on the Camino?

[@amyhackman2967]

when flying from the US where do you fly into for doing the Francis starting in SJSP and how many days extra to acclimate before you start walking?

[@NadineWalks]

You'll see various responses to this question if you poll multiple pilgrims; personally, I like flying into Paris and taking a train down to St Jean Pied de Port. And how much acclimation time depends on the person! I like to start walking right away, because I find it's the best thing to fight my jet leg (but it usually takes at least a day to get down to the south of France). But I think many people might want to take an extra day in the village- or elsewhere in Europe- to acclimate if they're coming from the US.

[@robertolejar3356]

Hey Nadine, glad to hear about all your summer plans. I'm off on Norte tomorrow morning. Living in Spain s now it is easy to do multiple caminos. Email me if you are looking for an sponsorship.

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Robert, I'll make sure to send you an email, but for now- I hope you're having an amazing time on the Norte! It's one of my favorite routes (the first week isn't easy, but so very beautiful!)

[@bronwenhook6088]

But surely that's why we go? If it was all the same as home, all immediately comfortable, why would we bother?

[@sueselmic997]

How do you manage jet lag and walking, I will be coming from Montreal Canada. I will walk from Portugal.

[@NadineWalks]

Walking really helps my jetlag! I tend to jump right into the Camino- I always make sure to push through the first day without taking a nap, and then get to my starting point and begin the walking as soon as I can. I don't find the jetlag very difficult when I arrive in Europe (coming back to the states is much harder for me!)

[@churra8257]

What did you do to train?

[@NadineWalks]

Lots and lots of hiking and walking! I have a state park close to where I live with trails through the woods and some decent hills, and I hiked those trails a lot- probably 3-4 times a week for a couple of months (and then did neighborhood walks most other days).

[@joniirvin1469]

@@NadineWalks I’m curious how far you walked or hiked during training. I’m just beginning my planning. Love your videos. I just found them!!!

[@a.b.7569.]

@@joniirvin1469 I am preparing as well,long distance walking is not a problem for me,I do a lot of walks and I am a runner as well. My biggest concern when it comes to Camino are my feet and shoes (I’ve always had issues with footwear) so I decided to try first 5 then 10 km in the shoes and socks I am planning to wear,which was helpful,cause they were not working,so I had to buy a different pair. Also I will keep doing these walks in these shoes plus the backpack until I can do 20 km with no discomfort