Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[Javier Martin]

Eva, is very strange what you are telling us. I've walked many, many Caminos, os summer, on winter, alone or in groups, and I've never had any problem.

Of course you have to be carefull with your things, your clothes, your backpack.

I know a lot, a lot of spanish pilgrims, and in spanish phorums nobody talk about this kind of problems.

I hope your next Camino is a best experience.

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

[orisson]

although I have yet to do my first camino I would like to offer a somewhat tongue-in-cheek but ultimately practical response. I am male, but disabled and I hope you women out there do not mind me saying that you and I might be more kindred than me and able men?

I have been thinking about this problem quite a lot whilst out walking my dog, who in time offered an idea. I thought about making the sign of the cross with walking poles? Nice idea, but somewhat naive. Other crazy idea's came to mind until 'woof', I had a brainwave:

Now I know that weight is the enemy, but when it comes to a security system this one doesn't weigh too much; get yourself a chunky leather metal studded dog lead and hang it round your neck. If the worst case scenario presents itself, take the lead in hand, give a little whistle and shout 'TYSON' at the top of your voice! I'm sure 'Tyson' comes under 'universal language'? Your potential attacker won't be able to avoid creating an image of a massive Rottweiler padding round the corner at any moment, salivating from giant jaws. If he doesn't fall for it, hit him with the lead!

On a more serious note, what would the sea be without sharks? As dolphins do, we should stick together.

[notion900]

I am a woman in her thirties but I look a lot younger, and I walked alone from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago in September 2007, I met very many lovely people and was indeed not 'alone' at all.

In my experience and that of those I talked to, there is occasional opportunistic stealing of valuables (mostly cash) from hostels, while people are asleep or in the shower. Whether by pilgrims or locals I don't know or care. I kept my wallet inside my pillowcase or by my feet inside my sleeping bag at night and took it to the shower with me. You should not get paranoid about this, it's simple common sense to keep your valuables with you at all times. Don't worry about the rest of your stuff, if it doesn't look expensive, it won't 'disappear'. The less you take, the less there is to worry about.

As for personal safety, if setting out in the dark, ask someone if you can walk with them. Don't stay in a hostel if you are the only guest, unless it's a family-run place (this is unlikely to happen except in the depths of winter). Above all else, use your instincts, just as you would in your everyday life: if someone makes you feel weird or uneasy, immediately get away from them or attract the attention of others.

As you can see from the very very few postings in this topic (about 1% of that in the others about blisters, equipment etc!) the camino is very safe and NOT infested with criminals and nutters. Any endeavour that it worth doing contains a small element of risk, so I can't give you any concrete assurances, but the vast majority of people will help you as much as they can. Have a wonderful time!!!

[Javier Martin]

I've never had any problem about that. In a few Caminos.

But your wallet can dissapear in, or outside the Camino. The rule is simple, not to leave on everyone's sight your valuables.

But it's possible that any "pilgrim" is ready to take something from others.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain

[Martin0642]

Sorry to hear about your experiences eva but I have to say I think you are overdoing the drugging thing. Actual instances of such things are, in reality, considerably more rare than the media will lead us to believe - even in large cities, never mind on the camino.

It is always wise to be vigilant and if in a group then it is good practice to watch out for each other; but I wouldnt let such concerns spoil a trip. Remember for the great majority of people in spain pilgrims are just that...pilgrims. In a fiercely catholic country that can have incredible significance.

There will always be opportunists and lone women can attract some strange folks...btu the camino is sufficently well populated to avoid unneccessary problems with just the usual cares you would exhibit anywhere.