[Gocamino] New to the list

[Jethess777 at aol.com]

Howard, I totally agree!   

     During my camino trip, I found no problems with being an American.   
While I did not advertise it loudly, most would figure that out, as my Spanish 
has a decidedly American accent.   They asked questions, certainly, and seemed 
very curious about what my opinions were.   I considered that I was in the 
position of being an ambassador for my country and was very respectful.   I never 
felt that I ...or my country ... was 'on trial.'   They seemed only to want an 
honest sharing of ideas and the topics were very diverse from health care 
approaches, to treatment of disaffected youth, to the recent sex scandals in the 
Catholic Church to why I was on the camino to begin with, etc., etc.

     I've traveled extensively in France as an independent traveler at least 
eight times and never had to pretend to be other than an American.   Despite 
all the bad press about the French not liking us, I can honestly say that most 
of the French we met could not have been more charming!   If they didn't like 
our government, they were quick to say that they didn't like theirs either.   
We actually heard this comment!   So it goes to prove that they are bright 
enough not to lump us together and think of us as 'Ugly Americans' or have any 
negative opinion of us as individuals when it isn't warranted.   I consider a 
good many Europeans that we have met as our friends and enjoy repeat visits.   

     I will agree with other comments that if one is attempt to do a camino, 
one should do quite a bit of preparation for it.   This includes physical 
training and building stamina, experimenting with equipment and deciding what 
works best for you and also to learn the language.   I know that there are those 
who have done the camino without speaking a word of Spanish and certainly it 
can be done, especially on the French route during "high season" when there are 
bound to be other English speakers, BUT, my feeling is that this is rude.   
Any effort at speaking the language is a plus, especially as an independent 
traveler.   It really puts others out to see to your needs when you can't come at 
least halfway.   Another thing is to be respectful of the land.   It was 
offensive to see litter left by pilgrims when there are ample large green trash 
bins along the route.   The lids can easily be lifted with the end of your 
walking stick if you don't want to handle the lid.   Part of spirituality should 
include a desire to return the earth as close to how God made it and preserve it 
that way!   

Amen
Joanie