10. Food : Gastronomically speaking Spain is not known for their cuisine. It can be down right hard to find vegetables or a dish that has lots of flavor. If you like a bland diet of meat,cheese,and bread the food thing will not bother you.
09. Bikers : First, let me say that I am a person who bikes close to 5000 miles a year. What I found troubling was that the etiquette in Spain seems to be; pass a pilgrim as fast as you can unannounced. It's dangerous and stupid. When talking to the bikers I found them very pleasant and good people. I would guess that there have been some unnecessary accidents between walkers and bikers over the years.
08. Laundry : Look, I don't ever like doing laundry. On the Camino it is an almost daly thing. It is usually done by hand and the drying (if you can find a space)is dependent on the weather. Putting wet clothes on in the morning or on your pack is not great way to start the day.
07. Camino Night Club : Yes, boys will be boys and girls will be girls. I was somewhat taken back when I realized there were a lot Pilgrims out here cruising for love. Short term and longterm. Kept thinking to myself, there are much easier ways of finding a mate than slugging 500 miles. I will say that its does dissipate the more you walk.
06. Church Fees : This might be controversial, but I just do not think a house of god should have an admission fee. A donation box IMHO is appropriate.
05. Cold or ill Working Showers : Yikes, is a word you will use from time to time when trying to take a shower. Not all showers are created equal thats for sure. Lets just leave it at that.
04. Cutters : Imagine walking 25K through the rain and cold only to find out that the Albergue is full (completo) with pilgrims who took the bus, train,or taxi. It happens all to often. One pet peeve of mine is the taxi guys who love to staple their advertisement on a tree just as you reach a hill saying they can get you to this town in minutes. Sometimes they just sit and wait for the tiring pilgrim in spots that even tempted me. Alas, I never obliged !
03. Cars : Wow, thought the bikers were bad ? They got nothing on the cars. It's almost funny if it was not so dangerous. Seems like the locals feel it is an obligation to push the pedal to the floor and skirt pilgrims. It is hard not to think it's intentional when there is plenty of room for the vehicle with no oncoming traffic. Sometimes Pilgrims are forced to walk on the road. Nothing worse than the sound of a maxed out engine on your backside only to look behind you and see someones grandmother hugging your shoulder. I seen someone hit ! I seen Pilgrims walk with staffs horizontal to force cars over or be scratched. There have been numerous road kills. PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
02. Racers : You know who you are. The one who wakes up @ 4AM turns on the lights or their light and makes more noise than a dancing bear in a honey shop. All in the quest to get a jump start on me to the next Albergue. It usually starts out in the beginning at 7AM then deteriates to 6AM then 5AM and towards the end of your Camino expect 4AM ! They get to their stop usually before noon and put their pack outside the door to the Albergue to reserve a spot in line. It just takes a lot of the fun away if you fill it is a "race". There is no stopping and smelling the roses for these types. I trust I will always find a spot to rest. Sometimes you have to dig deeper and go longer but I never want to be the Pilgrim I wish a Buen Camino to as I pass them at 11AM sitting and waiting for their Albergue to open at 3PM.
01. Sleeping : It takes time to adapt to the conditions you will be sleeping in. Some never do. To get a great nights sleep on the Camino is a luxury that is seldom attained. There are just so many factors involved that will prevent you from getting that 8 hours of REM you need. One thing in your favor is that you are usually exhausted and undernourished which will help you. On the other hand, you have a not so comfy strange bed while sleeping next to a symphony of snorers whose bladders must be the size of a pea. Just when you think you've heard the mother of all snorers someone will best that beast by infinite decibels. Every once in awhile, you will get a good sleep and as you go longer you do adapt. I personally could not imagine doing the Camino with out this. It is a part of your journey and not to be missed. I'm ok with an occasional hotel room but they are no bargain.
Funny story here. It was a cold wet day when I got to this town in the late afternoon. The Albergues had slim pickings so I decided the heck with this. So for the first time I decide to get a private room and sleep like it's Sunday morning. Damn if the person above my room was by far the loudest snorer I have ever heard. He or she shook the walls. I laid in bed that night laughing thinking there is a lesson in here somewhere.
In conclusion, these really are just small things that can be overcome. The Camino is worth every ounce of energy I used to walk it. This is not intended to offend anyone and I plan on doing a follow up of my 10 Best.