First time -hello!

[Jennifer Juniper]

I am a new member and have been browsing the forums for a couple of days. I am very grateful for all the help I've found so far, and since I will be doing this alone,I know its going to be my main source for information,-and hopefully a place to meet and talk with some fellow pilgrims.I am disabled with osteoarthritis and severe fibromyalgia among some other problems, and I will be so grateful for any tips and support as I prepare myself to do this amazing walk.
I am a 56 year old life professed Anglican nun from Canada.I aim to walk inSeptember/October 2014, but on doctor's advice may have to be flexible on the date.The first thing I learned about chronic pain disabilities is:be prepared to change plans on short notice. The second was to never let this disability be the most important thing about myself.But, obviously I have to listen to the pain to keep from setting myself back.
To me, the Camino is walking. My doctor would prefer I biked,but I haven't ridden for years and I worry about falling and pushing it through the really rocky stretches that I've noticed in youtube vids. Id be grateful for any advice pro and con. Is French spoken on the Camino?I plan to take some Spanish, but I'm stronger in either French or English.I am really looking forward to meeting you in the forum, and maybe even along the Way.
Please excuse the glitches .My tablet has a gremlin!














































































































































I've been reading about.I am accustomed to solitude, but I look forward to meeting and spending time walking with other pilgrims,too.I don't speak Spanish (yet),but I ve always found French helped a lotij my travels to Africa and Asia

 

[nellpilgrim]

Hello and welcome sister pilgrim!
I found that practically as far a Leon French was actually the most common '2nd language' spoken by locals on the Camino Frances and there are always a good number of French pilgrims en route. By the time you have walked/cycled to Leon you will have picked up some/improved your spanish anyway so don't worry about general communication. Amongst pilgrims 'Caminoglais' (a polyglot mix including body language!) serves well for the even the most complex subject matter :lol:
But perhaps, in view of your condition, it might be prudent to prepare some specialist spanish phrases/vocabulary to cover specific medical issues just as a precaution?
Bonne route