tips for newbies -- maps, transport, where to start

[Miradeara]

Hello,

have come across some useful tips while planning my camino (most on this forum) and thought would be good idea to consolidate in one place and share.

--download this free pdf guide!!! (also includes accommodation list)
http://tourism.euskadi.net/x65-19143/en/
other useful guides:
http://mundicamino.com/ingles/centro.cfm
http://www.csj.org.uk/
http://www.caminodesantiago.me.uk/


--transport to and from Irun/Bilbao/Santiago
this site has great links on various options (tho a bit old) big tip -- be sure to check out buses. Often faster than train.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Travel-Spain ... g-Irun.htm

best thread on equipment (a must read)
equipment-questions/topic8023.html

--discussion about maps & where to start:
el-camino-del-norte/topic14273.html#p97731
and el-camino-del-norte/topic13746.html
more on maps:
gps-and-the-camino-de-santiago/topic12695.html

--great slideshow of the various steps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZYpZSk ... ure=relmfu

--great blog: (thanks Evan!!!)
http://camino.wificat.com/

how to pack a backpack:
http://www.thebackpacker.com/articles/t ... /art33.php

Will update if/when I get more.

best
Mira

 

[Miradeara]

forgot to say -- please feel free to add to this thread.

also forgot to include this great thread on blisters;
frequently-asked-questions/topic10321.html

best
Mira

 

[murrayt]

Can someone tell me what "pilgrims menu/menu del dia" is. Is this a meal that is served at the albergue?

 

[vagabondette]

Can someone tell me what "pilgrims menu/menu del dia" is. Is this a meal that is served at the albergue?

From what I've read, most albergues don't serve dinner. In my experience, a menu del dia is a fixed price set menu that will usually include soup, entree, (maybe) desert and drink. Generally it's at a cheaper price than ordering those things a la carte. They can be good deals if you're going to eat everything. If you're not, you can frequently order cheaper by going a la carte. I believe the pilgrim menu is the same but it is a discount only pilgrims get.

 

[angulero]

El menú del día suele constar de dos y hasta tres platos además del postre, la bebida y dependiendo del restaurante, el café. Lo ofrecen casi todos los restaurantes y es más barato que comer a la carta. Los menús van cambiando de un día para otro ya que es lo que suele comer los trabajadores que no pueden ir a sus casas a comer y de está manera no comen lo mismo todos los días. En estos momento suele estar por unos ocho euros, dependiendo de las zonas y del lujo del restaurante. Los domingos y días de fiesta suelen ser mejores y también más caros. Aquí tienes unos ejemplos de menús en Asturias.

http://www.asturiasparadisfrutar.es/201 ... l-dia.html

De cada apartado del menú eliges un plato, o sea, eliges un primer plato, un segundo plato....

El menú del peregrino es lo mismo que el menú del día, pero para peregrinos. Lo normal es que sea algo más barato.

The daily menu usually consists of two or three dishes in addition to the dessert, drink and depending on the restaurant, coffee. We offer almost all restaurants and is cheaper than eating a la carte. The menus are changing from one day to another and that is what I usually eat the workers who can not go home to eat and not eat is the same way every day. At this time is usually about eight euros, depending on the area and luxury of the restaurant. On Sundays and holidays are usually better and more expensive. Here are some sample menus in Asturias.

http://www.asturiasparadisfrutar.es/201 ... l-dia.html

Each section of the menu you choose a dish, or choose a starter, main course ....

The pilgrim's menu is the same as the day's menu, but for pilgrims. Normally it is somewhat cheaper.

 

[BlackDog]

As an added useful site try http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/ and for a list of Albergues and what they charge & offer try the forum post here http://www.caminodesantiago.me/board/el-camino-frances/topic14338.html

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

The "menu-del-dia" simply means "menu of the day". Many cafes and restaurants provide one. It dates back to when they were obliged by law to provide a reasonably priced, full meal for workers. Because of that, some do not provide a menu-del-dia at week-ends [when most workers would have been at home].
I ALWAYS have a menu-del-dia because they're such good value and include wine [often a full bottle!]

Buen camino!

Stephen
http://www.calig.co.uk/camino_de_santiago.htm

 

[sillydoll]

I have come across some useful tips while planning my camino (most on this forum) and thought would be good idea to consolidate in one place and share.

Forgive me for the following punt.
You can either copy those links and read them whilst on the Internet, or you can read them all in one place - in YOUR CAMINO on foot, bicycle and horseback in France and Spain.

Over 300 pages with 18 chapters and 9 appendices covering everything from walking with a dog or a donkey, to 'going' in the woods; cycling, horseback riding, walking with children, disabled pilgrims, technology and communication, transport and transfers, food, packing, relics, etc etc etc. A complete, comprehensive planning guide for any route in France and Spain (and a few paragraphs for Camino routes starting in other countries).

This is not a book you will take on the Camino. This is the kind of book you will scribble in, underline sections, dog-ear pages, paste sticky tabs into and generally abuse it in order to use it!

http://www.yourcamino.weebly.com

 

[Miradeara]

Thanks for tip, but sadly wont get the book in time. Suggest you come up with an electronic version so people like me who plan on bringing smartphones or iPads can take on trail with them, acess more easily and not have added weight. Would also be easier and cheaper to update... Maybe combine with the new app.

 

[Thornley]

Hi Miradeara ,
A lasting impressions of our camino in 07 was seeing a group of young pilgrims who had started on the Le Puy route [ 900km] leaving their guide books in the albergue at Zubiri.

We will just take our time and forget what others have said/wrote/ described.
We will just do it our way.
They had a camera and they strolled the next 800km. [ Muxia]
They visited tourist offices for distances to the next days accommodation and had a ball.

They were beautiful young adults who learnt much.

 

[sillydoll]

YOUR CAMINO is available on Kindle as an ebook.

It is not the kind of book you'll need to take with you on the Camino. Its a pre-pilgrimage planning guide with answers to everything you'll need to know before you go - and even answers a few questions you didn't think to ask!

 

[jennysa]

I have come across some useful tips while planning my camino (most on this forum) and thought would be good idea to consolidate in one place and share.

Forgive me for the following punt.
You can either copy those links and read them whilst on the Internet, or you can read them all in one place - in YOUR CAMINO on foot, bicycle and horseback in France and Spain.

Over 300 pages with 18 chapters and 9 appendices covering everything from walking with a dog or a donkey, to 'going' in the woods; cycling, horseback riding, walking with children, disabled pilgrims, technology and communication, transport and transfers, food, packing, relics, etc etc etc. A complete, comprehensive planning guide for any route in France and Spain (and a few paragraphs for Camino routes starting in other countries).

This is not a book you will take on the Camino. This is the kind of book you will scribble in, underline sections, dog-ear pages, paste sticky tabs into and generally abuse it in order to use it!

http://www.yourcamino.weebly.com

I also have to give this book a punt. It is a real gem, and has everything you could possibly want to know about the Camino. It is also not only for first-timers. I continually dip into my copy.

 

[aidasarkissian]

Hi
im interested in doing the walk , but I'm not sure where to start .. France ? and which city shall i make my destination by plane so it will be easier to start .i know usualy they start at St. Jean in france but we have to go to paris and then take the train to St. jean .. these are some of my questions ?

 

[MikeJS]

Fly to Biarritz then go to Irun - either bus or walk.

 

[george.g]

Re where to start.
I flew to Bilbao, bus to from airport to termibus station then bus from termibus station to Irun.
Fare from airport to termibus 1.35E about 20 mins . From Bilbao to Irun 7.50E about 3 hours plus if needed the youth hostel is near the termibus station.
Regards
George.g