Kbierstube
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Aug 29 (2017)
What, if any, Camino surprises have you experienced that you could have prepared for?
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I don't like to prepare for surprises, because, well, I like being surprised!!What, if any, Camino surprises have you experienced that you could have prepared for?
In the Basque country of Navarra greeting the locals in Spanish didn't get the expected result. I should have learned some phrases in Euskara.What, if any, Camino surprises have you experienced that you could have prepared for?
Thanks. That's good to know!This was a nasty surprise: getting a bill from the health clincs. I knew hospitalization would cost but I though walk-in clinics were free. They are not. That isn't the nasty part, the bills were reasonable, but being able to pay them was nasty. Fairly easy to pay if you live in the EU but US banking regulations and bank costs make it difficult and expensive. They don't accept credit cards. To avoid this problem be sure to pay them in cash before leaving the clinic. You probably won't need more than 100 or 150 euros.
Fresh churros!! Where was that? Will have to make sure to stop.I stopped at a small, trailside bar for yet another cafe con leche and the use of their servicios. As I was preparing to leave the owner rushed out explaining something in Spanish that I didn't quite get. Turns out she wanted us to wait until the fresh, warm, churros were finished cooking so she could give us all some. That was a surprise.
In the Basque country of Navarra greeting the locals in Spanish didn't get the expected result. I should have learned some phrases in Euskara.
Beautiful shot! What's the yellow?
Sure. Carry a thousand euros with you and use the credit card when you can. Practice at home. Carry a thousand in cash with you for a month and only use an American Express credit card.I have rarely used an ATM. Don't they charge you for each withdrawal? Can you just carry a wad of euros for the whole time and use a Visa card when possible?
There is a charge. However, I have two accounts that refund the ATM fee. Check with your bank.I have rarely used an ATM. Don't they charge you for each withdrawal?
Also check that the ATM card uses a 4 digit pin, not a 6 digit pin.Check with your bank.
So true, for me, too, and almost everyone on this forum!And how the 'camino feeling' can pop up from time to time, no matter where I go.
I was only going to walk once.
How quickly that idea fell away once I had walked once.
I couldn't reach this link My bank said its a Ten dollar fee every time I use my card in an ATM. That's kind of expensive. Whenever I travel in Europe I Always carry cash. Maybe I am too trusting.Sure. Carry a thousand euros with you and use the credit card when you can. Practice at home. Carry a thousand in cash with you for a month and only use an American Express credit card.
Edit: Sorry. Let me be more helpful. The camino runs mostly on cash. Most establishments will not accept credit cards. For more help on ATMs use this link to a search I've done on this forum: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search/5884884/?q=ATM&o=date&c[node]=12
Sounds like you need a new bank!I couldn't reach this link My bank said its a Ten dollar fee every time I use my card in an ATM. That's kind of expensive. Whenever I travel in Europe I Always carry cash. Maybe I am too trusting.
It is rapeseed and I think it is used for fuel.Beautiful shot! What's the yellow?
I was told it was rapeseed/canola, used for making canola oil. Hmmm.It is rapeseed and I think it is used for fuel.
I was told it was rapeseed/canola, used for making canola oil. Hmmm.
is it oil seed rape?
It is rapeseed and I think it is used for fuel.
I was told it was rapeseed/canola, used for making canola oil. Hmmm.
Well they've been pretty good to us the last 40 years. We are in a small town in North east Washington. But I will certainly look into another option for the Camino. We do have a Charles Schwab account too. That's a good idea.
I live at approximately the same latitude as Miami, Florida. The Camino is much closer to the latitude of Boston, Massachusetts. (We call places like that "snowdigger country.") We didn't realize that, and in 2014 we were prepared for the kinds of "spring" weather we get in southern Texas. So my takeaway lesson is, be aware of the latitude and the usual seasonality in comparison to where you normally live. (Thank God for Caminoteca in Pamplona, where I got a warm and much loved pink fleece pullover. It was much needed, too.)What, if any, Camino surprises have you experienced that you could have prepared for?
Oh, yes.How challenging (but wonderful) it can be to walk day after day;
How it is very much a meditative practice, what has come from that, and how deep it goes;
How much resonance there is with this particular pilgrimage, and with its history.
And how the 'camino feeling' can pop up from time to time, no matter where I go.
I was only going to walk once.
How quickly that idea fell away once I had walked once.
I like your attitude. A little serendipity is good for the soul! Here is something I am wondering- with all the recent rain and warm weather, it is hard to imagine the route napoleon not being open on April 6 (my start day). But, this is my first time.... Sooo looking forward to my journeyI don't like to prepare for surprises, because, well, I like being surprised!!
It is rapeseed and I think it is used for fuel.
I couldn't reach this link My bank said its a Ten dollar fee every time I use my card in an ATM. That's kind of expensive. Whenever I travel in Europe I Always carry cash. Maybe I am too trusting.