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Recent content by John Sikora

  1. John Sikora

    Bar etiquette

    I always do it. Seems like just a nice thing to do. Most of the bars that I went into didn't have a lot of help and I don't mind doing a little bit to help keep them in business. You certainly don't get rich running a bar in the small towns that we walk through. I especially return the dishes if...
  2. John Sikora

    Cafe con leche different this year?

    Another vote for "they just like it stronger in the south". I also found that to be true when I walked the VDLP. Luckily, I like my coffee very strong so I was a happy walker.
  3. John Sikora

    Cafe con leche different this year?

    Another vote for "they just like it stronger in the south". I also found that to be true when I walked the VDLP. Luckily, I like my coffee very strong so I was a happy walker.
  4. John Sikora

    Can I pack my small multi tool in carry on luggage (backpack)?

    Just a side comment. I've always packed my Swiss Army Knife in my checked luggage after having some problems in Australia, so that would be my vote. But my comment is that I've had more problems (almost every time that I take the fast trains where they check your luggage through a scanner) with...
  5. John Sikora

    Pilgrimage or vacation?

    Oneof the definitions of a pilgrimage is a "journey to a sacred place". That could also be a vacation. They are not necessarily different and for some inseperable.
  6. John Sikora

    What inspires you for the physical aspect of the Way?

    I am inspired to walk another Camino because simply walkng the Camino provides me with, perhaps, one of the best experiences of a lifetime (and I've had many to contemplate). The friendship from strangers (many who have become friends), great food, great sights, and the ability to forget about...
  7. John Sikora

    Did it make a difference

    First of all, I am an agnostic and a true cynic. That said, the Camino did make a fundamental change in both my life and the way that I look at things. I've lost about 40 pounds by walking Caminos. I've also taken a much better attitude towards adversity (basically to take it as it comes and...
  8. John Sikora

    Cancelling Camino - Soliciting Advice

    Not sure I would cancel. First of all, the 1200 ft in elevation change is worth some k. If the change in altitude as a percent of walk is high that probably did you in. The CP along the coast doesn't have anything near a 1200 ft up, so I wouldn't worry about that. The simplest solution would...
  9. John Sikora

    Water, water...

    I'm like the others. Unfortunately, I sweat quite a bit and am diabetic so I don't want to get dehydrated. I carry two liters of water (one with just water and the other with an eletrolyte solution). it's 4 lbs but worth it. That said, I've never run out. Come close on the southern VDLP but on...
  10. John Sikora

    Ferrol train station - arriving at midnight

    I've arrived at the station a couple of times during the mid-afternoon and there were only a couple of taxis waiting. Had to go next door to the bar to have them call, which they were nice enough to do. Bus station was worse, no taxis waiting there multiple times. But, as others have said, I...
  11. John Sikora

    Language for camino portuguese?

    Brings to mind a story. Was walking the Portuguese and stopped to have dinner with some pilgrims I had met along the way. They didn't speak any Portuguese. I tried to learn a little before I left so I tried it out on the server. She didn't say anything, but the order was correct so I was feeling...
  12. John Sikora

    What's a Slow Walker?

    I think there are at least three dimensions to the "slow walker". 1) You tend to walk about 4K an hour or so 2) You tend to not walk more than about 20K a day 3) You tend to limit the total elevations for the day to 600M or so (this one is the toughtest) :) You can chose whether you want to be...
  13. John Sikora

    Accommodation options on the Camino Portuguese: To book or not to book?

    Others have spoken about the weather and the general crowds, but I'd like to add a different view point. Throwing aside the what's a true pilgrim discussion as irrelevant, I'd recommend that you first consider your style of walking and going through the day. I'm the type of person who likes to...
  14. John Sikora

    A little rant about entitlement

    One tolerant part of my mind tends to blame the entitlement on the way that the Camino is now portrayed. The adverts tend to say that it is easy (which it isn't), convienent (which it isn't), comfortable (which it can be but some days are just awful), and predictable (which it certainly isn't)...
  15. John Sikora

    Ferrol - Worth a Look?

    If you like beaches and an urban vibe, then A Coruna is better. I liked Ferrol (been their twice now). The naval museum is very interesting. The Parador is a very nice place to stay and central to everything (if you want a treat). Try to get one of the rooms that has a mini balcony with sitting...
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