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Recent content by Madamjoy

  1. M

    A Quiet Camino Route?

    I walked half of the Via de la Plata last April starting in Sevilla. Very few people compared to Frances, Portuguese, Norte etc. I would see same half dozen people on the trail most days. I mostly walked alone and did meet someone that I walked with for a week or so. He wasn’t a big talker so it...
  2. M

    Bank verification with Spanish SIM

    My bank requires the 2 step Authenticator when I’m outside Canada but only for making online purchases. Last month in Mexico for instance I needed to purchase airline tickets for onward travel). Northern Light’s suggestion to switch sims for the one transaction works. Also, last year for VdlP I...
  3. M

    Finding Accommodation Along the Camino: A Top Tip

    I’m pretty fit and strong, yet walking this Spring on the via de la plata I had an injury and needed time off. It happens to the best of us.
  4. M

    Do I need to learn some Spanish before my camino? Yeah, you probably should...

    It always puzzles me why pilgrims (and tourists) expect menus to be in languages other than the native (spoken) language. Where I live (an English speaking city with tourists from all over the world) menus are in English. I know that a fair amount of travellers speak some English (given the...
  5. M

    Excessive planning, research and expectations being set

    Like Rebekah said.. Amen brother!! I too found Cruz de Ferro to be anti climatic. Then some days later I came across a small stone shaped like a heart. I still have it. And I’m keeping it.
  6. M

    Bed bugs in El Acebo!

    I'm so sorry you are experiencing this and hope by now that you are finding some relief. Don't hesitate to go to a hospital or medical centre if you think the bites are not under control. Your personal health comes first. Please let us know how you are doing. Best wishes
  7. M

    Research on Pain Coping Strategies on the Camino

    Agree very much This young man is asking PILGRIMS to fill in a survey. I'm appalled by some responses. It sounds very much "let me tell you what I know." May his thesis committee treat him more kindly. You know, welcome him by saying "interesting topic, what got you interested in this, why...
  8. M

    Martigny to Orsieres

    Too bad about the weather.. however sounds like you were able to make the most of the situation. Hats off to you !! May you have more wonderful days on the Via.
  9. M

    2023: hospitalero shortage

    FYI.. If you pursue the training programs ask about staying with a local attendee. When I took the program several locals took in out of towners (room and basic meals provided) in true Camino fashion. So those costs may not lbe a barrier.
  10. M

    2023: hospitalero shortage

    Canadian company of Pilgriks uas Google Canadianhospitaleros@blogspot.com. If you go to the CCOP website after a bit of scrolling through all their links you will see a link Canadian Hospitaleros. It has contact info for Mary Virtue (Praisenr of CCOP I think) and Tom Friesen one of the...
  11. M

    Plans Cancelled!!!

    Since you’ve hiked lots of famous hikes, why don’t you consider the El Norte or Via de la Plata? They each end in Santiago. You should be able for it. I’ve just finished 3 weeks on the Via.. lots of fab food along the way and no bed bugs Or you can read other stories and allow them to provide...
  12. M

    Knee pain...help!

    Would you consider an ultra sound to see if there is any damage to soft tissue or tendons? You have two weeks to get a diagnosis. I say this as a fellow ‘knee sufferer’. I tried chiro and physio for knee pain and if was only after ultrasound that the underlying issue was diagnosed (I had a tear...
  13. M

    Lots of Canadians on this forum?!

    Hi from a fellow Vancouverite. I’m currently on the Via de la Plata taking a siesta in Salamanca. Will finish on Tuesday and plan to walk the remainder in the future. I’m the only Canadian so far…at least in my small cohort of roughly 10 people walking the same stages. Most are French or Dutch...
  14. M

    Temperatures (or water supply) on VdlP may cause albergue to close

    I agree it may be because of water situation. My Spanish is ‘so-so’ but the hospitalero spoke pretty good English.
  15. M

    Anyone know how to get into a doctors office for a visit?

    I’m on Via de la Plata in Aldeanueva. I need to see a doctor .. it’s not a medical emergency but a precious issue that needs attention. I went to the Centro de Salud and was told they cannot see me without a European ID card as the service is ‘public’.The nearest private doctor is in Palencia...
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