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Hi there
When I was walking some of this route in 2015, I met a fit, seasoned Camino pilgrim who was headed for Santiago again, and who was using an Italian guidebook. He had just walked an incredibly long day because of the 'time' indications in the guide. It seemed like they were always worked...
Michael thanks for this wonderful account which I am sure many will find useful. I walked Le Puy to Santiago in 2008, and I have to say I was nodding in agreement through all of your writing. I also found the transition to Spain difficult- it really was like two quite different walks- and I...
I found there was a real 'community' amongst pilgrims on the Le Puy route. I met several people who didn't know any French, and they always got by fine, though I have one friend who did find it somewhat lonely at times. If you have a phone, and a guidebook, there is sure to be a fellow French...
I used exactly that pack on both my Caminos. It was very comfortable and I loved it. You don't have to fill it up- and in my case, because I was doing other travel as well as the Camino- it gave me room for extra stuff when I wanted to carry more.
Margaret
Thanks Grayland. I always appreciated your support. I found so many answers here myself before I walked- and was thankful to those who eased my worries and gave m advice and info before I walked. It was great to have an opportunity to 'give back' once I had walked.
Margaret
I was a Veteran Member I think, and a moderator for a while, but don't post here often now. I guess life has largely moved in other directions. In 2015 I walked ten days in Italy near Assisi, on trails of St Francis- beautiful countryside to walk in. I still find myself in Camino-land every so...
Second time around I only walked part of the Camino Frances. When I reached Santiago I stayed there four nights and did a lot of tourist things I had missed the first time, when I was busy looking always for people I had met along the way. I was pleased to discover there were all sorts of...
Last year I did a walk around the Assisi region in Umbria- (with pre-booked accommodation etc as my time was very limited). One evening I met a French pilgrim who had previously walked several different routes to Santiago so he was an experienced walker, and he was currently walking the route...
I remember staying at the newish Jesus Y Maria albergue in Pamplona in 2008- and the door was actually locked until a certain time so you couldn't leave before that. (Can't remember the time now.) I was frankly quite scared by this, as I wondered what would happen if there was an emergency...
Yes, and Janet has walked several different long routes to Santiago, and to Rome. She has a lot of experience that informs what she can share with others.
Margaret
Not everyone weighs and measures everything- I didn't. When you are on the Camino you will see people with all sorts of packs and sizes of packs, just like you will see infinite variety in types of footwear and socks.
The amount/kind of clothing you need depends on what season you walk in, and...
Wonderful post again Gerard. I knew I would be entertained yet again, but this time with the Rangiora/Christchurch connection it had even more special meaning. Glad that priest was able to take a sabbatical to have a break from all the heartache and stress down there.
By the way Gerard's an...
Hope a solution finds you soon. I have only ever flown into Madrid once- our options of airlines to get directly there seem quite limited from this end of the world. All the best!
Margaret
This is the recent case that highlighted the need to be careful about visas when going via China: two Kiwi women had a problem when they flew with China Southern, and refuelled in Urumqi (which is not on your list.) http://m.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11527827...
Just be careful with the stopovers with this airline though- and that you have the correct visa if you need it for somewhere other than Beijing or Hong Kong. There was recent publicity about two young women who were flown back to Turkey after being detained in some obscure part of China, as...
Your blog looks great- love the photos. Thanks for posting the link. You are already bringing back so many memories! I am looking forward to following your journey!
Margaret
I had forgotten about La Romieu, which is a 'detour' not taken by all. I loved it there! Loved looking out for all the 'cat' sculptures. We never found them all... might have to go back! And loved the beautiful roses blooming all around the town.
Margaret
I stayed two nights in Conques. Sure, it isn't very big, but I loved taking time to wander up and down all the little streets and see the houses. Next day it was very hot, and I enjoyed some quiet time in the cool of the Abbey.
Margaret
I can't see any showings yet, but more seem to be added as time goes on. It will be in Tauranga on October 1st, and has a short season in Cambridge at present- but I can't see anything closer than that.
You might see something added at this link at some stage...
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