I just point while looking tired and thirsty. Works every time. And always express gratitude. Sometimes gets me a tapa and conversation with the bartender.
Two SJPDP to Santiago, 2013 and 2023, 30+ days each. Pilgrim's that weren't using apps seem to be doing well. Encountered a handful of pilgrims that felt lost and they were all dependent on apps.
Have you considered using your Camino as a reset to your routine? Instead of writing spend your time listening. Communicate with individuals that you can actually touch in front of you.
If I stay home, I'll be driving my speed boat at unreasonable high speeds, guzzling gallons of gas, or going through the desert kicking up tons of dust in my 4X4. So the Camino is a better choice.
No reservation. Just call it a day around 2 PM and seek lodging. Easy. Never a problem. Get there a little later and no beds available? Call a taxi to take you to the next available. Have driver call ahead for you. He knows what's available and where. Share the taxi with others in same...
I appreciate your pain. Mine is when I'm at the faucet. Which one is hot and which one is cold? I hate just hate turning one on an indefinitely waiting for hot water, hopefully I picked the right one.
Not a problem.
Not a problem. But no different than walking into any shop in a new town. There are the "shave and a haircut, two bits" shops and the designer fashion shops. The price, cliental, and shop layout will provide clues.
Not true. Yes, everyone once and awhile you'll need to use the facilities where it has been used by a recently unloaded tour bus of over fifty individuals. So yes it will plug up. Not because of the toilet paper but because it's not designed for that many flushes in that short of time.
Where was this? You must have really insisted on taking a different route. You are providing an outlook that doesn't fit the experience that more than most. Perhaps after a serious down pour?
Embrace the customs of the new environment. It will only take a few days. It was sad watching individuals insisting on maintaing their home schedules and routines. I can recall one albergue that for me was wonderful but for my friends was the worst experience. They refused to adjust. On more...
I walked just five years ago and it was vastly different this year. Too much time utilizing electronics to arrange the experience. Not enough time with others.
Never! The problem with the question is it infers that residents along the Camino are expected to be receptive to walkers requests. Which could result in the opposite. When a true emergency arises pilgrims could encounter unanswered doors and ignored request because of too many inconsiderate...
Just my experience. Post Office, next to Banco de Espania in Madrid, was clueless. Huge post office but developed obstacles instead of solutions. They acted like they had never heard of Santiago or the Camino. Small post offices along the Camino were great.
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