For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
On my last camino 2 years ago, I recall someone had painted the word "LOVE" on every way marker along the route. I wish someone had caught the perpetrator in the act and shown him/her what to do with the paint....
I might add that during my last Camino, I hopscotched over three different walks using the bus or train. It was a fantastic way to sample the various Ways. Highly recommended!
I have walked the Camino five times - Frances, Portuguese, Madrid, del Norte & Primitovo. Each experience was different, unique and highly enjoyable. If you have the time and desire, I'll say go for it!
I have walked the Camino five times and I have never trained for it. Instead, I 'train' as I walk - each day prepares me for the next day. I find that much more enjoyable than going to a gym to prepare for my walk. But, of course, that's just me; everyone is different. The key is to stay...
If you maintain zero expectation, then you will never "embarrass" yourself. You don't need to reach Santiago to "finish" your camino. You finish when your body and mind tell you: 'enough already'. BTW, I'm 72, just so you know.
By the way, for those walking in groups (e.g., a couple), it might cost just as much to share a room in pensiones or casa rurals as in albergues. Something to consider...
Do bear in mind that one does not have to stay in albergues. There are plenty of other options (e.g., casas rurales), if one's budget permits. Phoning ahead would get one out of this 'race-for-bed' mentality, allowing you to enjoy the camino at leisure. As they say: it's the journey, not the...
I have been studying conversational Spanish for a couple of years now. I can read and speak okay, but the bigger challenge is in listening comprehension. For this, I find a Youtube channel called "Espanol con Juan" very helpful. Thought I'd just pass this along :-)
Insofar as going up or down steep slopes, I have found that what works best for me is zig-zag walking. That way I can keep my normal pacing and have the effective gradient reduced by as much as 40%!
Of course, to each his/her own...
This site is run by Ivar at in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon