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Regarding the US passport card, this is from the US Dept. of State. Pretty clear that it is not for travel to Europe.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html
The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is...
I used Vapor folding bottles. I brought 2 as they are super lightweight, but only filled needed to fill one and refill throughout the day. They are also durable. I am still using mine 8 years later. https://www.vapur.us/
For a container / plastic bag, you might consider a Stasher bag. Silicone instead of plastic, very light, and they are leakproof when closed, they are easy to clean. They come in various sizes and shapes. https://www.stasherbag.com/
I carried two 1 liter Vapur folding water bottles, but only needed to fill one at any time on the Frances. They are great because they are so lightweight and the spare doesn't take up much space. They are also quite sturdy. I am still using mine 8 years later.
https://www.vapur.us/
Decathlon makes an excellent microfiber towel in various sizes. We also use them when we go to the beach to dry off after being in the ocean. I brought a different kind last time, but will definitely take the decathlon one on my next Camino.
I have found the Fluenz program to be very helpful. They have 2 Spanish programs, Spanish Latin America and Spanish Spain. I do the lessons on my laptop, but they also have an app that can be accessed on your phone or iPad. It is geared for English speakers and introduces various grammar...
Have you read the book by Timothy Eagan," Pilgrimage to Eternity"? He walked from Canterbury to Rome and mentions the places he stayed, some of which are monasteries.
I brought 2 Vapur foldable bottles. I never had to have more than 1 full at any time. They are super lightweight and are available in various sizes. They are easy to carry and to clean. They are also very durable. 8 years after my Camino, I am still using the same ones on hikes...
I recommend a lightweight sleeping bag or at least a fleece or down throw, or maybe even a fleece pullover for sleeping. Most of the places we stayed in that were not private (the majority of places we stayed) did not have blankets, and those that did sometimes did not have enough for everyone.
I can totally see swapping, but I don't recall el menu del dio being so abundant that someone walking 20K per day would be able to split it (unless of corse, they had an enormous lunch 😉).
I brought a spork. I think a folding bowl or cup could also be useful, not for communal meals, but for things you might pick up along the way at lunch or before dinner and might want to share with someone, or some take-away that turns out to be messier than you had anticipated.
If you can do a dual sim on your existing phone you can add a second sim easily in a place like Pamplona. If you have an iPad you could also bring that and add the sim to the iPad. That I what I did.
I have a mono-sling bag from Piquardo. https://www.piquadro.com/en/collections/mono-sling-bag
It can be worn in the front when I have my backpack on or in back in the evening. It holds an astonishing amount of stuff if necessary. it is lightweight. I use mine all the time. Very convenient for...
Fluenz is a very good program. It is specifically geared to English speakers learning other languages. Although I didn't know about it before I I walked the Camino in 2016 (resorted to Italian as it is close enough) I used it to learn Spanish last yera before a trip to Madrid with my husband and...
You may need a different pair of insoles. When I had knee issues some years ago, a PT measured my foot and although I wear as size 6 1/2 shoe (37 Italian), they recommended purchasing Supefeet insoles (the green ones) in size 8 and cutting them down to the size of the shoe. This worked much...
I brought a skort to wear in the evenings with my shirt for the next day. Could also wear it for walking on a nice day or with tights if cool. For sleeping, tights with a fleece pullover.
May, Spring, is pretty variable everywhere. in 2016 on the CF May was cold in the mornings and the evenings, and a jacket was required almost all the time. In July and August, once summer hits, it is likely to be hot, but you will still be doing some pretty good climbing, so layers are a good...
Great suggestions. I would just add that in the showers it is nice to have hooks outside the shower for your clothes / towel, and inside the shower for you kit and maybe a shelf for soap/ shampoo etc
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