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  1. MarkyD

    Can I pack my small multi tool in carry on luggage (backpack)?

    Always a chance they'll snaffle it off you for some reason or another. I had a screwdriver confiscated in Porto once, one of those DIY tools with interchangeable bits (but no blades), I didn't even remember that it was in my carry-on luggage. It was a sad day when I had to say goodbye to my...
  2. MarkyD

    Water, water...

    I usually carry 2L bag in backpack, but rarely fill it to max., so it probably would be 1.5 litres. I drink about 0.5L before breakfast stop. I then have a 1L bottle in a front pouch, which I use to top up as I go, depending on distance between "refill opportunities" and temperatures. For long...
  3. MarkyD

    Afraid of top bed without fence

    Get one with a red "night light" feature, works great for navigating the bunk-dorm-corridor-bathroom route without disturbing the masses
  4. MarkyD

    Cancelling Camino - Soliciting Advice

    And Ponte de Lima is worth visiting for a day at least!
  5. MarkyD

    LIVE from the Camino A Sketcher's Camino Madrid

    Loving your sketches, enjoy the way. To help avoid shin splints, which I had in 2018, I recommend not to walk too large a distance and certainly not faster than your narural pace. Also, stay hydrated and after every stop/rest of more than 5 minutes do some stretching of your legs. If you do...
  6. MarkyD

    Ok entering the shoe debate with trepidation ...

    Buckle up everyone, diverse opinions flying in on this one. Here is what worked for me: 1. Comfort 2. Breathable 3. Light 4. Space in toebox 5. Keep feet dry - change socks every 2 to 3 hours if it's warm and feet sweat. Easily done on breaks, airing feet at the sane time. I kept a small...
  7. MarkyD

    Where is the "drinking pilgrim" statue?

    Here are a few more photos from the Green Monster that sets up the legs for the final uphill walk into Astorga.
  8. MarkyD

    Where is the "drinking pilgrim" statue?

    He actually "drinks" - at least when the fountain is on.
  9. MarkyD

    Duo Lingo or Something Else?

    Firstly, asking if learning South American Spanish is a big deal, is a bit like asking if learning American English is a big deal. Spanish is Spanish, just like English is English. Obviously, there will be differences in accent and some pronunciation, there might also be slightly different uses...
  10. MarkyD

    Immersion Spanish Schools in Spain

    Yes, you're right about it being a "top-class" wind surfing destination, but as the OP was interested in language schools, I didn't emphasise that. However, it's known for being a windy spot, but it depends when you go. I've been in the winter (December to January), spring (March to April) and...
  11. MarkyD

    Self Introduction

    Looks like you'll be arriving at the end of Semana Santa in Sevilla, which will be a great way to start your Camino. Perhaps the Via de La Plata is one for those who may want more solitude on their Camino, at least until they reach the big towns and then later on when joining up with the Camino...
  12. MarkyD

    Finisterre -it’s raining cats and dogs- should I just sleep in?

    It's very windy and raining heavy here in Madrid if that's any consolation! After the extension to the long hot summer, it's been a blessing to be honest. I think Finisterre has its charm too, not least for being the birthplace of the inventor, Alexander Finisterre, of the Spanish version of...
  13. MarkyD

    Descents into Hornillos and Hontanas?

    The three most challenging descents for people with ankle, knee or hip issues; or any general concerns about balance and stability, are the following: Descent to Zubiri (already mentioned) Descent from Alto del Perdón to Uterga (lots of small loose rocks and stones) Descent into León from about...
  14. MarkyD

    GPX for alternate route from (Irache through Luquin)?

    I walked this route with two other people (Derren and Denise) who I had met at the "junction" just after Irache Bodega in 2018. It was a route less travelled, that felt like walking through an enchanted forest at first! We didn't have maps or use GPS, it was signposted and the path was good...
  15. MarkyD

    How many times have you walked the Camino Frances (more than half way)?

    It might have been interesting to have a voting score card for this, then we could see a nice graph at the end of voting! In my case, only once, in 2018 (Sept to Oct) from STPP to Finisterre. I can confidently say IT WAS EPIC. I'm not sure if I'll do it again, although I've since walked...
  16. MarkyD

    August heatwave on camino

    I live in Madrid and the heat is severe at the moment. I'd say the NW of Spain would be better for walking, so the Invierno from Ponferrada would be my suggestion. You could also walk the extension from Santiago - Muxia - Finisterre if you've never done it before. I'm thinking of doing it...
  17. MarkyD

    Are magnesium tablets worthwhile?

    Yeah, they helped me to prevent shin splints on my second Camino. I also bought the capsules instead of dissolvable tablets - because the capsules provide a slow release which didn't upset my stomach and get me charging for the nearest "gasolinera" first thing in the morning! I have a cousin in...
  18. MarkyD

    Albergue idea - group snorers together, away from non-snorers

    Could this be a question to create responses for the fun of it? If so, here we go. Maybe we should also consider separating the following from those who demand peace and quiet: bag rustlers, early risers, mobile phone light users, mobile phone alarm users, smelly feet, farters and people who get...
  19. MarkyD

    Addicted to Spain

    That's the very thing that could work in your favour. Many things in Spain are made easier by who you know, rather than what you can do. If you can flash some kind of Spanish royalty card, then you never know what doors might open for you. Also, as in most places, having money to pay for one's...
  20. MarkyD

    Addicted to Spain

    Hi Luka, these are very interesting observations. Spanish people are very friendly and welcoming, but to become close friends takes time. The language of the locals will always be a challenge, but my advice is to join in anyway, at least to not feel that you can't join in if you want to. Many...

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