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  1. JohnCP43

    LIVE from the Camino Between Sarria and Portomarin

    I have perhaps a different view of the student groups walking around Easter several years ago. At the time I was 74 and described by my brother as "old, slow, but he keeps on moving." On a quite warm day for which I was over dressed for the temperature and walking quite slowly up a very long...
  2. JohnCP43

    Would you stop at places that lack the Camino hospitality?

    As an older male Pilgrim I can appreciate your sense of urgency but as others have said the access to use of toilets in different countries varies. Here in the US most public restrooms are free altho a few require a small coin or token obtained from the cashier. I just got back from a driving...
  3. JohnCP43

    Accommodation costs on the Camino

    Perhaps because they are newbies as were we all once? Welcome holiday monster and buen camino!
  4. JohnCP43

    Fragrant albergues

    I sympathasize with all of you who wrote regarding odors from various perfumes, etc because my wife is also very sensitive to odors. Traveling with her (not on the camino) is a hoot. I check in. We go to the room. It has an odor so I go back down hauling multiple suitcases to get another room...
  5. JohnCP43

    Oh for a poncho in Portamarin?

    As t2andreo observed, this is another challenge that can be overcome with duct tape and garbage bags. On my first camino I even fashioned a set of rain chaps out of them. I looked kind of like a cross between the tin man from Wizard of Oz and Sir Lancelot but they worked and if one can ignore...
  6. JohnCP43

    SOS map from St. Jean to Roncesvalles

    I believe it shows a 2013 copyright date.
  7. JohnCP43

    Anyway to cover tops of favourite runners?

    Try googling "rubber over shoes" or "rubbers for shoes". Years ago these were fairly popular and fit over one's dress shoes to offer protection from rain, slush, snow. I don't think I've seen anyone wearing them in years, decades since they're "not cool" but might do what you propose. Buen camino!
  8. JohnCP43

    Pilgrimage intention

    Matt - speaking from my experience, I did something like you seem to be describing on my first camino. My son was living in Paris so I got a French credential. We travelled largely by car to a variety of sites, most religious, many historical. I stamped them in my credential as mementos if you...
  9. JohnCP43

    Needle disposal

    SYates' suggestion is right on. Not to belabor the obvious but be sure to place needle in barrel of the syringe hub first so there will not be a possibility of the needle working it' way through the opening to the barrel of the syringe. If the needle is an integral, non-removable,part of the...
  10. JohnCP43

    Lourdes?

    My wife ,son, daughter in law and I went to Lourdes driving down from Paris several years ago, not as part of pilgrimages walking the caminos. It, for us, as Roman Catholics, was an incredibly spiritual experience. Yes, there are folks who visit it as merely a tourist attraction much as some...
  11. JohnCP43

    LDS (mormon) Branches along the way?

    An excellent and well thought out unbiased summary t2andreo that helps clarify what the camino means to walkers of various motivations (and includes the use of panoply - a wonerful word one does not often get to use). It touches on the concept of saints. Saints are not "worshipped" but prayers...
  12. JohnCP43

    Tattoo Along Camino

    I would be very concerned about getting a tattoo overseas. I know, Spain is not a third world country but I'd be careful even here in the US. "Have you had a tattoo, body piercing, etc" is always asked before giving blood and if answered in the affirmative disqualifies you you an extended period...
  13. JohnCP43

    Top Ten Questions or Phrases every Pilgrim should know in Spanish?

    Cafe con leche, por favor was the phrase I found most helpful/ important! :)
  14. JohnCP43

    ClaritinD - 12 hr. tablets

    Pilar raises a good point. Often brand names will vary from country to country. Components may be available individually but not combined as in the US. Strengths/concentrations may also vary from country to country so be sure to have not only the US (or other) brand name but the generic name and...
  15. JohnCP43

    That tourist train at Obradoiro...

    Let's lighten up a little! Of all the problems faced on the camino and in the world as a whole the little train is for me a very minor one. There are similar "little trains" in many other places in Europe and can give a wider view of the place than one might see on foot plus some local...
  16. JohnCP43

    Quick lace issues on my Salomon X Ultra Gore-Tex Trail shoes

    A while ago I remember a similar concern was expressed on the Merrell site. The company recommended washing the laces (round) . I tried this and it seems to have resolved the issue. Good luck and buen camino.

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