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  1. WisTom

    Sleeping Bag Compression Sack

    Just a word of caution. I had an Enlightened Equipment quilt that I stored in a compression dry sack on my first caminos. However, I didn't take it out of the compression bag when I returned home. Eventually, the down won't de- compress and loses its insulation. Remember to store it...
  2. WisTom

    Chinese shops???

    Chino/a does mean Chinese and when used as an adjective is completely neutral. A Chinese restaurant is a restaurante chino (unless you're in Perú, where they're called chifas). I passed a China Bazaar today entering Medina del Campo - Bazar Chino. Chino/a can also refer to a Chinese person...
  3. WisTom

    Ok entering the shoe debate with trepidation ...

    I have different pairs of Hokas. Last year, I wore a pair of Hoka Mafate trail shoes to walk the Mozárabe, San Salvador, and Primitivo. They were OK, but share a problem similar to what you described with the Speedgoats - the heel counter rubs the back of the ankle. Last year, I had to put...
  4. WisTom

    Chinese shops???

    The difference is the attitude about the stores. There's little question that there's a certain amount of derision in referring to these stores as "chinos". It is not a term of respect, nor are the proprietors always treated respectfully.
  5. WisTom

    Chinese shops???

    I lost a good set of Leki poles on the Mozárabe last year. The next town had a Chino. I paid about 6 euros per retractable pole. They got me to Mérida. When I had the chance, I bought a better pair at a Decathlon and donated the Chino poles to an alberque.
  6. WisTom

    Chinese shops???

    Arrived in Arévalo today. Checked into supermarcados. For the second time in the past week, the Coviran grocery was actually a Chino with Coviran branding. Hadn't seen this before. For what it's worth, I was in the Peace Corps in Panamá from 2014-2016. Every tiny town in the Panamanian...
  7. WisTom

    OK guys, what underwear?

    Currently on the Levante. Walked 41km on Monday, 35km yesterday, and 25 today (not trying to walk long - those are just the normal stage lengths per vieiragrino.com). I only bring exofficio. Both brief and boxer brief. Light, quick dry, and work for multiple days if necessary.
  8. WisTom

    My new backpack from Gregory

    I did 3 long Caminos (shortest was Camino Francés from SJPP) and the Via Francigena from Turin to Rome with an Osprey Talon 42, which I really liked. I was intrigued by Gregory. I'm now walking from Valencia to Santiago using a Gregory Zulu 40. It's more compact and I'm extremely happy with...
  9. WisTom

    Phones, Sim Cards, Choices and Questions, Oh, So Many Questions!

    If you decide to buy your sim card in Pamplona, you might want to stop at the Corte Inglés department store. Convenient location and they'll have booths for the major carriers- Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange.
  10. WisTom

    Backpack question: Ospreys Stratos 36L vs 44L?

    Just enjoy! Too often the "younger folk" overthink things. One of the nice things at our age is having the experience to know what we can do and the time to do it. I typically walk more than the suggested stages because I like to walk and have no interest in spending half a day updating my FB...
  11. WisTom

    Backpack question: Ospreys Stratos 36L vs 44L?

    I've used the Osprey Talon 44 (which is 42L in the S/M version that I have). It's been great on my three caminos and the VF. My shortest camino was the CF from SJPP to Santiago. I'm 70 kg and typically carry 10kg without a problem. (Age 72 BTW). I'm walking now on the Mozárabe and will be...
  12. WisTom

    International SIM Cards: Will buying one in Spain work in France?

    For what it's worth, I've used Skype to call family and friends that do not use Whatsapp. The cost to call their regular phones using Skype credit is pennies per minute. The only issue is that they need to be aware that the call will be from an unknown number. Otherwise, I've used Movistar...
  13. WisTom

    I don’t like mummy sleeping bags

    Check the company Enlightened Equipment out of Minnesota in the US. They make lightweight down quilts, which have a greater temperature range than mummy bags, are less restrictive, and much more versatile. Mine weighs less than a pound and takes little room in my bag. Highly recommended.
  14. WisTom

    Using a Cell Phone in Portugal: Tips for Traveling Canadians

    I'm also on US Cellular. I had no trouble switching SIM cards to Movistar when in Spain in 2017 and 2019. You might want to confirm w US Cellular that your particular phone is capable of accepting a different SIM card. For what it's worth, also remember to store your US SIM card in a safe...

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