I just returned from part of the Via de la Plata, Salamanca to SDC and have a
few observations that may be of interest. It is my third Camino.
1. Delta charged $150 for the bike from Louisville, Kentucky to
Madrid.
2. Iberia charged nothing from SDC to Madrid.
3. Delta chasrged nothing from Madrid to Louisville
4. Fernando at Velocopedia in SDC is still the best.
5. The Plata from Salamanca to Astorga is rather boring
and "blah". It isn't difficult, just unexciting and un "Camino-
like". I would not recommend it. Benevente and La Baneza are pretty
towns, but not very charming. The country side scenery was not
great.
6. On the South to North segment I passed no other bikers and saw only 2 walkers.
7. Of course, once in Astorga, everything becomes very Camino
traditional. There were a lot of walking pilgrims and many
locations along the way were filled up early in the day. However,
there were still places to stay for a bit more money.
8. On May 20th, SDC was packed. Fortunately I had a reservation at
a hotel.
9. True - the Spaniards speak no English at all on the South to North part.
False - learning Spanish is a necessity. A few simple words is all that is
necessary (i.e. bocadilla, queso, habitation, counting, cafe con leche)
10. I could not find any Jewish remanants on the Plata part as I did on the Camino Frances.
11. All in all, the Camino this year was satisfactory, but not
great. I will do the Camino Frances next year at this time just
like in the past, from SJPP to SDC.
As you can see, I am stuck on the Camino which is quite peculiar for a Jew. I am not particularly interested in St. James but very interested in the Templar Knights. Very peculiar indeed.
Just my impressions. I would be very happy to answer questions.
Larry
few observations that may be of interest. It is my third Camino.
1. Delta charged $150 for the bike from Louisville, Kentucky to
Madrid.
2. Iberia charged nothing from SDC to Madrid.
3. Delta chasrged nothing from Madrid to Louisville
4. Fernando at Velocopedia in SDC is still the best.
5. The Plata from Salamanca to Astorga is rather boring
and "blah". It isn't difficult, just unexciting and un "Camino-
like". I would not recommend it. Benevente and La Baneza are pretty
towns, but not very charming. The country side scenery was not
great.
6. On the South to North segment I passed no other bikers and saw only 2 walkers.
7. Of course, once in Astorga, everything becomes very Camino
traditional. There were a lot of walking pilgrims and many
locations along the way were filled up early in the day. However,
there were still places to stay for a bit more money.
8. On May 20th, SDC was packed. Fortunately I had a reservation at
a hotel.
9. True - the Spaniards speak no English at all on the South to North part.
False - learning Spanish is a necessity. A few simple words is all that is
necessary (i.e. bocadilla, queso, habitation, counting, cafe con leche)
10. I could not find any Jewish remanants on the Plata part as I did on the Camino Frances.
11. All in all, the Camino this year was satisfactory, but not
great. I will do the Camino Frances next year at this time just
like in the past, from SJPP to SDC.
As you can see, I am stuck on the Camino which is quite peculiar for a Jew. I am not particularly interested in St. James but very interested in the Templar Knights. Very peculiar indeed.
Just my impressions. I would be very happy to answer questions.
Larry