- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 2024
Greetings from a newbie! I have been an avid forum “lurker” for several months gathering ideas and information but have now finalized my flight into and out of Madrid from the US. Expected start date is May 1 from Ponferrada (yes- I know that its a national holiday). Hoping that I will be well prepared for contingencies but appreciate any advice you can offer!
Getting to my actual question- as a first time international solo traveler I have built in an extra day before my planned start date and on the to back end to avoid the stress of missed train/bus connections. I also feel like I want to take a moment to ground myself in the experience - and maybe take in some of the local culture in the big city of Madrid.
Are there hotels, restaurants, museums, etc… that you recommend? I’d like to make the most of the short time there. Would it be wise in the beginning to perhaps take an extra day in Ponferrada to explore and then focus on Madrid on the return trip?
In full disclosure, while I am working on my Spanish, languages are not one of my strengths no matter how much I try. I will only have rudimentary pleasantries/essentials and google translate to help.
So looking forward to your collective wisdom and feedback-
Many thanks in advance!
Getting to my actual question- as a first time international solo traveler I have built in an extra day before my planned start date and on the to back end to avoid the stress of missed train/bus connections. I also feel like I want to take a moment to ground myself in the experience - and maybe take in some of the local culture in the big city of Madrid.
Are there hotels, restaurants, museums, etc… that you recommend? I’d like to make the most of the short time there. Would it be wise in the beginning to perhaps take an extra day in Ponferrada to explore and then focus on Madrid on the return trip?
In full disclosure, while I am working on my Spanish, languages are not one of my strengths no matter how much I try. I will only have rudimentary pleasantries/essentials and google translate to help.
So looking forward to your collective wisdom and feedback-
Many thanks in advance!