superleggera
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF [StJean-F'rre] (March 2017)
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...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside.
I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
Good gortex jackets, corresponding gtx trousers, full gtx pro shell items...
Are gaiters worth bringing even if trousers aren't or is it worth bringing both....what is the experience of people on here regarding that?
...same with trekking gloves...
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags?
BC!!!
I have only heard of someone bringing a blowdryer, and that was from a man whose wife was doing so, and he was not pleased. Do not bring a blow dryer. If there is no drier one day, don't wash your clothes, and pick and albergue that does the mext day.
Yes to good rain jacket, rain pants and Altus poncho. Also, yes to umbrella.
No to gaiters. Yes to gloves.
No to tea bags, enjoy the coffee. And I must drink 6 cups of tea a day of not more, but when in Rome ....
And don't forget a real sleeping bag, not just a liner. Albergues can be chilly at that time of the year.
Bring tea bags to your heart's desire, and marmalade too, but replace the glass jar with a tin or plastic.
As for drying your socks with a cheap hair dryer, I would try this out at home first.
Also do the math how many socks you might carry instead of a hair dryer. (weight, space)
I was joking about the marmalade but you never know, I could always sneak a little with me.... I wondered about the dryer too, surely just take more socks but the person on the other thread seemed very convinced of the benefit- they also dried their underwear and base layers etc with it and small dryers only weigh around 400g. Space isn't a problem you see.
I walked the French way last April and May. It was cold sometimes very cold. It was wet. It was windy. It was muddy very very muddy. I wore a tee shirt and base layer upper, trekking pants, wool socks and high top boots daily. My kit for cold weather was a set of medium weight biker sleeves, a ultra light down vest, a light weight fleece, a light weight wind and water proof shell, wool stocking cap, wool neck gaiter, and light gloves. Some days I was cool but I was never cold. A few days on the Meseta were down right balmy. For the mud I wore gaiters, they kept my pants clean and my boots cleaner and dry. They also help retain body heat. For overall protection from rain I used a zip up poncho. Remember walking the Camino generates a lot of body heat. Dress in layer and be careful not to over heat.Just wrapping up last few things for Camino No.1...probably spent too much time on here gleaning advice but hopefully after this that'll be it. So, seen a few things on other threads that people have suggested which don't seem to be the within the main thinking of what a pilgrim needs to take....
...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside. Many of them offer laundry facilities but not for tumble drying and coupled with the fact they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape) you have a situation where things don't dry overnight, possibly leading to have to wear wet socks in the morning...one person said they ended up buying a cheap travel hair dryer and it worked brilliantly, dry socks and underwear every morning for the rest of the trip. I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
...one person said lots of people have good gtx jackets etc but forget to buy corresponding gtx trousers which could be a problem walking the Mesetas in the howling rain for 8 hours a day, if it does rain of course but it is March....some say you need the full gtx pro shell items and some say lightweight gtx ones will do or even just a cheap pair of 20 quid emergency ones....are gaiters worth bringing even if trousers aren't or is it worth bringing both....what is the experience of people on here regarding that?
...same with trekking gloves...obviously not needed at all in the summer, but rain and snow to be expected in March, are they worth getting or have most people found them not necessary....?
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags? my experience of tea anywhere in Europe is generally dim but I'm trying to cut my espresso habit and only drink coffee with breakfast these days, any other hot drinks during the day are tea. Should I bring my own tea bags..? Only fellow Britons along with Kiwis, Aussies and possibly Indians will truly appreciate and be able to answer this question I think. I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
..this probably isn't a good place to ask whether I should bring my own marmalade too....(only joking...of course I should bring my own marmalade, doh...!)
BC!!!
If not a poncho then find another way to cover ALL of your backpack, including straps. I wear my Altus open, expect for the velcro, so I get good ventillation while protecting my backpack.OK thanks, although I'm not an umbrella or poncho man. Yes to tea bags surely, are you crazy ...?
Spain has very good marmalade too. Seville oranges, you know....
http://www.spanishoponline.com/marmalade--fruit-paste.html#.WHredX209sZ
Safety pins to pin wet laundry on your pack....it air drys as you walk. I brought 20 used them everyday. Buen Camino
I walked the French way last April and May. It was cold sometimes very cold. It was wet. It was windy. It was muddy very very muddy. I wore a tea shirt and base layer upper, trekking pants, wool socks and high top boots daily. My kit for cold weather was a set of medium weight biker sleeves, a ultra light down vest, a light weight fleece, a light weight wind and water proof shell, wool stocking cap, wool neck gaiter, and light gloves. Some days I was cool but I was never cold. A few days on the Meseta were down right balmy. For the mud I wore gaiters, they kept my pants clean and my boots cleaner and dry. They also help retain body heat. For overall protection from rain I used a zip up poncho. Remember walking the Camino generates a lot of body heat. Dress in layer and be careful not to over heat.
I never had a problem getting my clothes washed and dried. Get the Michelin French Way Guide. It lists all albergues with laundry. A blow dryer, really?
Tea...My only complaint about the tea in Spain is I could not get honey to sweeten mine. Couldn't get ice tea either. Uncivilized!
Buen Camino
Happy Trails
Clothes Drying:
I did one CF in Jan/Feb and had no issues with clothes drying overnight. My MO was simple and probably similar to many; do your chores when you first arrive at the Albergue. This gives you more hours of drying time. Second part was the use of a small drying line strung up between bunks allowing good airflow around the clothes. Last bit is that I chose clothes with quick-drying properties. Wool socks were the slowest drying items but I carried 3 pairs in the winter so wasn't an issue if they weren't dry in the morning as I wasn't intending to wear them the next day anyway. If still wet I'd hang them again the next night and they were always fine the next day. Another tip I've read on the forum but haven't needed thus far is to roll your damp clothes inside your towel and walk/kneel on it to extract even more water.
Gaitors:
Because it was quite cold, raining or snowing (and usually muddy), I chose rain pants under a poncho instead of gaitors. Personal choice but worked well for me. If the pants got muddy it was easy to give them a quick rinse and they were ready in the morning. However, I did see others in Gaitors (mostly Spaniards in my case) and they seemed pretty happy with their choice especially when I would have to spend 30 mins getting the mud off my boots at night...
Gloves:
I carried 2 pairs of gloves, a thin pair of running gloves for 'normal' walking in cool/cold weather and a pair of snow gloves for, well, the snow days. Maybe not so necessary to have the latter but when I went again in April/May I still enjoyed having the light pair for cool mornings and rainy days.
Tea? Nah... Cafe con leche.
Buen Camino,
Jordon
I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
Fun Fact: Italian Cappucino = Spanish Cafe con Leche! I know, it is a small world after allGood info, thanks
The thing with coffee is that it has to be good and strong to be worth drinking, ask any Italian but unfortunately when it is good and strong it makes you need to poo as well, ask any Italian. Start drinking too much coffee and I'll have to hump around a load of toilet paper with me too. The alternative is to drink weak tasteless coffee but who wants to live like an American....?
BC!!
It depends what you call "good tea". Industrially packaged tea leaf residue in paper bags yes (Twinings, Typhoon and company), artisanal tea, picked by hand, dried by hand, not so much.In another posting it was noted that one could buy good tea in ana of the markets in Spain.
Yes, they are similar, but not equal.... Spanish coffee is good, as it is most of Europe and that is the problem...Fun Fact: Italian Cappucino = Spanish Cafe con Leche! I know, it is a small world after all
As for the rest, all I can say is read the world popular book of Tarō Gomi (link HERE) and everything should come out fine...
Gaiters?! Many opinions on this forum re footwear. One's need for gaiters relates to ones choice of footwear.Just wrapping up last few things for Camino No.1...probably spent too much time on here gleaning advice but hopefully after this that'll be it. So, seen a few things on other threads that people have suggested which don't seem to be the within the main thinking of what a pilgrim needs to take....
...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside. Many of them offer laundry facilities but not for tumble drying and coupled with the fact they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape) you have a situation where things don't dry overnight, possibly leading to have to wear damp socks in the morning...one person said they ended up buying a cheap travel hair dryer and it worked brilliantly, dry socks and underwear every morning for the rest of the trip. I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
....are gaiters worth bringing?...what is the experience of people on here regarding that?
...same with trekking gloves...obviously not needed at all in the summer, but rain and snow to be expected in March, are they worth getting or have most people found them not necessary....?
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags? I'm trying to cut my espresso habit and only drink coffee with breakfast these days, any other hot drinks during the day are tea. Should I bring my own tea bags..? Only fellow Britons along with Kiwis, Aussies and possibly Indians will truly appreciate and be able to answer this question I think. I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
..this probably isn't a good place to ask whether I should bring my own marmalade too....(only joking...of course I should bring my own marmalade, doh...!)
BC!!!
Trekking poles, wide-brimmed hat, so yes, the only part of me that got sunburnt was the backs of my hands. Will check out the gloves you mentioned, thanks.I use trekking poles for every step. The backs of my hands would always get sunburnt until I started wearing "sun gloves". I actually started wearing bike gloves because I thought the extra padding was necessary, but found it wasn't, so I use Columbia or Outdoor Research bone-fishing gloves.
Why?The Camino Frances does not really require gaiters, should you ever decide to walk from Le Puy or Vezelay I would most certainly recommend them-first things into the backpack for sure!
Mud and more mud and more mud, especially from Vezelay; snow around Aubrac and while mud is less of an issue from Le Puy there is still plenty for everyone. The first strech out of Le Puy includes a daily stiff climb and a hardy descent in the evening both treacherous in the rain. Muct easier to rinse your gaiters every day than to wash out your pants, socks, and bootsWhy?
My simple take:Just wrapping up last few things for Camino No.1 ...
Just wrapping up last few things for Camino No.1...probably spent too much time on here gleaning advice but hopefully after this that'll be it. So, seen a few things on other threads that people have suggested which don't seem to be the within the main thinking of what a pilgrim needs to take....
...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside. Many of them offer laundry facilities but not for tumble drying and coupled with the fact they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape) you have a situation where things don't dry overnight, possibly leading to have to wear damp socks in the morning...one person said they ended up buying a cheap travel hair dryer and it worked brilliantly, dry socks and underwear every morning for the rest of the trip. I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
....are gaiters worth bringing?...what is the experience of people on here regarding that?
...same with trekking gloves...obviously not needed at all in the summer, but rain and snow to be expected in March, are they worth getting or have most people found them not necessary....?
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags? I'm trying to cut my espresso habit and only drink coffee with breakfast these days, any other hot drinks during the day are tea. Should I bring my own tea bags..? Only fellow Britons along with Kiwis, Aussies and possibly Indians will truly appreciate and be able to answer this question I think. I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
..this probably isn't a good place to ask whether I should bring my own marmalade too....(only joking...of course I should bring my own marmalade, doh...!)
BC!!!
The French guides for Via Lemovicensis/ Chemin de Vézelay often warn that the day will be marked by "tres humidité" they don't relate to the weather! Very moist means shank deep mud.Why?
These pics from CF, April 2106. As I said in much detail above (post #24), when it rains, I'm glad to have gaiters. I'm not wearing them in the middle pic so had to wash my pants that night. Steady rain all day in top (Meseta) pic - my boots got wet through that day.Mud and more mud and more mud, especially from Vezelay; snow around Aubrac and while mud is less of an issue from Le Puy there is still plenty for everyone. The first strech out of Le Puy includes a daily stiff climb and a hardy descent in the evening both treacherous in the rain. Muct easier to rinse your gaiters every day than to wash out your pants, socks, and boots
I did the CF May 2015 and I only had one day of rain, the other days were in the mid 30 degrees! so trying to guess the weather is impossible, but keep weight to a minimum, you can always buy on the way, as for drying, you can always wear things more than once before washing and if the weather is that wet, nobody will notice the pong!Hi thanks, but as someone has just confirmed, it's most likely going to be very wet and stuff pinned to my rucksack isn't going to dry if it's raining. Unfortunately, the more I read, the more I realise just how much it will rain.
I got my honey for the tea most places.I walked the French way last April and May. It was cold sometimes very cold. It was wet. It was windy. It was muddy very very muddy. I wore a tee shirt and base layer upper, trekking pants, wool socks and high top boots daily. My kit for cold weather was a set of medium weight biker sleeves, a ultra light down vest, a light weight fleece, a light weight wind and water proof shell, wool stocking cap, wool neck gaiter, and light gloves. Some days I was cool but I was never cold. A few days on the Meseta were down right balmy. For the mud I wore gaiters, they kept my pants clean and my boots cleaner and dry. They also help retain body heat. For overall protection from rain I used a zip up poncho. Remember walking the Camino generates a lot of body heat. Dress in layer and be careful not to over heat.
I never had a problem getting my clothes washed and dried. Get the Michelin French Way Guide. It lists all albergues with laundry. A blow dryer, really?
Tea...My only complaint about the tea in Spain is I could not get honey to sweeten mine. Couldn't get ice tea either. Uncivilized!
Buen Camino
Happy Trails
Fun Fact: Italian Cappucino = Spanish Cafe con Leche! I know, it is a small world after all
As for the rest, all I can say is read the world popular book of Tarō Gomi (link HERE) and everything should come out fine...
We all have our own ideas of what is essential for our comfort. I met an Italian man on the Via Francigena walking with a big tent, stove, full camping gear, 2kg of dried rice and a heavy cotton towelling bathrobe - in mid August. He reckoned his pack weighed 17kg but I suspect it was more. Not very surprised when he gave up after 3 days with knee trouble. Personally I like to go fast and light and just accept missing out on one or two home comforts.I like comfort as much as the next guy (or gal), but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the blow dryer bit. My gear is the best I can afford, but always as little as possible.
Including training I've walked about 1600kms in the last 18 months. Not a single blister. Keeping my feet dry is a big contributing factor (but not the whole story).
I would say no but @superleggera looking at your picture I do say that if you bring it you should use it on yourself after showering to give other pilgrims something to write home about.I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
A lot of good info given on rain gear.Just wrapping up last few things for Camino No.1...probably spent too much time on here gleaning advice but hopefully after this that'll be it. So, seen a few things on other threads that people have suggested which don't seem to be the within the main thinking of what a pilgrim needs to take....
...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside. Many of them offer laundry facilities but not for tumble drying and coupled with the fact they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape) you have a situation where things don't dry overnight, possibly leading to have to wear damp socks in the morning...one person said they ended up buying a cheap travel hair dryer and it worked brilliantly, dry socks and underwear every morning for the rest of the trip. I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
....are gaiters worth bringing?...what is the experience of people on here regarding that?
...same with trekking gloves...obviously not needed at all in the summer, but rain and snow to be expected in March, are they worth getting or have most people found them not necessary....?
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags? I'm trying to cut my espresso habit and only drink coffee with breakfast these days, any other hot drinks during the day are tea. Should I bring my own tea bags..? Only fellow Britons along with Kiwis, Aussies and possibly Indians will truly appreciate and be able to answer this question I think. I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
..this probably isn't a good place to ask whether I should bring my own marmalade too....(only joking...of course I should bring my own marmalade, doh...!)
BC!!!
Blisters are caused by many factors. Many posts here on the forum about that. You will find that there are also many opinions about causes and how to deal with them. Basically: Some people's skin layers shear more easily than other's, everyone is different. Google "skin shear, blisters". Friction and moisture combined are major secondary factors. Moisture level depends on footwear, socks, weather, how much one sweats. Friction depends on footwear, socks, even walking poles. Friction causes skin layers weakened by dampness to shear apart, blister forms in the gaps between layers. Some walkers swear that vaseline or double sock layers are the answer but they are talking about their own personal experience and genetic makeup and shouldn't generalise. Every time this discussion comes up, many will say "All you have to do is...." What works for one doesn't necessarily work for everybody else. Please search for other threads/posts.What's the whole story?
@superleggera you'll be lucky to find albergues with the windows open. Yes to the gloves. And I take waterproof ones (Dexshell or Sealskinz - or ski gloves) because I use trekking sticks so my hands are exposed. If you don't use sticks then you can always put your hands in your pockets. Tea bags? Depends how important they are to you. I adopt the local food but do get excited if I come across vegemite, and on our last camino together my husband would have traded me for some breakfast marmalade.
A lot of good info given on rain gear.
Would advise you to take a good long sleeve thermal top
We've had snow in May and these saved our bacon!
Also pack all clothes in clear plastic bags inside the rucksack
The rain covers supplied with the rucksacks,we found to be useless so now we take a few black plastic bin liners ....and if it rains,just cover the whole rucksack with one..works brilliantly
Re the tea bags. We never go without them.. Did you know the Irish even drink more tea than the English!! .we have a small electric element which boils the water...great cup of tea in the morning or when we reach our destination
Either take some powdered milk or you can get little pods of milk in .
Poundland..weigh very little
We do drink coffee during the day..husband has coffee con leche but I keep to the black stuff as I find too much of the milk is sickly
And yes,you are right..the coffee does have a laxative effect
For me, the little added weight of the element is worth it for the tea and it fits nicely inside 2 plastic cups
Enjoy your Camino and keep warm
Best wishes Annette
I walked the CF in March/April and the first ten days or so were cold in the
mornings. We had snow and rain. I used poles so was glad I had gloves with
me. The Montane gloves I took were waterproof and had little pads on the
fingers to let you use your touch sensitive phone whilst wearing them. My
phone at the time didn't have a touch sensitive screen but it was still a feature
I liked to point out to people.
Tea is available in Spain but be careful when ordering. If you're asked if you
want black tea say yes.This seemed to be the way it was decided if you wanted
real tea as opposed to some herbal infusion. Ask for milk after the tea's been
brewed. We learnt the hard way. In Sahagun we asked for tea with milk. The
barman looked surprised. He put two tea bags in teapot and then filled it with
steamed milk. It was a lingering taste
Buen Camino
I would say no but @superleggera looking at your picture I do say that if you bring it you should use it on yourself after showering to give other pilgrims something to write home about.
I like comfort as much as the next guy (or gal), but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the blow dryer bit. My gear is the best I can afford, but always as little as possible. I try to be as prepared as I can be, but I factor in some discomfort. Because I think that is the whole point of walking through a country. Otherwise I'd take my car.
Reading through this thread one thing stood out for me: Scruffy's beautiful story about his muddy faceplant in France. I bet he didn't like it at the time, but to me it adds colour. I would consider it a better memory than blow drying my knickers in an albergue or trying to keep mud off my boots.
Expect some difficulties and maybe even some hardship. I've learned to embrace it. They make for the best memories and stories you'll have. Isn't it supposed to be a bit of an adventure?
Confirm. There is an ongoing battle between those who close windows and those who open them!!!they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape)
Confirm. There is an ongoing battle between those who close windows and those who open them!!!
look what happened to David Beckham
No such thing as weak tastless coffee in Spain. You will discover the joys of the cafe con leche. And yes, it may get your bowels going, bit better at the bar while enjoying your coffee than on the road. Plan accordingly, that's all.
I average 2.5 pots of coffee or 2 large French Press pots a day November through April. I am Italian and it does not make me need to poo. Lucky I guess? Or my body is used to it.The thing with coffee is that it has to be good and strong to be worth drinking, ask any Italian but unfortunately when it is good and strong it makes you need to poo as well, ask any Italian.
Okay, perhaps TMI!I average 2.5 pots of coffee or 2 large French Press pots a day November through April. I am Italian and it does not make me need to poo. Lucky I guess? Or my body is used to it.
The coffee in Spain is good, and I drank gallons of it probably, but no better or no worse than coffee I've had in other parts of the world, and of course like anywhere else, the quality of the coffee will vary with wherever you get it. Coffee at one cafe may be better than coffee at another. All I know is that in the morning I want (need?) a cup of joe, and the java in Spain fit the bill with no problems.Good info, thanks
The thing with coffee is that it has to be good and strong to be worth drinking, ask any Italian but unfortunately when it is good and strong it makes you need to poo as well, ask any Italian. Start drinking too much coffee and I'll have to hump around a load of toilet paper with me too. The alternative is to drink weak tasteless coffee but who wants to live like an American....?
BC!!
Honnestly, the cafe con leche and its effect on my gut is key to my happy, and non polluting the scenary, walks. Have coffee, have a second coffee, wait for gut to rumble, take care of rumbling gut, and head out the door for a walk until it's ensalada mixta time.Okay, perhaps TMI!
Most people seem to get the cafe con leche in Spain, it's obviously weaker with all that milk in it but if you want it stronger and with no milk, order cafe Americano, or cafe solo. That's right, mate. You want it stronger you order it American style....
cheers
A piece of toasted bread with jam? You gotta be kidding. That ain't no breakfast. One of my first missions every morning was to find a cafe where I could get a halfway proper breakfast to fuel my walking morning.
Thanks, Mike. You said something that is so true about us newbies. It's very hard to get the gist of a post when abbreviations/acronyms are used. hint, hint you seasoned Pilgrims...(smile)View attachment 31181 View attachment 31182 View attachment 31183
These pics from CF, April 2106. As I said in much detail above (post #24), when it rains, I'm glad to have gaiters. I'm not wearing them in the middle pic so had to wash my pants that night. Steady rain all day in top (Meseta) pic - my boots got wet through that day.
May I suggest that posting without reading previous posts is counter-productive to the uninitiated. I (almost) always write with a new forum member in mind as an imaginary reader.
Assertions are not arguments. Detailed info helps people make informed judgements.
Buen camino, - Mike
Am afraid all you'll likely find is croissant, chocolate croissant or tortilla de patata, with or without chorizo.You're damn straight there, brother!
After I get up, I'm sure as hell gonna make sure I'm getting some major league chow-time before I walk a goddam' mile.
BC!!
(In English: Yes old bean, I completely agree with you. Once arisen from my slumber, I shall endeavour to seek and enjoy a hearty feast before engaging in any further walking.)
Don't know bout dat.Cafe Americano is nothing but a shot of espresso diluted in hot water. So stronger? Nope. The difference between and Americano and a cafe con leche is what else is in the cup,other than the espresso: milk vs water. Why ask for a cafe con leche: to get some protein and carbs to,get you going on your walk. The ratio is about 4:1 and it is served in an 6 or 8 once glass or mug.
Hey, now you talkin there, Mr. Chips.... my kind of vernacularYou're damn straight there, brother!
After I get up, I'm sure as hell gonna make sure I'm gettin' some major league chow-time before I walk a goddam' mile.
BC!!
Don't know bout dat.
The times I ordered Americano or solo, it looked to me like they were basically just putting black coffee in my cup and that's what it tasted like. I mean you can see them dispensing it out of the machine.
shite, I don't know....never researched it that muchSolo is espresso allongé straight out of the machine. Americano is diluted. Similar to filter/drip coffee, but faster and with the one machine.
Hey, now you talkin there, Mr. Chips.... my kind of vernacular
I worked overseas for several years and in our camp dining facility we had a coffee maker and an electric boiling kettle available 24/7. One time I asked our camp medic, who was British, if she would like a cup of tea, and she informed me that the tea bags they had there (Lipton) was not proper tea, and she then handed me a couple of the ones she used (Earl Grey I believe) and told me this is a proper tea, ha ha. I gotta say, it was good tea.
ha ha....yup, I lived in Texas for many years and have many relatives there, and yes it's a proudly autonomous feeling in that great state. Gotta love the barbecue brisket there.Although born here, I suppose I'm not your average Englishman, which is why I'm able to understand your language.... 'Murcan. If I was a world class footballer (which of course I am every night I shut my eyes and go to sleep and dream) then according to the FIFA eligibility rules regarding place of birth, parent's and grandparent's nationality etc, I could actually play for England, Germany, Texas, Bolivia or Lithuania. Note I say Texas, because as most intelligent people know, the Republic of Texas is not and has never been part of the United States of 'Merica.
I can see they are ganging up on you regarding the Americano coffee thing and the long distant spirit of Davy Crockett in me doesn't like those kind of Alamo odds, so despite you bein' a chicken-chasin' sister-lovin' cousin-marryin' banjo-playin' hill-billy Southern good 'ole boy I may have to take a stand next to you and open up a can'o whoop-ass on 'em.... yee-haa!
OK, that's enough for tonight, I've wasted enough of my life on this for a weekend...
Thanks for the replies folks, keep 'em coming!
BC!!
Thanks Mama,Thanks, Mike. You said something that is so true about us newbies. It's very hard to get the gist of a post when abbreviations/acronyms are used. hint, hint you seasoned Pilgrims...(smile)
Marigold Mama
The confusing one is P: Portuguese or Primitivo? I would propose PT for Portuguese, but then which: PTCt (Central), PTCs (Coastal), PTI (Interior).Thanks Mama,
I do use the abbreviations because typing Saint Jean P...... and other long phrases does my head in. I'm sure you've come across the main ones:
Buen Camino, - Mike
at least a fun one.Aww shucks, you 'MURCANS are OK as well I guess. I do like your undoubted optimism too...for instance, you think you have great Tea, Coffee etc and you're entitled to believe that but over here we would describe that level of hopeful delusion as licking your arse and calling it chocolate.
BC!!
(you spelt humour incorrectly by the way....)
Whoah!!! I have walked 8 different caminos and never needed a hair dryer. Sheesh!! Just weight. Take 3 pairs of undies and socks, one on, one off and one drying and save the weight and hassle!Just wrapping up last few things for Camino No.1...probably spent too much time on here gleaning advice but hopefully after this that'll be it. So, seen a few things on other threads that people have suggested which don't seem to be the within the main thinking of what a pilgrim needs to take....
...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside. Many of them offer laundry facilities but not for tumble drying and coupled with the fact they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape) you have a situation where things don't dry overnight, possibly leading to have to wear damp socks in the morning...one person said they ended up buying a cheap travel hair dryer and it worked brilliantly, dry socks and underwear every morning for the rest of the trip. I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
....are gaiters worth bringing?...what is the experience of people on here regarding that?
...same with trekking gloves...obviously not needed at all in the summer, but rain and snow to be expected in March, are they worth getting or have most people found them not necessary....?
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags? I'm trying to cut my espresso habit and only drink coffee with breakfast these days, any other hot drinks during the day are tea. Should I bring my own tea bags..? Only fellow Britons along with Kiwis, Aussies and the Irish will truly appreciate and be able to answer this question I think. I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
..this probably isn't a good place to ask whether I should bring my own marmalade too....(only joking...of course I should bring my own marmalade, doh...!)
BC!!!
hee hee very funny! You should be carrying the small, coreless roll of "camper's TP" anyway, as there are loads of places that have none. Including, occasionally, Xunta albergues in Galicia. Not to mention bars, restaurants, etc.Good info, thanks
The thing with coffee is that it has to be good and strong to be worth drinking, ask any Italian but unfortunately when it is good and strong it makes you need to poo as well, ask any Italian. Start drinking too much coffee and I'll have to hump around a load of toilet paper with me too. The alternative is to drink weak tasteless coffee but who wants to live like an American....?
BC!!
Tell me abou it. Because I often have to drive down to the US for dog shows I end up at Mc Donald's for caffeine. I ask for tea at the drive through and get thos cold cardboard cup back.Regarding iced tea, the Spanish, like the poor deluded English, are unclear on the whole concept of "iced tea." If the bar doesn't sell cans of Nestea, anyone wanting iced tea will get a glass of almost-hot tea with a single lonely ice cube floating in it. Just in case anyone reading this thinks that iced tea is universal, it ain't..
Ah, you must have been south of the Mason-Dixon Line. "Tea" in the northern US is a hot beverage in a little bitty cup. If you want the other kind, you have to say "iced tea." In the southern US, "tea" is the cold stuff in a BIG glass. (Unless the seller is stingy and gives you some useless 10 or 12 ounce thing.) And, often, "tea" means it's not only cold, it's sweet tea. In the southern US if you want the hot stuff you have to say "hot tea." And if you're watching sugar intake, it's useful to remember to say "UNsweet tea" when getting that lovely iced tea on a hot day. Well, it's lovely if it hasn't sat in a jug for a couple of hours getting that nasty taste.Tell me abou it. Because I often have to drive down to the US for dog shows I end up at Mc Donald's for caffeine. I ask for tea at the drive through and get thos cold cardboard cup back.
Eugh? Don't think so. And tell the girl at the window.
It's tea she says. No it ain't, says I.
Apparently in the US of As, if you want a brew, hot water pour over camelia sinensis, you must ask for "hot tea". Otherwise they will sell you this cold syruppy brown liquid which they call "ice tea".
Me thinks the neighbours to the south showed another one of their bearings when an actor called him self "Ice-T".
No!!!! This was Newpaltz, NY! Clearly the staff missed the history class on the Boston Tea Party!Ah, you must have been south of the Mason-Dixon Line. "Tea" in the northern US is a hot beverage in a little bitty cup. If you want the other kind, you have to say "iced tea." In the southern US, "tea" is the cold stuff in a BIG glass. (Unless the seller is stingy and gives you some useless 10 or 12 ounce thing.) And, often, "tea" means it's not only cold, it's sweet tea. In the southern US if you want the hot stuff you have to say "hot tea." And if you're watching sugar intake, it's useful to remember to say "UNsweet tea" when getting that lovely iced tea on a hot day. Well, it's lovely if it hasn't sat in a jug for a couple of hours getting that nasty taste.
I am hoping this year will be different as I will be on the trail too during that time ;-) I am expecting and calling for some rainy days but mainly fair to good weather ;-)Hi thanks, but as someone has just confirmed, it's most likely going to be very wet and stuff pinned to my rucksack isn't going to dry if it's raining. Unfortunately, the more I read, the more I realise just how much it will rain.
...one person suggested that around the time of my Camino, March/early April, the albergues are still rather cold inside. Many of them offer laundry facilities but not for tumble drying and coupled with the fact they often leave the windows open to let air circulate (and the farts escape) you have a situation where things don't dry overnight, possibly leading to have to wear damp socks in the morning...one person said they ended up buying a cheap travel hair dryer and it worked brilliantly, dry socks and underwear every morning for the rest of the trip. I can get a travel dryer here for 10 quid, is it worth buying and bringing?
...same with trekking gloves...obviously not needed at all in the summer, but rain and snow to be expected in March, are they worth getting or have most people found them not necessary....?
...finally and most importantly, what is the situation with tea bags? I'm trying to cut my espresso habit and only drink coffee with breakfast these days, any other hot drinks during the day are tea. Should I bring my own tea bags..? Only fellow Britons along with Kiwis, Aussies and the Irish will truly appreciate and be able to answer this question I think. I know there are Americans out there who think they can buy and drink tea at home, but believe me, whatever it is you think you're drinking, it ain't tea as far as the civilised parts of the world are concerned
..this probably isn't a good place to ask whether I should bring my own marmalade too....(only joking...of course I should bring my own marmalade, doh...!)
In another posting it was noted that one could buy good tea in any of the markets in Spain.
Fun Fact: Italian Cappucino = Spanish Cafe con Leche!
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