First couple days of Camino frances

ladywalker#1 · Mar 3, 2015

I arrive in Madrid at about 3:00 p.m. I should arrive in sjpdp at 6pm or so on jun 17. The problem is I didn't make me reservation in Orisson until jun 19th. Should I change my reservation to the 18th or should a whole day and 2 nights in sjpdp? This is my first Camino, I'm 57, and I've not flown this far before, but I have no idea what to do. I do plan on taking my time getting to Orisson. Maybe 4-5 hours.

Also can I have some suggestions on where to stay in sjpdp
Thanks everybody!

Felipe · Mar 3, 2015

The historic SJPP is really tiny -you can cross it in five minutes. On the other side, it is picturesque, there is a fortress worth visiting, and the surroundings are pleasant (farms, traditional Basque houses, a river...).
If I could not change the reservation, I'd gladly stay an extra day in Madrid, but that's me...It is really up to your idea of a pleasant day out.

Icacos · Mar 3, 2015

If you can afford the extra time, I highly recommend that you spend the two nights in SJPP. That's what I did. I found that very relaxing and the full day will give you time to explore this interesting town in a leisurely manner. I know this is different from what @Felipe suggests, but I was after peace and tranquility. I can't remember the name of the hotel where I stayed, but it is a few doors from the Pilgrim Office on the same street. Aside from the fortress already mentioned, there's an old cemetery if you go looking for it. I don't know about you, but old cemeteries hold a particular fascination for me. Buen Camino!

ladywalker#1 · Mar 4, 2015

Felipe said:
The historic SJPP is really tiny -you can cross it in five minutes. On the other side, it is picturesque, there is a fortress worth visiting, and the surroundings are pleasant (farms, traditional Basque houses, a river...).
If I could not change the reservation, I'd gladly stay an extra day in Madrid, but that's me...It is really up to your idea of a pleasant day out.

Thanks so much got the advice! Oh and yes I thought I messed up this thread so I did another sorry for the confusion.

ladywalker#1 · Mar 4, 2015

Icacos said:
If you can afford the extra time, I highly recommend that you spend the two nights in SJPP. That's what I did. I found that very relaxing and the full day will give you time to explore this interesting town in a leisurely manner. I know this is different from what @Felipe suggests, but I was after peace and tranquility. I can't remember the name of the hotel where I stayed, but it is a few doors from the Pilgrim Office on the same street. Aside from the fortress already mentioned, there's an old cemetery if you go looking for it. I don't know about you, but old cemeteries hold a particular fascination for me. Buen Camino!

Thank you for the info. Sorry about the confusion I thought this thread didn't work and created another. Sorry about that!

SYates · Mar 4, 2015

Same what I wrote in your other thread, just for the record added here:

"Take a day to recover from the jet-lag and the walk leisurely up to Orisson. There is a list of all albergues on the CF here in the resources section. Buen Camino! SY"

Icacos · Mar 4, 2015

ladywalker#1 said:
Thank you for the info. Sorry about the confusion I thought this thread didn't work and created another. Sorry about that!

Not to worry; I figured that eventually. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you have good weather for the Route Napoleon.

Theatregal · Mar 4, 2015

ladywalker#1 said:
I arrive in Madrid at about 3:00 p.m. I should arrive in sjpdp at 6pm or so on jun 17. The problem is I didn't make me reservation in Orisson until jun 19th. Should I change my reservation to the 18th or should a whole day and 2 nights in sjpdp? This is my first Camino, I'm 57, and I've not flown this far before, but I have no idea what to do. I do plan on taking my time getting to Orisson. Maybe 4-5 hours.

Also can I have some suggestions on where to stay in sjpdp
Thanks everybody!

I recommend spending 2 nights and a day in St. Jean. After the long flight plus the additional travel needed to get to St. Jean, I think you'll find it worthwhile to give yourself time to rest, get over jet lag a bit and have a day to check in at the pilgrim's office and wander about and explore this lovely town. I stayed at the Aubergue du Pelerin 2 years ago and really enjoyed it.

pjacobi · Mar 4, 2015

Do not under estimate jet lag, especially if you have never experienced a trans-atlantic flight! You must fight to stay away on your first day until your normal bedtime. Never let jet lag win by going to bed at the wrong time.

Here are some tips on fighting jet lag:

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/jet-lag

-Paul

Bradypus · Wednesday at 8:44 PM

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RobinNL · Apr 28, 2024

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Bradypus · Monday at 8:05 PM

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Anniesantiago · Thursday at 4:30 PM

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First couple days of Camino frances

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