HELP! my wife won't stop eating....

[Robo]

Now some of you may recall I was planning on taking a Rice Cooker this year.

My wife Pat is very much a rice addict, being from Thailand. She was worried that she wouldn't enjoy the local food here in Spain. So I bought a tiny rice cooker to bring along for emergency doses of rice as required....

Thankfully the rice cooker got left behind. The emergency food supply being changed to a water heating coil, a lightweight cup and some packets of one minute Thai noodles.

En route to our Sarria start point we had a very pleasant 2 nights in Madrid. There she discovered paella and sangria and the tapas market!

Then, prior to starting out from Sarria we had our planned 'warm up' walk up past the Cruz DE ferro. The previous night in El convento she discovered the pilgrim's menu that included lentil soup....and very tasty home made fries...

Last night in Sarria she 'feasted' on pulpo. ...peppers.....prawns. ....croquettes. .....

My pack is also loaded down with 'snacks' to eat along the way... churrizo ........ salami......

And I know at our accommodation tonight the pilgrim's menu will be really tasty and calorie packed.....

what have I created? On my Camino last year I felt like Joost 'eating his way' across Spain.

This year I am joined by 'Joostina' !

 

[mspath]

Buen camino to both of you, Robo! May you have a delicious time on your journey together.
Ultreia!
Margaret Meredith

 

[LindaH]

I was hoping all the walking might shave a few pounds off my waistline but it sounds like the walking is essential just to maintain the status quo! Buen Camino Joost and Joostina

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Ha! Ha!

When you get home I can send you the names of companies with seed for pimientos and crocus bulbs for saffron. All flourishing in my Adelaide backyard and taking us back to the camino with each bite.

And then there's the wine merchants... we even did a course on Spanish wines at the adult education centre recently

 

[Robo]

I was hoping all the walking might shave a few pounds off my waistline but it sounds like the walking is essential just to maintain the status quo! Buen Camino Joost and Joostina

Pat was hoping to lose weight due to the walking.....

I have told her not to bank on it

 

[peregrina2000]

So glad to hear your Camino is off to a good start. I think that those of us who are lucky enough to be able to forego the menú del peregrino and try some of the "real stuff" find it harder to balance the intake with the output. It's much easier to lose weight when you have filete con patatas every day of your walk! Buen camino to the Joosts, Laurie

 

[Anemone del Camino]

You are just too funny. I just love how every Camino takes your expectations and shows you "maybe not so much". You were only going to walk once, Pat would not eat the local dishes ... The Camino is full of surprises. Enjoy your walk, and all the yummy food it has to offer.

 

[Castilian]

En route to our Sarria start point we had a very pleasant 2 nights in Madrid. There she discovered paella and sangria and the tapas market!

Those aren't bad discoveries; specially if she liked them (as it seems). The Mercado de San Miguel is very popular nowadays. However, you've yet to discover dishes/food more typical from Madrid than paella and sangría like, for example, callos, cocido, bocata de calamares, churros, barquillos...

Keep enjoying the food both of you. You've yet tons of foods/dishes to discover (not just in Madrid)... That could be the perfect excuse to come back a year and another year and another one and...

¡Buen camino!

 

[Carol06]

Ha! Ha!

When you get home I can send you the names of companies with seed for pimientos and crocus bulbs for saffron. All flourishing in my Adelaide backyard and taking us back to the camino with each bite.

And then there's the wine merchants... we even did a course on Spanish wines at the adult education centre recently

And we are growing Padron peppers in New Zealand.

 

[Albertagirl]

I can only assume, with the title of this thread, that your wife is not on the forum.

 

[rometimed]

I was hoping all the walking might shave a few pounds off my waistline but it sounds like the walking is essential just to maintain the status quo! Buen Camino Joost and Joostina

If you're doing 30+ days you will most certainly lose weight, it was rare I met anyone who didn't lose weight on Camino.

One gent from Seattle I walked with lost 35 lbs in 30 days, I lost 15 ... and we were not holding back on eating, we were eating everything we could.

 

[Robo]

I can only assume, with the title of this thread, that your wife is not on the forum.

No she is not on the Forum ..... but did give prior approval for the post

 

[Mark Lee]

From what I observed in my travels in Thailand the Thai people seem to enjoy eating several smaller meals each day.

 

[Icacos]

I can only assume, with the title of this thread, that your wife is not on the forum.

I was just thinking the same thing..... Let the woman enjoy her food in peace!

 

[JohnMcM]

My wife Pat is very much a rice addict, being from Thailand.............................what have I created? ..............................

This year I am joined by 'Joostina' !

Thanks Rob, that's my laugh out loud moment today.
Buen (tummy-filled) Camino to you both.

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Thanks Rob, that's my laugh out loud moment today.
Buen (tummy-filled) Camino to you both.

Same here Robo.....you make me smile Great writing skills !!!! Have a great Camino with Pat. I hope she loves it

 

[NualaOC]

Buen Camino Joost and Joostina, you seem to be having fun!

 

[wayfarer]

Have a great Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[JennyH94]

Don't forget to save room for the Santiago tarts!

Enjoy the Camino's wonderful abundance Robo and Pat!

Take joy in every step -

Cheers - Jenny

 

[josway2015]

Now some of you may recall I was planning on taking a Rice Cooker this year.

My wife Pat is very much a rice addict, being from Thailand. She was worried that she wouldn't enjoy the local food here in Spain. So I bought a tiny rice cooker to bring along for emergency doses of rice as required....

Thankfully the rice cooker got left behind. The emergency food supply being changed to a water heating coil, a lightweight cup and some packets of one minute Thai noodles.

En route to our Sarria start point we had a very pleasant 2 nights in Madrid. There she discovered paella and sangria and the tapas market!

Then, prior to starting out from Sarria we had our planned 'warm up' walk up past the Cruz DE ferro. The previous night in El convento she discovered the pilgrim's menu that included lentil soup....and very tasty home made fries...

Last night in Sarria she 'feasted' on pulpo. ...peppers.....prawns. ....croquettes. .....

My pack is also loaded down with 'snacks' to eat along the way... churrizo ........ salami......

And I know at our accommodation tonight the pilgrim's menu will be really tasty and calorie packed.....

what have I created? On my Camino last year I felt like Joost 'eating his way' across Spain.

This year I am joined by 'Joostina' !

I am also a rice eater originally from the Philippines. My friend and I are walking from the 17th. My husband offered to get me a little rice cooker which I declined. I knew I can find paella in Spain. Happy eating and Buen Camino!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am also a rice eater originally from the Philippines. My friend and I are walking from the 17th. My husband offered to get me a little rice cooker which I declined. I knew I can find paella in Spain. Happy eating and Buen Camino!

This must be music to @Robo 's ears as he was as sensitive to his wife Pat's needs as your husband also was. Hopefully you will enjoy much more than the paella, just like Pat!

 

[Castilian]

I knew I can find paella in Spain.

Yes but be careful with tourist traps. Paella is typical from Valencia. Being a well-known dish out of Spain, it's offered at many tourist towns and cities but, outside of Valencia and the Autonomous Community of Valencia, many times it's a low quality paella or something they present as a paella but wouldn't be considered a paella by a Valencian. I would suggest to avoid eating a paella at any site that shows a picture of it and/or at any site with the paellador logo (pre-cooked paellas). And don't think you'll find paella everywhere out of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and popular turist areas. Some albergues along the French way make paella sometimes even though it isn't typical of that area of Spain. If you have that chance (to eat a home made paella at an albergue), it would be a better alternative than to look for a restaurant along the French Way making it that most likely will be aimed mostly for tourists.

There are tons of rice dishes in Spain (other than paella) so depending on the route you are walking you may find local specialties like, for example, the arroz a la zamorana (Zamora style rice) in Zamora, on the Vía de la Plata.

P.S.: Even in Valencia and the Autonomous community of Valencia there are tourist traps serving bad or low quality paella so it's always a good idea to ask locally where can you eat a good one.

 

[Pearl menk]

Ha! Ha!

When you get home I can send you the names of companies with seed for pimientos and crocus bulbs for saffron. All flourishing in my Adelaide backyard and taking us back to the camino with each bite.

And then there's the wine merchants... we even did a course on Spanish wines at the adult education centre recently [/QUOT

May we have the link for the pimentos please?

Regards,
Pearl and Randy Menk

 

[robertt]

Robo, if you ever end up on the Portugues, you will need to keep your wife away from the Padron Market. Trust me on this.

 

[MaxfromMO]

Well, Joost was my favorite character as he ate his way across Spain, so it's kind of nice to know there is a Joostina!! At least there are no regrets on leaving the rice cooker behind!

 

[Tanner]

If you're doing 30+ days you will most certainly lose weight, it was rare I met anyone who didn't lose weight on Camino.

One gent from Seattle I walked with lost 35 lbs in 30 days, I lost 15 ... and we were not holding back on eating, we were eating everything we could.

How many miles a day are you walking?

 

[rometimed]

How many miles a day are you walking?

Average was about 18 miles.

 

[Lynda t]

I ate what I wanted and drank wine and full on coke and still lost weight. It was June and hot though.

 

[Robo]

Robo, if you ever end up on the Portugues, you will need to keep your wife away from the Padron Market. Trust me on this.

She is already talking about doing another 'short' Camino next year and we are only at Palas Del Rei

 

[Robo]

OK the Rice Cooker is back on the agenda! All 880 gms.

If I leave out the electric coil and cup, The net additional weight is 500 gms. Very tempting. Though it takes my pack to 8.7 kg and Pat's is still at 3.4 kg. (she's very small)

Given that Pat doesn't really eat bread, it would be great for her to have some rice for breakfast and a bag to carry with her on the walk. Yes....a bag of Rice will make her a happy Teddy....

So I'm on the search for an even lighter cooker
And checking my packing list to see what I could drop.
Do we both need a hiking umbrella? I would have loved one to keep the sun off....

Does anyone by chance read Mandarin?
The Cooker instructions are in Chinese...
At least I think it's Mandarin rather than Cantonese....
It's a bit double Dutch/Chinese to me .......

Time will tell, how far the Rice Cooker gets before being dumped

 

[SYates]

Wouldn't rice cakes for breakfast work for her also? Buen Camino, SY

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

It's a bit double Dutch/Chinese to me ...

I'am Dutch but it's Chinees and it's stays Chinees.
I would go for as Sybille stated the rise crackers ( cakes ).
And they will save you a lot of weight at the same time.

Wish you both well , Peter .

 

[domigee]

Do we both need a hiking umbrella? I would have loved one to keep the sun off....

Which camino are you walking and when?? On the Francés, I would only take an umbrella in July/August....

As for the rice cooker ! Would your wife eat Spanish rice or does it have to be Thai? I know in towns' supermarkets they sell ready meals, you should be able to find 'ready to eat' arroz a banda or something similar .... ? Or order a rice dish in a restaurant and pack it in a tupperware type thing?
Only trying to save you a lot of weight

My friend had the opposite experience in Thailand... I asked her if she enjoyed the food (I LOVE Thai food) and all I got was a big sigh 'Nooooooo, sick and tired of rice at every meal!'

 

[MTtoCamino]

OK the Rice Cooker is back on the agenda! All 880 gms.

If I leave out the electric coil and cup, The net additional weight is 500 gms. Very tempting. Though it takes my pack to 8.7 kg and Pat's is still at 3.4 kg. (she's very small)

Given that Pat doesn't really eat bread, it would be great for her to have some rice for breakfast and a bag to carry with her on the walk. Yes....a bag of Rice will make her a happy Teddy....

So I'm on the search for an even lighter cooker
And checking my packing list to see what I could drop.
Do we both need a hiking umbrella? I would have loved one to keep the sun off....

Does anyone by chance read Mandarin?
The Cooker instructions are in Chinese...
At least I think it's Mandarin rather than Cantonese....
It's a bit double Dutch/Chinese to me .......

Time will tell, how far the Rice Cooker gets before being dumped

Did you check to see if you can find frozen rice & just boil the bag? Or if lucky a microwave at the alburgue? Seems there are nice sized towns after Sarria.
I realize I made a horrible suggestion for true rice lovers Yet I also remember the alburges in Galicia had some beautiful empty kitchens for cooking. No pans. I never thought about it until now, be like those that don't carry their pack send your pots ahead

 

[Robo]

I never thought about it until now, be like those that don't carry their pack send your pots ahead

Now there's a thought! A small bag with the rice cooker and a bag of rice to send ahead each day

I think we may end up relying on instant noodles for Pat's breakfast That worked well last time.
Will all depend on my weight loss and fitness program and if I can 'tote' the extra weight...

 

[GerN]

I thought my Dad was bad enough bringing the travel kettle with him when we go tomorrow. Wait until I tell him about the lady and her Rice pot

 

[Icacos]

I thought my Dad was bad enough bringing the travel kettle with him when we go tomorrow. Wait until I tell him about the lady and her Rice pot

No need for your Dad to take a travel kettle with him. There are those on the forum who swear by the electric coil. And it's much smaller. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ric-coil-changed-my-life-on-the-camino.19167/

And it's not "the lady and her Rice pot." It's the husband who is considering bringing the rice pot out of consideration for his wife. And a very kind fellow he is.

 

[Icacos]

Does anyone by chance read Mandarin?
The Cooker instructions are in Chinese...
At least I think it's Mandarin rather than Cantonese....
It's a bit double Dutch/Chinese to me .......

Interesting that you should ask this. A friend who used to live in Hong Kong told me that although Cantonese and Mandarin are very different languages, they are both written exactly the same.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Yes but be careful with tourist traps. Paella is typical from Valencia. Being a well-known dish out of Spain, it's offered at many tourist towns and cities but, outside of Valencia and the Autonomous Community of Valencia, many times it's a low quality paella or something they present as a paella but wouldn't be considered a paella by a Valencian. I would suggest to avoid eating a paella at any site that shows a picture of it and/or at any site with the paellador logo (pre-cooked paellas). And don't think you'll find paella everywhere out of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and popular turist areas. Some albergues along the French way make paella sometimes even though it isn't typical of that area of Spain. If you have that chance (to eat a home made paella at an albergue), it would be a better alternative than to look for a restaurant along the French Way making it that most likely will be aimed mostly for tourists.

There are tons of rice dishes in Spain (other than paella) so depending on the route you are walking you may find local specialties like, for example, the arroz a la zamorana (Zamora style rice) in Zamora, on the Vía de la Plata.

P.S.: Even in Valencia and the Autonomous community of Valencia there are tourist traps serving bad or low quality paella so it's always a good idea to ask locally where can you eat a good one.

If I had bad paella I never noticed as it was a treat to get it. My next trip I am going to try to avoid the pilgrim meals & learn enough Spanish to know what food is on the menu. Crazy to travel that far & accept whatever was put in front of me, sometimes a person takes that personal journey a bit too far.

 

[Robo]

Wouldn't rice cakes for breakfast work for her also? Buen Camino, SY

Have you tried Rice Cakes
They go OK with a Beer

 

[C clearly]

I would suggest to avoid eating a paella at any site that shows a picture of it and/or at any site with the paellador logo (pre-cooked paellas).

I understand your point. However, I'll put in a word of defense for those non-paellas. Sometimes I ate and enjoyed those meals immensely, even if they were not "authentic."