If I put it in writing, I'll be committed.

[Gaenhart]

Ola Peregrinos todos.

After five years of preparation and setbacks, I'm "all set" in my mind for a March 2018 launch from St Jean Pied de Port. The good thing about the delays - been practicing my Spanish (oh how I wish I was gifted at languages!) and I conned a friend into going. The bad thing about the delays - a little loss of enthusiasm and a heck of a loss of condition. But now with less than 18 months to go, it's time to shed about 15Kgs, up the exercise regime, and test test test the equipment. I've lurked on the Forums for a number of years and some of the comments/advice, the photos, the stories and blogs I've read make me feel I have walked the way many times over. I send Thanks to all of you.

Leaving St Jean late March suggests we won't go up the Napoleon Way because of weather conditions/closures, but secretly hoping that we might still be able to. If I don't do it this time, I'll have to do it the next time. Since it's a Spring 'adventure' I am sure to find that the rain/snow/chills in Spain etc. If anyone has further advice on the journey at this time of year, I'd consume it with glee.

OH... did anyone use Google translate (or similar) on their pilgrimage? Was it inconvenient or a great help? I will still prefer to speak and learn as I go, but I just wonder what the protocol/etiquette is for something like that.

Gracias
Gaenhart

 

[dougfitz]

It must be exciting to be planning. 2018 might seem a while off, but I know how quickly the time can fly when you have a clear goal set. Two points:

1. on the basis of the current regulations, the Route Napoleon will not open before 1 Apr, and to that extent, secretly hoping it will open early will just lead to secret disappointment! Plan to leave later if you really want to cross using the Napoleon Route, and even then there might be weather issues that keep it closed.
2. I used Google translate, and found it greatly assisted. I downloaded the languages files I wanted, so that I was not dependent on having in internet connection to use the app. That wasn't always successful, as there were times when it wouldn't work without the connection, and times when it would. I didn't get around to figuring out why. In the extreme, I would show the person what I was trying to say, but mainly used it to translate from English to Spanish to get the phrasing correct. I also set a few stock phrases as favourites so I could recall them quickly.

Enjoy your planning and preparation. And buen camino for 2018.

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome Gaenhart, remember that by going by Valcarlos, you are going the original way, the Napoleon way was a later route. I used Google translate to prepare phrases I needed when I got usable wifi in the albergues, usually the night before. This way I picked up enough Spanish to order meals and book ahead. As you said, I learned as I walked. I still don't have much Spanish, just enough to get by.
Have a great Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[Kanga]

Well @Gaenhart you are now committed and You Will Make It. I too had some fitness to gain before my first camino and it was a great incentive - I formulated a couple of little mantras and would mutter them to myself when I pushed away the plate or my body up a hill ("I will make it happen" being one).

 

[Gaenhart]

@dougfitz. I've seen your comments over the past few years on many different topics, and your suggestions are always to the point and helpful. Thanks, I'll discard my secret hope and let the Camino do what it will. Thanks also for the notes re Google. Good ideas about the phrases. I'll do exactly as you suggested and get a few phrases backed up.

@wayfarer - In all the preparations, I never thought to plan for ordering meals. Facepalm time! So, great tip thanks.

@Kanga - "I will make it happen" Thank you.