What to order at a bar whose restroom I use?

[Rebequa]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

 

[SabsP]

Aquarius.
A bottle of water ( which you can refill and reuse at later moments ).
A chocolatebar.

Also perfectly exceptable to leave a 0.50 € coin on the counter when you went to the toilet.So no need to buy anything.

 

[RJM]

Since for the most part I use the great outdoors on the Camino as my restroom (#1 folks, spare me any lecturing about TP on the path) if I'm using the restroom at a cafe it's because I've already stopped there to eat or drink, or both.

 

[Grousedoctor]

When nature calls, I find it’s also a good time for a café con leche or a café solo break. I find that a shot of coffee helps to keep the old, tired feet moving forward plus it’s an opportunity to take my pack off for a few minutes. Plus, I don’t need much of an excuse to stop at a cafe/bar particularly when filled with locals and pilgrims.

 

[Rebequa]

Aquarius.
A bottle of water ( which you can refill and reuse at later moments ).
A chocolatebar.

Also perfectly exceptable to leave a 0.50 € coin on the counter when you went to the toilet.So no need to buy anything.

Thanks so much! Ooh, I hadn't even thought about the coin idea -- love it!

 

[trecile]

Also perfectly exceptable to leave a 0.50 € coin on the counter when you went to the toilet.

If questioned about it you can say "para los servicios."

 

[SabsP]

Thanks so much! Ooh, I hadn't even thought about the coin idea -- love it!

Of course I should have written " acceptable". Mental note to self : do not type when tired.

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

I almost always ordered an aquarius. I needed the fluids with electrolytes. And they were usually nice and cold which was heavenly after walking for a few hours.

I also often ordered some sort of pastry or a tortilla de potata for breakfast. They don't expect you to order much. It is easy to order something small, go the the toilets, eat or drink, and leave. I often spent 10 minutes or less at the bar while others spent an hour or two.

And yes - if you need to use the toilets but don't want anything to eat or drink - just give them a 0.50 € coin.

And as someone mentioned - I don't always wait until a bar to take care of my personal needs and I am more than willing to pee somewhere outside if need be (and I don't leave toilet paper behind). Other business I won't do outside unless it is an emergency and I just can't wait (rare - but that can happen) - but I still don't leave TP behind.

 

[NorthernLight]

A yogurt, fruit, a pastry (all of which could be carried with you for later), a café solo. Watch for what they have out on the counter, under a glass dome, or what the locals are eating.

 

[mspath]

Hot coffee and fresh toastadas or hot chocolate con churros were always tastey on cold winter days.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I often order nothing, but hold up a euro coin for the bartender to see, I smile and plop it on the counter as I point to the back, and he nods his head in an "ok", knowing what I want.

 

[Flog]

Pfft.. I just sneak in past and use the WC. If there's a half toilet roll that I can get in my pocket I usually grab that too, in case I need it later. If I spot a decent piece of leftover tortilla or something at an empty table I usually scoop that up too as I slip out, usually unnoticed, but I give a friendly shrug and smile if anyone says anything.. no point in wasting stuff..

 

[ParrisPair]

For me
Pre 10am: Cafe con leche
10am to 12: zumo de naranja
After 12: cerveza

 

[Blister Bill]

Pfft.. I just sneak in past and use the WC. If there's a half toilet roll that I can get in my pocket I usually grab that too, in case I need it later. If I spot a decent piece of leftover tortilla or something at an empty table I usually scoop that up too as I slip out, usually unnoticed, but I give a friendly shrug and smile if anyone says anything.. no point in wasting stuff..

Lol - careful irony is often missed on here...or were you I usually try for a bag of prunes to get my money's worth !

 

[Rick M]

The Coca Cola Company doesn't sell Aquarius on the west side of the ocean, but they sure do in Spain. Orange or lemon flavor, it tastes like a fruit soda drink, but its lightly sugared, and filled with electrolytes. Every bar has it. Tastes more like a carbonated Gatorade than anything else. If you are a sweater (not the cozy fuzzy kind, but the soggy smelly kind), its essential to ward off dehydration and cramping. I usually have two a day....at the stops where we change the fluids.

 

[dougfitz]

Pfft.. I just sneak in past and use the WC. If there's a half toilet roll that I can get in my pocket I usually grab that too, in case I need it later. If I spot a decent piece of leftover tortilla or something at an empty table I usually scoop that up too as I slip out, usually unnoticed, but I give a friendly shrug and smile if anyone says anything.. no point in wasting stuff..

Other's mightn't believe you, but I do 😇

 

[Camino Chrissy]

For me
Pre 10am: Cafe con leche
10am to 12: zumo de naranja
After 12: cerveza

The early morning cafe con leche purchase is a given.🙂
I, too, often purchase a Zumo de naranja mid-day.😋
Alcohol only after I'm finished for the day.🥴

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

The Coca Cola Company doesn't sell Aquarius on the west side of the ocean, but they sure do in Spain. Orange or lemon flavor, it tastes like a fruit soda drink, but its lightly sugared, and filled with electrolytes. Every bar has it. Tastes more like a carbonated Gatorade than anything else. If you are a sweater (not the cozy fuzzy kind, but the soggy smelly kind), its essential to ward off dehydration and cramping. I usually have two a day....at the stops where we change the fluids.

Doesn't taste like carbonated anything to me. I couldn't drink it if it were carbonated - carbonation is medically forbidden for me. But yes - similar to Gatorade or Powerade - but better. If your lucky - they add a slice of orange to your orange Aquarius and a slice of lemon to your lemon Aquarius! It really is the best for rehydrating me. The Aquarius zero is very good too - but I never saw that on the Frances. I did find it on the Norte - sometimes.

 

[april_pdx]

The Coca Cola Company doesn't sell Aquarius on the west side of the ocean, but they sure do in Spain. Orange or lemon flavor, it tastes like a fruit soda drink, but its lightly sugared, and filled with electrolytes. Every bar has it. Tastes more like a carbonated Gatorade than anything else. If you are a sweater (not the cozy fuzzy kind, but the soggy smelly kind), its essential to ward off dehydration and cramping. I usually have two a day....at the stops where we change the fluids.

Things I didn't expect to look forward to on my Camino: drinking these.

Seriously, this sounds amazing.
Edit: Apparently they're also sold in Japan and a ton of other countries! It was originally intended to compete with the Japanese drink Pocari Sweat:

Aquarius (beverage) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[CWBuff]

Most of the time Kaz Lemon worked for me

 

[camino07]

I leave a euro . Often it is refused.

 

[Guy Strachan]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

Sorry but it's really not rocket science ie bottled water, beer, coffee, soft drinks, tortilla, Torta de Santiago, bocadillos of all varieties, not to mention fresh fruit such as oranges, apples, bananas (and/or chocolate bars if you want more of a cocoa/sugar hit!).
Much better variety and quality of product than we generally find in UK cafes!
If not needing any of this stuff 50 cents or a Euro if you're feeling flush (haha!) is the going rate for a visit to the servicios.

 

[ken2116]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

In the US I always leave buck or order water. My French brother-in-law explained that it's customary in France for bar restrooms to be open to all, no payment expected, but I still felt better leaving something. I don't know about Spain.

 

[trecile]

In the US I always leave buck or order water. My French brother-in-law explained that it's customary in France for bar restrooms to be open to all, no payment expected, but I still felt better leaving something. I don't know about Spain.

I think that the difference between bars in France and those on the Camino in Spain is that the bars on the Camino see a lot more foot traffic of people who use their services but don't stay and order something.

 

[Dem]

Thanks so much! Ooh, I hadn't even thought about the coin idea -- love it!

Kas Limon ~ very refreshing ~

 

[Sharonih]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

I always purchase something in the bar/cafe as the owners pay for the toilet paper/electricity/staff to clean/the equipment that we use. So I buy a coffee and pastry or sandwich.

 

[Mananath]

Cafe con leche or Lemon Kas

 

[dagreen]

Try a carajillo from time to time. It is a café solo with your choice of alcohol. Try un carajillo de baileys or un carajillo de brandy or coñac. They only cost an about a euro more than a coffee.

 

[David Tallan]

Pfft.. I just sneak in past and use the WC. If there's a half toilet roll that I can get in my pocket I usually grab that too, in case I need it later. If I spot a decent piece of leftover tortilla or something at an empty table I usually scoop that up too as I slip out, usually unnoticed, but I give a friendly shrug and smile if anyone says anything.. no point in wasting stuff..

Why go all the way to the WC? Surely there is a quiet corner....

 

[JimDerry]

We usually ordered a Scheppes tonica water! The quinine in helped keep us healthy!
Found them pretty much everywhere that was making drinks.

 

[Marbe2]

Depends upon the time of day, and where we are on a the trail and how far from the next stop we might be. Common sense prevails…
I may order a larger bottle of water,fill-up two half-liters and drink the third. A piece of fruit, a Zumo, a coffee or tea, toast, a candy bar, soup, etc.

 

[SabsP]

We usually ordered a Scheppes tonica water! The quinine in helped keep us healthy!
Found them pretty much everywhere that was making drinks.

If not Schweppes tonica brand then the other main brand is Nordic Mist.

 

[henrythedog]

Of course I should have written " acceptable". Mental note to self : do not type when tired.

I wouldn’t be in the least surprised if you were a ‘Private Eye’ reader in which the description ‘tired and emotional’ is a euphemism for my typical state during my more regrettable posts (also arguments, proposals of marriage, ill-conceived decisions to participate in failed coups and so-on )

 

[Camino Lily]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

I walked in the summer and would grab an ice cold drink or ice cream if I needed to stop and use the restroom. Some bars even had chairs and tables outside for a quick break.

 

[SabsP]

I wouldn’t be in the least surprised if you were a ‘Private Eye’ reader in which the description ‘tired and emotional’ is a euphemism for my typical state during my more regrettable posts (also arguments, proposals of marriage, ill-conceived decisions to participate in failed coups and so-on )

Ha . I know indeed what is meant by " tired and emotional" in this context but no, I make these errors being fully sober.

 

[Annette london]

We usually ordered a Scheppes tonica water! The quinine in helped keep us healthy!
Found them pretty much everywhere that was making drinks.

The tonic water will hydrate you but I don’t think there’s much quinine in it for health benefits
There’s a lot of sugar in a bottle of it however

I don’t tend to worry about what’s in the tonic though, especially when I add a few gins

 

[Annette london]

I usually opt for diet tonic if available and can't tell the difference. I'm not much into hard liquor, but I enjoy a refreshing g&t with a slice of lime, especially in the summer.🙂

I’ve hardly ever seen diet tonic in the bars on the Camino, and only very seldom in the supermarkets, and then only in large bottles
A large bottle of tonic and a bottle of gin would be too heavy for the rucksack though!
A G n T is definitely refreshing in the summer
its not bad in the winter either, or spring, or autumn
Slainte/cheers Chris

 

[Rozenn]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

Agua con gas!!Always healthy !!1 or 2 € max

 

[Jas_LB]

If I’ve had too many breakfasts/ cafe con leche, then I always just ended up going for a banana or some other piece of fruit (if available). Can always munch on it during the walk.

 

[Jas_LB]

Agua con gas!!Always healthy !!1 or 2 € max

Yes, I forgot, this for me too (or fruit)! Thirst quencher indeed.

 

[ken2116]

I think that the difference between bars in France and those on the Camino in Spain is that the bars on the Camino see a lot more foot traffic of people who use their services but don't stay and order something.

That's a good point. I feel showing appreciation by either purchasing something or leaving perhaps a Euro is the decent thing to do.

 

[Thejonsez]

ColaCao was my favorite especially if it was a cold or rainy day. It's a hot cocoa mix that was at every bar and Cafe in Spain. I'd be given a cup of steamed milk, the ColaCao packet and often a cookie.

 

[David Tallan]

The tonic water will hydrate you but I don’t think there’s much quinine in it for health benefits
There’s a lot of sugar in a bottle of it however

I don’t tend to worry about what’s in the tonic though, especially when I add a few gins

I believe that quinine was added as a malaria preventative. I don't believe malaria is an issue on the Camino, though. It is carried by some mosquitos, not by bed bugs.

 

[estorildon]

Just like I have done for ages, after my early morning cafe and the urge finally hits me. I stop for a small beer or glass of rose and pay 2 euros. Duh!

 

[Kathy F.]

If my timing is right, I get a Fanta Orange and later use the restroom.
If my timing isn't right, I ask "permiso" (haven't been refused yet), and leave a coin. usually less than a euro.

 

[BennyB]

I almost always ordered an aquarius. I needed the fluids with electrolytes. And they were usually nice and cold which was heavenly after walking for a few hours.

I also often ordered some sort of pastry or a tortilla de potata for breakfast. They don't expect you to order much. It is easy to order something small, go the the toilets, eat or drink, and leave. I often spent 10 minutes or less at the bar while others spent an hour or two.

And yes - if you need to use the toilets but don't want anything to eat or drink - just give them a 0.50 € coin.

And as someone mentioned - I don't always wait until a bar to take care of my personal needs and I am more than willing to pee somewhere outside if need be (and I don't leave toilet paper behind). Other business I won't do outside unless it is an emergency and I just can't wait (rare - but that can happen) - but I still don't leave TP behind.

Is there something wrong with digging a cat hole and burying all of the evidence? Asking for a friend.

 

[Mycroft]

Aquarius.
A bottle of water ( which you can refill and reuse at later moments ).
A chocolatebar.

Also perfectly exceptable to leave a 0.50 € coin on the counter when you went to the toilet.So no need to buy anything.

As one who is a vegetarian, does not drink coffee or alcohol or soft drinks, I am happy to learn leaving .50 euro is acceptable. Thanks!

 

[dougfitz]

Is there something wrong with digging a cat hole and burying all of the evidence? Asking for a friend.

Quite a lot, actually. The camino routes are generally not wilderness areas, although there are some parts that do go through forested areas. So you are going to be doing your business either close to the camino itself, or on someone's private property if you do move far enough off the camino to follow the general guidance on this. Moreover, while your 'friend' might be disciplined enough to follow the general guidance about depth and coverage, it is not good practice to leave TP in place, but to have some mechanism to carry it out. And finally, there are very few circumstances where it is necessary to do so. Just because toilets are in bars or other such places does not give anyone an excuse to avoid them and then do their business some distance further on when the urge to do something they could have done in a town or village suddenly becomes so compelling they cannot avoid defecating where they are.

ps your 'friend' would be quite welcome to join the forum, rather than have you act as an intermediary.

 

[Rebequa]

As one who is a vegetarian, does not drink coffee or alcohol or soft drinks, I am happy to learn leaving .50 euro is acceptable. Thanks!

Yes! I’m similar.

 

[BennyB]

Quite a lot, actually. The camino routes are generally not wilderness areas, although there are some parts that do go through forested areas. So you are going to be doing your business either close to the camino itself, or on someone's private property if you do move far enough off the camino to follow the general guidance on this. Moreover, while your 'friend' might be disciplined enough to follow the general guidance about depth and coverage, it is not good practice to leave TP in place, but to have some mechanism to carry it out. And finally, there are very few circumstances where it is necessary to do so. Just because toilets are in bars or other such places does not give anyone an excuse to avoid them and then do their business some distance further on when the urge to do something they could have done in a town or village suddenly becomes so compelling they cannot avoid defecating where they are.

ps your 'friend' would be quite welcome to join the forum, rather than have you act as an intermediary.

The friend is a member. Just shy. Thanks for your pronouncement.

 

[Flog]

Is there something wrong with digging a cat hole and burying all of the evidence? Asking for a friend.

Nothing at all wrong with that if you find yourself stuck out in the open between villages and you've no choice. But it's not much fun and frankly, it's messy and inconvenient..

Much better and more hygienic if you can, to just slip into a bar or restaurant, order a beer or coffee and use their facilities..

 

[trecile]

Is there something wrong with digging a cat hole and burying all of the evidence? Asking for a friend.

As @dougfitz and @Flog said because it's normally simply not necessary.

Nothing at all wrong with that if you find yourself stuck out in the open between villages and you've no choice. But it's not much fun and frankly, it's messy and inconvenient..

Much better and more hygienic if you can, to just slip into a bar or restaurant, order a beer or coffee and use their facilities..

 

[katkins_in]

The problem with purchasing anything caffeinated to make up for needing a toilet is... needing to pat for a toilet for having bought something caffeinated!

I really like my backpacker's bidet and lightweight shovel (and the luck of being able to find a secluded, accessible-ish, off-path place to take care of the "business" caffeine has peristatically foisted on my innards.

 

[Stivandrer]

I leave a euro . Often it is refused.

taken that coffee cost 1 to 1½ Euro, why not just order a coffee and..? and get the weight off your feet.
Using facilities without supporting the shop is rude and when it includes snatching half a roll of loo paper like Flog suggests is working against a healthy relationship btw patrons and customers, and will reflect bad on others..we need the goodwill of one another...
Sorry but that is juvenile IMHO..knowing that you will do it anyway...

ps heard from this particular poster; I was duped into not taking the irony of what he wrote! that sometimes happens to me !!

 

[Flog]

Using facilities without supporting the shop is rude and when it includes snatching half a roll of loo paper like Flog suggests is working against a healthy relationship btw patrons and customers, and will reflect bad on others..we need the goodwill of one another...
Sorry but that is juvenile IMHO..knowing that you will do it anyway...

Virkelig? Troede du at min kommentar var seriøs?🙄

 

[SabsP]

taken that coffee cost 1 to 1½ Euro, why not just order a coffee and..? and get the weight off your feet.
Using facilities without supporting the shop is rude and when it includes snatching half a roll of loo paper like Flog suggests is working against a healthy relationship btw patrons and customers, and will reflect bad on others..we need the goodwill of one another...
Sorry but that is juvenile IMHO..knowing that you will do it anyway...

Using the toilet and giving a coin is perfectly acceptable. Like some posters already mentioned: not everyone wants to drink something. Some of us have weak bladders and do not want to stop x-amount kilometers later for another toiletbreak.Etcetera etcetera.

And I'm sure that @Flog used a good dose of irony in his post.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Sometimes it's acceptable to not have anything. But I always get something in any case, though be aware that on occasion, a bar or café may have no toilets ...

Otherwise, depending on how you feel, water, red wine, coffee, a beer can be fine.

And it's not infrequent for a bar to have 1.5L bottles of water for refill purposes.

Otherwise, red wine can help slightly with muscle pain and beer can help slightly with pain generally and with quick rehydration, but I will add that in hot weather and you are hot, have lost fluids and minerals etc, a cold coke really can help as a general restorative.

Of course, these are all just drinks, and make sure to have your prescription meds if you need them, but it's still a good idea to keep in mind how the ordinary food and drink may keep us generally restored along the Way.

 

[David Bedlow]

I do not think buying water in a plastic container is good. Surely most people have a metal water container they refill? I have walked four different caminos but never heard of Aquarius. I will look out for it in Portugal this Spring and will taste test it.

 

[BennyB]

Nothing at all wrong with that if you find yourself stuck out in the open between villages and you've no choice. But it's not much fun and frankly, it's messy and inconvenient..

Much better and more hygienic if you can, to just slip into a bar or restaurant, order a beer or coffee and use their facilities..

Thanks, Flog. At 75 our system has a mind of its own. So when you least expect it…and at the most inconvenient time…well you get the idea.

 

[Stivandrer]

Virkelig? Troede du at min kommentar var seriøs?🙄

´gu gjorde jeg så !

 

[henrythedog]

I do not think buying water in a plastic container is good. Surely most people have a metal water container they refill? I have walked four different caminos but never heard of Aquarius. I will look out for it in Portugal this Spring and will taste test it.

I don’t think it’s indefensible to buy a couple of 500ml bottles of water and re-use the bottles for a few weeks.

Aquarius, on the other hand, is a ‘sports drink’ (water plus electrolytes and something sugary I suppose) made by Coca-Cola. Personally, I’d just refill my water bottles.

 

[Kathy F.]

I advise all my peregrina friends to NEVER pass up an opportunity to use a flush toilet when the opportunity presents itself. Even if you don't feel the "urge" at that particular moment, do it anyway. It may save lots of stress.

 

[trecile]

I advise all my peregrina friends to NEVER pass up an opportunity to use a flush toilet when the opportunity presents itself. Even if you don't feel the "urge" at that particular moment, do it anyway. It may save lots of stress.

Just like I used to tell my kids before we left the house - I don't care if you have to go now, just try. 😅

 

[april_pdx]

but I will add that in hot weather and you are hot, have lost fluids and minerals etc, a cold coke really can help as a general restorative.

Back when me and my then-boyfriend did a lot of long-distance bicycle touring, we found that splitting a 16oz bottle of Coke about 2/3rds through the day's miles really helped. I'm sure some of it was just a chance to stop and rest and get a little sugar and caffeine. Our bottles of water by then were usually warm and tasted of plastic, to boot. (Or worse--in the prairie provinces of Canada I bought packets of Tang powder because the local well water often had a strong taste that made it hard to drink enough water, period.)

I don't know how many hot afternoons included us sitting on the curb of a convenience store or gas station next to our fully-loaded bicycles and passing a bottle of Coke or Dr. Pepper back and forth while discussing where we were camping next. Sometimes we also got potato chips--I'm still not sure what flavor "All-Dressed" is supposed to be, lol.

There was also once I remember we stopped at the local tiny grocery and I saw quarts of Five Alive, a juice blend I hadn't seen in yeeeears. I bought one as a treat, and it was so good I nearly drank the whole thing in one go. I swear, having that much sugar hit me all at once was as good as getting a tailwind!

(I always wonder how many other Camino walkers are/have been bicycle tourists. I think the activities have a lot in common. I might post about that, somewhere else.)

 

[Rebequa]

Sometimes it's acceptable to not have anything. But I always get something in any case, though be aware that on occasion, a bar or café may have no toilets ...

Otherwise, depending on how you feel, water, red wine, coffee, a beer can be fine.

And it's not infrequent for a bar to have 1.5L bottles of water for refill purposes.

Otherwise, red wine can help slightly with muscle pain and beer can help slightly with pain generally and with quick rehydration, but I will add that in hot weather and you are hot, have lost fluids and minerals etc, a cold coke really can help as a general restorative.

Of course, these are all just drinks, and make sure to have your prescription meds if you need them, but it's still a good idea to keep in mind how the ordinary food and drink may keep us generally restored along the Way.

Very helpful! Thanks.

 

[jsalt]

though be aware that on occasion, a bar or café may have no toilets ...

Ah, that's interesting, I was under the impression that it was not legal to operate a bar or restaurant without toilet facilities. Has anyone found such a place recently? Just curious. (Ramon's place in "The Way" does not count 🤣.)

 

[Pipmahoe]

The scenario: I've walked, had some breakfast, walked some more. I stop in a bar/café to use their restroom. To show appreciation, I want to buy something. What beverages would be useful to my body at this point? Or what's a packable/portable snack they typically sell? --My apologies if this is TOO specific, but on my first Camino (Astorga to SdC)I didn't have a grasp of what bars serve, so I ended up ordering Zumo every time! (which is delicious, of course!)

Aquarius -a lovely refreshing drink!

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

I do not think buying water in a plastic container is good. Surely most people have a metal water container they refill? I have walked four different caminos but never heard of Aquarius. I will look out for it in Portugal this Spring and will taste test it.

Just back from central Portugal. I had never seen this in cafés there, so looked it up on 2 online grocery chains (Pingo Doce and Continente). They DO sell it, but it doesn't look as if it's very common.

For Portugal, the most common fruit drink in bars is Sumol, which comes in orange and pineapple. If you want fizzy water, Pedras is the most common brand (pronounced "ped-rush," more or less). Pedras also comes in a slightly sweetened lemon version which is pretty good, if you don't like plain agua con gaz.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

If questioned about it you can say "para los servicios."

Except that on my recent walk on the Salvador and Primitivo I was informed that it is now prohibited to charge for bathroom use.
I could not determine if that applied only in Asturias (I was told when I arrived in Mieres that they could not accept money for use of the toilets, and I apologized because I really did not need a beer or chips) or extended into Galicia as well, for I did not have enough need for bathroom use without also being in need of a snack. I did see a bar on arrival at the outskirts of Tineo that had a sign to indicate that the toilets were for customers only (which was fine as I was starving and in need of coffee). So places may have their ways of avoiding giving away loo paper and having to clean up after dozens if not hundreds of pilgrims per day…
Does anyone know about other regions? I didn’t need services in Castille-León, nor, as I noted, in Galicia.
Also: it is not customary in Por tubal and the bar-keepers can be quite offended if you try to leave anything for the use of the toilets. Once I had a barkeepers hand me back my euro and say to me in French (because I had asked for the washroom location in French), “This is not Spain, and we do not charge for you to be comfortable.” It was quite something!

 

[Robo]

I do not think buying water in a plastic container is good. Surely most people have a metal water container they refill? I have walked four different caminos but never heard of Aquarius. I will look out for it in Portugal this Spring and will taste test it.

Not really. Too heavy,
I use two 'one use' 600 mm plastic water bottles that I bring from home, and refill as I go.
10 gms each.

How could you have missed Aquarius?
Magical stuff on a hot day.

I generally have one during the last couple of hours walking as a 'boost'.