Spain

I am a minimalist with regard to packing, forsaking all luxuries and most “nice to haves” so this strongly colours the choices I made.

My general impression was that people carried too much stuff. The general rule for long-distance walking is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight. Most novices initially find this an impossible restriction to meet, but is is really a matter of questioning why every item is "needed". For example, men don't "need" to shave, although they might want to -…

July/August walkers need to think about water. On my May/June camino I got by carrying two x 500ml plastic bottles and filling up as required. At the height of summer I would recommend carrying 2 litres (ie 2kg!). One really should drink little and often.

A target of say 3 litres/day is actually pretty meaningless, although such targets are often quoted. The required water intake depends on lots of factors - body size, exertion level, heat conditions, amount of cafe con leche consumed, fruit…

I have just finished a wet Camino Frances in walking shoes and took particular notice of what others were wearing.

My impression is that sandals were a rarity, but sometimes worn for a day or so when blisters made boots/shoes unwearable. I did see a pic of pilgrims walking in sandals (no sox) in heavy rain, which seemed intriguing.

Similarly, traditional heavy leather hiking boots were uncommon. I decided not to take mine because of the weight (1.3 kg vs 0.7kg for shoes). In a day's walking you…

Before my Camino Frances (May 19n - June 21) I had difficulty articulating in a few words just why I wanted to do it. My motivations and reasons were a complex, shifting mixture of specific purposes and half-understood desires that really only took recognisable shape after I had reached Santiago, and, more importantly, Finisterre.

So I thought it might be helpful to give some thought-starters for others who may be grappling with the same difficulty.

My first insights came from a leaflet in the…

I just completed the 800-km Camino Frances (May 19 - June 21). My route took in some non-standard side trips that added to the distance.

I took both the UK CSJ guidebook (2006 edition) (125 gm) and John Brierley’s “A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago” (350 gm) because I could not decide which one to take before I left home. In the event I used mainly the Brierley guide, but cross-checked the CSJ booklet occasionally for any additional information on routes and history.

Brierley turned…

Like many large cities, I was wondering if Madrid had any established spot where people from alternative sub-cultures congregate (ie goth, emo, etc), and where the shops are largely independant record stores and clothing stores aimed at these sub-cultures, a bit like Camden Town in London, but probably on a smaller scale.

Does Madrid have anything like this?

Hi all!

I am being deserted by my boyfriend (he has to go home to work) here in europe and I have about a week to roam around by myself. Id love to go surfing but I am low on funds and would probably need to either find a companion with surfing experience or a surf school. I have surfed before but only for 3 wks.

Does anyone know a good surf town that still has cheap available accomodation in either spain or France?
Is there a good spot to rent surfboards (no longboards please) or get surf lessons…

Hi there,

Next weekend we will be in Valencia!

Which (tapas/paella)restaurants should not be missed?
Off course it have to be great Spanish food (only fish is not my favorite).

Any special / recommended (beautiful / fun) places for (nice) coffee, breakfast, ice-creams, bars or outside people watching venues?
other recommendations for having a good time in the evening / night?

All should be affordable, but old style or brand new; doesn't matter as long as it's a vibrant place.
Just for the two of us…

OK, I just wrote another note "what can I do in Spain between July 5-9th" and I'm an idiot!

What are the chances of getting from Madrid to Pamplona on the 5th? and HOW do I do it... doesn't look like there's a train. I don't want to run... but who could passup the chance to see some gore! lol

I don't know if I'll be able to stay the night either with such a last minute decision- but I'd like any advice I can get about it.

Thanks so much,
Pix

Hi,

I will be staying in Barcelona from August 2nd to the 7th and I`d like to hear of any decent central party hostels that anyone could recommend to me.

Thanks,
Ollie.