lisaandkids
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- may 2024
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On the final 8-month 3,000K stage of my last 5,000K Camino -- maybe 3 times ? But yeah, carry a small roll of loo paper in a little plastic bag ...For instance, I read about "a nature poo" and to be prepared.
Only some places with very poor plumbing have any such rule.I walked with a friend who lives in Madrid. She told me they don't flush toilet paper in Spain
I've come across this once in Spain - it was very, very clear - labels everywhere in Spanish English German and I think Korean.walked with a friend who lives in Madrid. She told me they don't flush toilet paper in Spain
True - but beware! Don't try and do that in a small green grocer or convenience store without asking, you'll get told off! Sometimes only the attendant is allowed to touch the produce.If you are buying produce at a larger grocery store, weigh it at the scale in that section and get a printed sticker for it. They do not do it at the register
This is excellent advice and can be applied to bars, post offices, bus and rail stations and even busy city road intersections.I usually just kind of watch what other shoppers are doing
Hi Everyone,
I've been reading various books and blogs and it struck me that perhaps I should ask about those things that either no one talks about or that you thought "I really wish I knew that before I began". For instance, I read about "a nature poo" and to be prepared. It might not apply to me because we are doing the last 100 miles rather than a long walker but it's the type of thing no one really mentions. There was also a guy that couldn't get water filled at a fountain because he didn't realize the fountain operated with foot pedals. Do any of you have anything to share that isn't mentioned in the books or blogs because it's embarrassing or not of real note but still important? We are American so we aren't familiar with European customs either.
I only came across one place in a tiny village where there was a notice to say that toilet paper must not be flushed. As far as I know (and I've been to Spain since 1968 maybe 50 times or more), you can use toilets in Spain just like any other first-world country. I have never been told not to flush toilet paper in Spain, apart from that one time.I walked with a friend who lives in Madrid. She told me they don't flush toilet paper in Spain and she assumed Portugal. She said the garbage can beside the toilet is for your toilet paper. It is a REALLY hard habit to break. I probably only did it about 40% of the time!
My wife and I brought very lightweight small backpacks, like the one available from Sea to Summit (there are others), to use for grocery shopping. They turned out to be very helpful when we both caught colds and didn't want to carry our main packs for a week. We sent everything ahead each day, and used the smaller packs to carry water and other essentials.Bring a re-usable shopping bag. The shops/markets often don't have plastic ones
the Basques much prefer hearing courtesies in Euskara than Spanish.I really wish I knew that
A universal sink/basin stopper is useful, esp for washing clothes. There often is none providedHi Everyone,
I've been reading various books and blogs and it struck me that perhaps I should ask about those things that either no one talks about or that you thought "I really wish I knew that before I began". For instance, I read about "a nature poo" and to be prepared. It might not apply to me because we are doing the last 100 miles rather than a long walker but it's the type of thing no one really mentions. There was also a guy that couldn't get water filled at a fountain because he didn't realize the fountain operated with foot pedals. Do any of you have anything to share that isn't mentioned in the books or blogs because it's embarrassing or not of real note but still important? We are American so we aren't familiar with European customs either.
I returned from walking the Camino on Gran Canaria just a few days ago. Every toilet in the hostel in Las Palmas where I stayed for several days had a notice requesting that nothing 'flushable' including toilet paper went down the toilet pan. Bins provided for disposal of toilet paper, sanitary products and all other waste. Not all that unusual in my own experience in Spain.I have never been told not to flush toilet paper in Spain, apart from that one time.
In the transport to / from category:
Depending on the airline, they will expect you to go up to the gate with your boarding pass some time prior to boarding, which they will manually check against your passport. And for the love of all that's holy, make sure your passport has at least 6 months left before it expires...
Also depending on the airline, they will weigh your roller bags prior to boarding ( both ways). If your bag is overweight, they will expect you to check it. They don't tend to weigh backpacks unless it's egregiously oversized.
Back to surprises... check out the discussions on cultural communications.
Keys to private rooms often work on the German "two full turns to lock/ unlock" system (Germany is where I first encountered it).
Toilet flush mechanisms will vary from anything you've likely seen before.
Ditto except mine is from Decathlon, 18l, ways only about 120 grams and packs super small. Ideal for grocery shopping, exploring the town, or if you get stuck and have to use bag transport as above.My wife and I brought very lightweight small backpacks, like the one available from Sea to Summit (there are others), to use for grocery shopping. They turned out to be very helpful when we both caught colds and didn't want to carry our main packs for a week. We sent everything ahead each day, and used the smaller packs to carry water and other essentials.
It's also "C" in Spain for caliente, though it seems like at least half the showers I've used are plumbed backwards.And if you are in France, "C" is for chaud (hot)
This is REALLY important in all of Europe, possibly even more so in France. I have been asked numerous times by travellers from the other side of the Atlantic "why are the locals so rude?" when I have witnessed said traveller walk up to a bar and, without preamble, bark out "hi, gimme a (beer, coffee, whatever)."Whenever you have to order something or ask for something, say ´buenas dias´ and wait for a response before saying what you want. Interaction before transaction.
Very important in Spain: Politeness/respect.This is REALLY important in all of Europe, possibly even more so in France. I have been asked numerous times by travellers from the other side of the Atlantic "why are the locals so rude?" when I have witnessed said traveller walk up to a bar and, without preamble, bark out "hi, gimme a (beer, coffee, whatever)."
It always makes me wish the ground would open up and swallow me. Even if you've come to tell him his car is on fire, addressing a Spanish bartender/shopkeeper without wishing him/her a good day, and waiting for a response, will brand you as an uncouth Yahoo. (The Swiftian kind.)
Coming from @Tincatinker, I suppose it's something containing more alcohol than sour milk.Ok - I'll bite. What is a Pingui in this context?
That depends on the store. Some weigh your stuff at the register.If you are buying produce at a larger grocery store, weigh it at the scale in that section and get a printed sticker for it. They do not do it at the register
Or this?Ok - I'll bite. What is a Pingui in this context? My mind has just gone in two different directions: the Monty Python 'albatross' sketch and the 2010 Xacobeo mascot!
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Discovering backwards plumbing in the showers/tubs is definitely not unusual. In addition, there are often different styles and shapes of the fixtures, so a "learning curve" is needed before stepping in a shower or tub in any European country for me.It's also "C" in Spain for caliente, though it seems like at least half the showers I've used are plumbed backwards.
In this context it’s a portion of Morcilla bothered on the plancha till it gets a bit of char, a quails egg cracked onto the plancha, the both served in a toasted bun with blue cheese and a squelch of Almond mayo. Helps to take the edge off the afternoon tintos.Ok - I'll bite. What is a Pingui in this context? My mind has just gone in two different directions: the Monty Python 'albatross' sketch and the 2010 Xacobeo mascot!
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That's Greece, not Spain. I have stayed in Madrid several times and walked many Caminos, and never saw any advice to put a$$wipes in trash.I walked with a friend who lives in Madrid. She told me they don't flush toilet paper in Spain and she assumed Portugal. She said the garbage can beside the toilet is for your toilet paper. It is a REALLY hard habit to break. I probably only did it about 40% of the time!
Quite right too! I was once soundly rebuked by a French bus driver for asking him what time the bus left without prefacing my question with a "bonjour monsieur"Very important in Spain: Politeness/respect.
I once asked in the reception of a hotel for the rest room (bath room in the rest of the world; I don't sleep there) by saying "Donde esta il bano?" and got a prompt answer "por favor!!"
She didn't tell me until I added the "please".
It says something about the need of being polite in Spain...
Seems like every shower and sink faucet-set is different and rarely labeled. One never knows which side "Hot" is on or which way to turn the knob/lever, so beware. Fortunately, the water rarely comes out instantly hot, so you are not likely to get scalded. I often turn on both faucets or put the lever in neutral full flow, and then feel the pipes to see which side is hot. Rarely, you might need to turn on the electric water heater before showering; not so much in albergues and hotels, but happens in some AirBNBs and Mom and Pop facilities.The shower fixtures! Sooooo different from the North American versions.
FLOW -- Left. <=====> Right -- TEMP
(And if you are in France, "C" is for chaud (hot) )
Possibly this was an exception, but this past October on the Madrid Way in Spain, we were instructed at one hostel to put "all" our used TP in the receptacle next to the toilets. The bathrooms were impeccably clean and the receptacles emptied often, so thankfully I never noticed anything disgusting.That's Greece, not Spain. I have stayed in Madrid several times and walked many Caminos, and never saw any advice to put a$$wipes in trash.
Agree--just watch what others do. In larger markets, you can collect your own produce, but in small shops, often only the shopkeeper is to touch the produce. Also definitely helpful to have your own shopping bag to avoid having to buy, and use, a plastic one.True - but beware! Don't try and do that in a small green grocer or convenience store without asking, you'll get told off! Sometimes only the attendant is allowed to touch the produce.
I'll rather drink sour milk. I hate it, but blood sausage beats it. Had enough of that stuff in my childhood. The rest of the ingredients are also worse than sour milk, IMHO. And I enjoy the afternoon tintos...In this context it’s a portion of Morcilla bothered on the plancha till it gets a bit of char, a quails egg cracked onto the plancha, the both served in a toasted bun with blue cheese and a squelch of Almond mayo. Helps to take the edge off the afternoon tintos.
Not unlike a cojanuda!In this context it’s a portion of Morcilla bothered on the plancha till it gets a bit of char, a quails egg cracked onto the plancha, the both served in a toasted bun with blue cheese and a squelch of Almond mayo. Helps to take the edge off the afternoon tintos.
The Beloved’s siesta will come to its end soon. The Brass Bands will be kicking off again down by the Belen. Time to find a bar…
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I might have been exaggerating a bit with '10 seconds'; you might get as long as 15 secondsOhhhhh! The water in the shower and "c" for "chaud" NOT cold as in my American mind I would have assumed! and the fixtures! Plus the bathroom light going off after 10 seconds! I would have never known that!
It’s why my Spanish remains at foreigner level no matter how hard I try. Everywhere has got a different name for the same damn thing. Though it is refreshing to be in a part of Spain where there is only one Paella. All the other rice dishes are “arroz a” or “arroz con”. Unless, of course, you are trying to meet the needs of the innocent and your grandmother has already passed. In which case you can offer a carta of 42 different paella and go to confession regularlyNot unlike a cojanuda!
Thank you! I had to Google that to find out if it meant what I thought at first. Apparently not which was something of a relief. Delighted to read in this article that in origin the word is a close match to the somewhat bizarre English use of "the dog's bollocks" as a superlative!Not unlike a cojanuda!
I have come across this on a few occasions in Spain and Portugal. It really isn't unusual.Possibly this was an exception, but this past October on the Madrid Way in Spain, we were instructed at one hostel to put "all" our used TP in the receptacle next to the toilets. The bathrooms were impeccably clean and the receptacles emptied often, so thankfully I never noticed anything disgusting.
I cannot do that. No way. it is SO against my nature. And I am a Grecophil...I have come across this on a few occasions in Spain and Portugal. It really isn't unusual.
Here in Greece it is universal!
Fear not Alex. I have been to a few Greek islands and cities (all tourist destinations) and do not recall having to do that. I suppose it depends how far off the beaten path you are planning to go.I cannot do that. No way. it is SO against my nature. And I am a Grecophil...
The various styles of plumbing are confusing - especially where the shower is in a bath. The first time I couldn't figure how to get the shower to work, while the water was coming out of the spout. Similarly, bathroom sinks/basins have a little stalk behind the spout that you pull up to close the plug, and push to drain. Mostly they don't seal well enough to keep the water in. And baths have a round knob above the drain for the plug!Discovering backwards plumbing in the showers/tubs is definitely not unusual. In addition, there are often different styles and shapes of the fixtures, so a "learning curve" is needed before stepping in a shower or tub in any European country for me.
I have found that in most countries, as in the US, the left tap is hot and the right one is cold.Regarding backwards plumbing - I have found that mostly the US plumbing is backwards to the rest of the world.
Also GreeceGood point, running the gauntlet of poking at the avocados in a small supermercado or tienda to see if they're ripe enough, can get you a slap on the wrist, literally..
But not just in Spain..
as the street fruit sellers in Dublin are apt to shout at you: If ya don't want it, DON'T MAUL IT!!
I too have visited multiple Greek islands and major cities over the years ( plus worked in Greece for two seasons), and have had to do it on many many occasions. Far more often than not. One of the main things it depends on is the age of the plumbing systems. All of the older ones used very small bore pipes and block extremely readily hence the Prohibition. Blame the British. They did the majority of it in the 1930s and 40s and subsequent work was simply done to match.Fear not Alex. I have been to a few Greek islands and cities (all tourist destinations) and do not recall having to do that. I suppose it depends how far off the beaten path you are planning to go.
That makes sense it is common in the older places in Greece with ancient plumbing. I visited Athens, 2 islands, all major cities and tourist sites while touring the entire country via rental car, but I stayed in the cheapest of AirBNB's and Booking hotels. Nearly every place I stayed, ate or drank at had the signs in the bath asking to put TP in trash can. The tour books I read prior to going advised me of this, so I was prepared.I too have visited multiple Greek islands and major cities over the years ( plus worked in Greece for two seasons), and have had to do it on many many occasions. Far more often than not. One of the main things it depends on is the age of the plumbing systems. All of the older ones used very small bore pipes and block extremely readily hence the Prohibition. Blame the British. They did the majority of it in the 1930s and 40s and subsequent work was simply done to match.
Properties that have been renovated or built since I think the late 90s early 2000s - I could be a little out on my timing here - generally have larger pipes fitted when possible. But is I understand it they are still the exception as opposed to the rule.
Incidentally this is also very common ( correction , the norm) in countries like Türkiye and China.
@Camino Chrissy , perhaps you were just fortunate. Or staying at more upmarket establishments than I
The preferred method for my Kurdish friends here in west Wales too. Fortunately a few months in India a long time ago gave me plenty of opportunity to practice the technique. And sadly the urgent necessity on occasion too!In Morroco and most of the Sahel the usual arrangements are a jug and a tap. Having hovered over that little pit you use jug of water and your left hand to do the necessary and dry yourself with your own little towel. What? You haven’t got a towel? Oh well. It’s a warm breeze, you’ll dry soon enough
In Singapore they have a hole in the floor, sometimes porcelain lined, and a couple feet of garden hose. No attendant with hot towels......unless you are in the fancier establishments.In Morroco and most of the Sahel the usual arrangements are a jug and a tap. Having hovered over that little pit you use jug of water and your left hand to do the necessary and dry yourself with your own little towel. What? You haven’t got a towel? Oh well. It’s a warm breeze, you’ll dry soon enough
Even if I had the budget for the fancy establishments with attendants there are some things I would rather do for myself. I'm quite modest that way.No attendant with hot towels......unless you are in the fancier establishments.
A question which has occasionally puzzled me. Why did Robert Baden-Powell - a soldier who had served in both Africa and in India - decide that the Scout movement which he founded and which very rapidly became international and multifaith in its membership should use a left-handed handshake? When physical contact with the left hand is so actively discouraged in many societies? Seems very odd.Which is why it used to be quite the insult in some Arabic and African countries to offer a greeting or to eat with the left hand....which, AFAIK, is not a problem in Spain.
You may want to bring a light source in with you in case your arms, wildly waving in the dark, do not register.If it takes you more than about 10 seconds to satisfy your needs in the toilet, the light will go out. You need to move -- wave your arms -- to get the light to come back on.
I was buying some fruit and the cashier noticed me about 3 people back in line and started telling me to go back and weigh. Didn't really know what I was supposed to do so I just went to put the fruit back then noticed the scales and the number beside each box of produce. So put fruit on scales punched in number and out came the price sticker. I was now a seasoned Spanish grocery shopper.If you are buying produce at a larger grocery store, weigh it at the scale in that section and get a printed sticker for it. They do not do it at the register
Not sure if I was just fortunate or staying at higher end places, but I definitely did not encounter bins for throwing the used TP.@Camino Chrissy , perhaps you were just fortunate. Or staying at more upmarket establishments than I
Not true. Yes, everyone once and awhile you'll need to use the facilities where it has been used by a recently unloaded tour bus of over fifty individuals. So yes it will plug up. Not because of the toilet paper but because it's not designed for that many flushes in that short of time.I walked with a friend who lives in Madrid. She told me they don't flush toilet paper in Spain and she assumed Portugal. She said the garbage can beside the toilet is for your toilet paper. It is a REALLY hard habit to break. I probably only did it about 40% of the time!
You’re metaphorically putting down your shield which would (for the majority) be in the left hand whilst leaving the other party holding their spear. A sign of trust I suppose.A question which has occasionally puzzled me. Why did Robert Baden-Powell - a soldier who had served in both Africa and in India - decide that the Scout movement which he founded and which very rapidly became international and multifaith in its membership should use a left-handed handshake? When physical contact with the left hand is so actively discouraged in many societies? Seems very odd.
Putting toilet paper in the bin is common across plenty places across east, south, north, central and east Europe!Some very nice contributions, but as with so many posts/threads on here, you would need an archaeologist and a monk to extract the pertinent tidbits from the confines of the superfluous.
That’s all for now. Best of luck and success!!!
- Throwing the used TP into a bin is most assuredly the extreme exception. This is Western Europe, not outhouses along the Ganges
- Since so many seem to be preoccupied with the topic of toilet arts, I recommend bringing your favorite flushable toilet wipes from home and a few ziplocks. Carry a few “easy access” in a ziplock, and the remainder in your backpack. Quality flushable wipes were hard to find along Camino Frances.
- It’s your Camino. If you feel tired/slightly injured, don’t be afraid to use Jacotrans, or another backpack transport service. The real tip here is whilst recovering, park your gear at a central hotel that you’re staying at for a few days, then use taxis to transport you back to the Pueblo of your last taxi pickup, so you can continue without “cheating,” but with the comfort and consistency of one hotel room. Advised to have a packable daypack or robust crossbody/waistbag while your main gear is at the hotel room
- Despite the prevailing myths that everyone loves peregrinos, in cities like Burgos, for example, when peregrinos exit the “Camino economic envelope” to enter trendy establishment not normally frequented by peregrinos, they are often - but not always - looked upon as though they are “lower” and unwelcomed by either the clientele, staff, or both. Do your homework before getting into potentially awkward situations
- Partially continuing on from my previous point, a certain population of road bike cyclists are elitistas and seemingly rude/cold towards peregrinos on the Camino and at the cafes. Be prepared for it, and as Marcus Aurelius would espouse, it’s insignificant
- If you are a drinker, there is a drink popular in Basque Country called calimocho or kalimotxo. It’s 50/50 Coca-cola (or Coke Zero) and red wine. Especially some younger people along the Camino, that’s all they drank. It’s best described as a quickly kung-fu’d sangria without the fruit. I wouldn’t order it at a high brow place.
You say the nicest things - this is a sympathetically-moderated forum, not a guidebook - separating the wheat from the chaff is part of the experience. I’m largely chaff unless the discussion is on food and drink.Some very nice contributions, but as with so many posts/threads on here, you would need an archaeologist and a monk to extract the pertinent tidbits from the confines of the superfluous
Bringing the cultural reference down to my level: as the late Ken Dodd would have said, Marcus Aurelius never had to play second house at the Glasgow Empire.as Marcus Aurelius would espouse, it’s insignificant
I hope that the ziplock a are for the used wipes, since even "flushable" wipes shouldn't be put in the toilet.I recommend bringing your favorite flushable toilet wipes from home and a few ziplocks.
Ditto!! @ajpm2222 , Toilet paper is designed to disintegrate in our pipes and sewage systems, but flushable wipes are not. They're typically made with synthetic materials, plastics or polyester, that won't break down. So even if they flush down your toilet, they end up clogging our sewers.I hope that the ziplock a are for the used wipes, since even "flushable" wipes shouldn't be put in the toilet.
It is often is age and ‘quality’ of establishment and I have seen loads in the majority of European countries, particularly in the south and south east. . I tend to stay in cheap, old, located in the suburbs properties to save money, so that figures! There are even ‘squat’ toilets is some euro countries.Not sure if I was just fortunate or staying at higher end places, but I definitely did not encounter bins for throwing the used TP.
Alex may need to investigate his Greece trip a bit more on where to stay to avoid staying in lodgings with narrow plumbing pipes.
True I'd forgotten about those! I knew about them from pictures etc, the first time I came across them was at a cafe in Italy. Rather a surprise. I've since them in many countries.There are even ‘squat’ toilets is some euro countries.
Indeed saw one in Turin a couple of weeks ago. Seem to be popular in places that have a broad ‘balance’ of cultures such as Belgrade, Sarajevo. But yes countries to east, look for the upscale bars and restaurants for the modern ones.True I'd forgotten about those! I knew about them from pictures etc, the first time I came across them was at a cafe in Italy. Rather a surprise. I've since them in many countries.
Still beats the hell out of the giant pits that I came across in China. Horrendous in cold weather, in summer oh my goodness...
You made sure to go to the toilet before lunch....
In many American forest preserves, and national forests we have "pit toilets" which I have used often. Many of them are clean and well taken care of, but when they are not...Still beats the hell out of the giant pits that I came across in China. Horrendous in cold weather, in summer oh my goodness...
I spent six months in India over the winter of 1989/90. On Indian Railways and in some other places there was often a choice between squat toilets or "Western-style" toilets. After mastering the squat technique I generally opted for the squat toilets which were usually much cleaner and better maintained. Less to make contact with.There are even ‘squat’ toilets is some euro countries.
I found it rather disconcerting looking down and seeing the sleepers passing by.I spent six months in India over the winter of 1989/90. On Indian Railways and in some other places there was often a choice between squat toilets or "Western-style" toilets. After mastering the squat technique I generally opted for the squat toilets which were usually much cleaner and better maintained. Less to make contact with.
Sorry. Too good an opportunity to miss and I was half-way through typing. XWhile the descriptions of toileting around the world are interesting, let's please get back to things that are good to know about the Camino.
Same here. Seventeen months in Spain, slept in more than 41 cities/villages without ever even hearing of such a thing. Nor was it suggested to me at the two places I was volunteer staff. Common in Mexico, though. I heard it happens in other Latin American countries, but I didn’t encounter it in El Salvador, Honduras, or Perú.I only came across one place in a tiny village where there was a notice to say that toilet paper must not be flushed. As far as I know (and I've been to Spain since 1968 maybe 50 times or more), you can use toilets in Spain just like any other first-world country. I have never been told not to flush toilet paper in Spain, apart from that one time.
Sometimes you have to get a queue ticket for the butcher shop or butcher counter or cheese shop, etc.
Some times. At other places, the clerk “greets” you with “¡Dime!”Whenever you have to order something or ask for something, say ´buenas dias´ and wait for a response before saying what you want. Interaction before transaction.
Fewer than half of people in País Vasco can actually speak Basque, though no doubt they would still appreciate it. I am amused every time I see graffiti demanding “independentzia” instead of using the Basque word (burujabetasun).the Basques much prefer hearing courtesies in Euskara than Spanish.
We had that rule, but most pilgrims were content to go upstairs with just socks on their feet.Two more things for the list:
1) Most albergues will not allow you to bring your boots to the bunk area — so some sort of recovery shoe/sandal is essential, not just a nice-to-have for walking around later. Knowing this might have influenced my second shoe choice.
Also when you phone, don't expect to hear "Hola, cómo te puede ayudar?" You are more likely to be greeted with "¡Dime!"Some times. At other places, the clerk “greets” you with “¡Dime!”
In Villamayor de Monjardín, there was just one button to turn on the shower ()and repeat when it times out in a few minutes). But in many other places, there was a marvelous device with one thermostat knob to set the temperature, and a separate on/off knob.Discovering backwards plumbing in the showers/tubs is definitely not unusual. In addition, there are often different styles and shapes of the fixtures, so a "learning curve" is needed before stepping in a shower or tub in any European country for me.
I didn’t experience that anywhere, not even my three months in Burgos. Perhaps speaking Spanish made me exempt.Despite the prevailing myths that everyone loves peregrinos, in cities like Burgos, for example, when peregrinos exit the “Camino economic envelope” to enter trendy establishment not normally frequented by peregrinos, they are often - but not always - looked upon as though they are “lower” and unwelcomed by either the clientele, staff, or both. Do your homework before getting into potentially awkward situations
I have a friend who lives in Burgos and she also says people tend to dress up a bit there, but in most "pilgrim" areas, you should be fine. We always stay at the very nice AC Hotel near the cathedral on Marriott points. It caters more to business clientel and we've never been looked down on (at least not overtly!)I didn’t experience that anywhere, not even my three months in Burgos. Perhaps speaking Spanish made me exempt.
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