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As stated, it’s no real issue and English is widely spoken. It’s a million miles away from turning up in some remote place where absolutely no-one speaks English!Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
I have walked many caminos and I strongly recommend that you do not drink from fuentes unless they are marked potable. I have met (and heard second hand by friends of pilgrims I have not met) more than a few people who have gotten really, really sick from drinking from fountains that are unmarked. Most have gotten really ill and were laid up for a few days and still longer to completely regain their strength. Please don't take the chance. As you mentioned there are plenty of places to get water on the Camino Frances and it was good advice to check ahead to see if you have to go a long distance without services. I do believe the longest distance between towns is 17k.Most of the fountain water is 'potable' - drinkable (honestly I think even the ones that aren't labelled are usually regular tap water but I'm not going to suggest anyone drinks from unlabelled fountains and do it at my own risk - this isn't Rome).
Travelling solo is fantastic, it always gives you the opportunity to join with others. It's easy to move on should you wish to do so, because you don't need to consider anybody else's needs or feelings. There's often place for one more at a table. You never run the risk of people liking you, but not your partner. People are far more likely to invite somebody on their own to join them. The chances of getting a bed when things are practically full is much higher. The list goes on!Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
What? Really? Only on Camino?!Some young people act as if they are invincible on the Camino
Sign language often works. Google translate in an emergency! Buen Camino and ENJOY!Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
Download google translate--a free App. I used it about 12-15 times on my Porto to Santiago Camino this April.Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
The Camino is a fantastic experience. Most people start solo but come away with friends.
Remember a few words or phrases:
Gracias - thank you
Disculpe - excuse me
Donde esta banyo - where is the bathroom
This works also for the Camino - donde esta Camino
Throw in a por favor ( please) in to every thing.
Live the experience. You are only 18 once and so is your first Camino. I am jealous.
Michael ( on my third Camino next year)
For taxis using WhatsApp you can also use google maps to share your location and destination.Spain (and Europe) uses Whatsapp phone/messaging system. From what I heard phone numbers that start with "6" is a Whatsapp number. If you see a taxi phone number on walls, sign posts, bars, albergues, etc. take note of it just in case. For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.
Sign language often works. Google translate in an emergency! Buen Camino and ENJOY!
Actually it's even simpler than that, you just go 'share my location' in WhatsApp.For taxis using WhatsApp you can also use google maps to share your location and destination.
Excellent point, how on Earth did none of the rest of us think of this. It's one of the first things I normally advise people to do!For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.
The Camino will be rather crowded so you can always find someone who speaks bott English and Spanish. And walking alone shouldn't be a problem, you will quickly find your "Pilgrim Family".Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
I just completed the Camino Frances and it was my first Camino. I’m from Canada and have limited Spanish. My first advice-get a SIM card for your phone. I used Masmovil - coverage was outstanding in France and Spain. It cost 10.99 euros a month for 50 GB data and 400 international calling minutes to keep in touch with family. No contract. That way maps are live so you always know if you are on track and how far away from services you are. It’s useful in larger towns/cities like Pamplona, Burgos, Leon to find your way around etc. I used “What’s ap” to call Alberges directly or text them using google translate. That worked really well. My second advice - take a deep breath, let go of expectations, and go for it. Soak it all in. It won’t be like home - some of it will be amazing and fun, and some of it will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are open to learning, the experience will teach you things you didn’t know you needed to learn. Have fun.Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
joramos, in reference to the “AlertCops” app, 5 out of 5 people who reviewed it on the app store complained of not being able to receive a verification/validation code to their US fone numbers. Does it require a Spanish fone #/SIM card/eSIM like airalo, Holafly, Masmovil, etc. to work? Thanks.Spain (and Europe) uses Whatsapp phone/messaging system. From what I heard phone numbers that start with "6" is a Whatsapp number. If you see a taxi phone number on walls, sign posts, bars, albergues, etc. take note of it just in case. For other safety purposes, particularly emergencies, download and activate "AlertCops." It's Spain's emergency app, aside from 112, akin to 911. Ultreia.
I had the same exact problem activating/receiving AlertCops verification code in the US. It frustrated me. However, when I was in Spain to do the Frances in 2023 somehow it worked, without getting a Spanish SIM card. I cannot really tell you what caused the hang-up, but that's happened to me. Interestingly, since I got AlertCops to work, in Spain, I receive regular reminders regarding personal and data security from AlertCops while I am still in the US! So go figure. Buen Camino pilgrim.joramos, in reference to the “AlertCops” app, 5 out of 5 people who reviewed it on the app store complained of not being able to receive a verification/validation code to their US fone numbers. Does it require a Spanish fone #/SIM card/eSIM like airalo, Holafly, Masmovil, etc. to work? Thanks.
This has come up on numerous occasions before in the forum, and is specific to you folks from the USA - try this:joramos, in reference to the “AlertCops” app, 5 out of 5 people who reviewed it on the app store complained of not being able to receive a verification/validation code to their US fone numbers. Does it require a Spanish fone #/SIM card/eSIM like airalo, Holafly, Masmovil, etc. to work? Thanks.
I had the same exact problem activating/receiving AlertCops verification code in the US. It frustrated me. However, when I was in Spain to do the Frances in 2023 somehow it worked, without getting a Spanish SIM card. I cannot really tell you what caused the hang-up, but that's happened to me. Interestingly, since I got AlertCops to work, in Spain, I receive regular reminders regarding personal and data security from, while I am still in the US! So go figure. Buen Camino pilgrim
Thanks very much for the assist to the post by, none other than, trecile!This has come up on numerous occasions before in the forum, and is specific to you folks from the USA - try this:
You'll definitely not be alone. Good choice!Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
Relax. Many people speak English. Often google translate is used. Make sure you've anyway google maps, whatsapp and a camino app. And never overdo it. I saw some of the strong and fast walkers dropping out of camino because of injury, blisters, broken bone(from overdoing).Hi,
I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last minute advice?
I agree. Some people advocate what they call "cameling" - drinking a liter of water before starting out, but that's not really how human bodies work. You'll just need to expel the water that your body can't use.Except don’t worry too much about ‘drinking before you’re thirsty’! The body has an amazing tool to ensure that you drink enough - called ‘thirst’. It’s been refined over thousands of years and it works very well.
While many pilgrims enjoy being part of a "Camino family," not everyone wants to be part of one, and it's certainly not a requirement to enjoy your Camino.I'm not seeing anyone mention this by name yet, so let me introduce the concept of a "camino family":
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