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Norte warning

naplesdon

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Multiple Caminos 2010 to 2019
I am walking the Norte from Bilbao beginning 13 May. I am attending the European Rugby Cup for 2 days before I begin my Camino. I had booked an AirBnB for 3 nights during the Championship which was cancelled today by the owner for no other reason than he can rent the room for more. The room rates in Bilbao for that weekend are outrageous. So my warning is to stay clear of Bilbao between 10 to 12, I dare you to find a hostel.
 
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Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
We'll be arriving in Bilbao the 12th of may. Will staying in one of the albergues be a problem? Both as a result of the crowdedness as of the fact that we haven't walked yet and won't have any stamps in our credencials
 
Let us pick up your suitcase once you arrive in Europe....
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
A stamp, or lack of one in your credential, won't be a problem. Everyone has to start somewhere. But the pressure on accommodation might be. Advance booking is advisable.
 
I hope you give the AirBnB people a horrible review, they deserve it.
 
I don't know whether to believe this or not, but the AirBnB customer service people told me they were going to delist the owner and he will not be able to rent thru them. I sent the owner a expletive comment on his site.
I found another reasonably priced hotel in Laredo which is an hour away by bus.

Antonius Vaessen said:
We'll be arriving in Bilbao the 12th of may. Will staying in one of the albergues be a problem? Both as a result of the crowdedness as of the fact that we haven't walked yet and won't have any stamps in our credencials
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Regarding staying at an albergue, I would definitely check on availability because I know that albergues in Pamplona have opened their doors to San Fermin attendees at the expense of pilgrims.
 
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I thought "regular" albergues did not allow making reservations. I'll check out the possibilities
 
I emailed an albergue (Claret Ends) and they answered that it is not possible to make reservations. They did not expect there would be a problem getting a bed there on may 12
 
If you are in Bilbao on the 12th and cannot find a bed, go to a church. It may not be a comfortable night but it will be dry. See what the Camino will provide.
 
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Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.

I'm going to the match as well but staying in Santander then walking from Oveido
 
I am a sad ManU fan, it has not been a good season for the Red Devils.
I was a Biarritz rugby fan, then we got relegated to D2 after the "fusion" with Bayonne in 2015. I can still say, "AUPO BO" and get respect in Bilbao because we are both BO's. Robert Rabagny, the mascot for BO known as Geronimo is a great friend of mine.
Who do you support between the Scarlets, Munster, Racing 92 and Leinster?
 

I go to the European rugby final each year as a neutral (unless Saracens are playing) - but I've also visited Toulouse many times and watched rugby matches there - next year the final will be in Newcastle (more convenient but less glamorous)
 
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Yes, the stadium in Bilbao is lovely and it has helped regenerated the St. Mames neighborhood.
 
I'm sorry, what championship weekend? I'll arrive in Bilbao on May 8 and have booked a hostel for 2 nights before I start my walk.
 
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