The (Unofficial) 99 most frequently asked questions regarding any Camino !

[Bob from L.A. !]

Through the years and especially during the planning stage(s) months leading up to summer there seems to be many of the same questions asked on this great site. Fortunately there is a vast wealth of experience and knowledge here to pool from. I truly believe we are all fortunate to be in each others company and having the same interests as each other. I know "ANY" Camino question CAN be answered her by someone.
Having that in mind I have put together a list of 99 fun and random questions I have either read here or some questions first time walkers should ask themselves BEFORE they take a step out of their front door to walk 500 miles across Spain.

Enjoy!!!!

1. - Why do I want to do this in the first place?
2. - Can I do this alone?
3. - Who should I invite to go along with me?
4. - How do I train for this hike?
5. - How long I advance should I start training?
6. - How much will this trip cost me?
7. - How do I get time off work/school to do this?
8. - How long will it take me to walk the full 500 miles?
9. - Do I need a passport?
10 - Where does this hike begin and end?
11. - How many other people do this hike every year?
12. - Is it safe to do alone?
13. - What airline flies to Spain?
14. - What's the best time of year to go?
15. - Where does one eat, sleep or shower?
16. - Do I plan this on my own or is/are there companies who can plan for me?
17. - How many Camino trails are there?
18. - What type of gear will I need?
19. - Does everyone speak English?
20. - Do I need to make reservations in advance?
21. - Do I carry food along the way or can I purchase it along the way?
22. - Can I ride a bike/donkey/horse?
23. - Can I tolerate sleeping in a room with 50+ strangers?
24. - Can I tolerate going to the bathroom in a co-ed facility?
25. - Can I tolerate showering in a co-ed facility? (Walls in place).
26. - Can I tolerate dining with others I have never met of who might not speak my language?
27. - Can I tolerate hand washing my clothes everyday?
28. - Can I tolerate living out of a backpack for 30+ days?
29. - Can I tolerate living out of a backpack consisting of items totaling about 1/10th of my body weight?
30. - Can I forego wearing my usual makeup for 30+ days?
31. - How do I choose which Camino to walk?
32. - What is the history of the Camino?
33. - Is there internet capabilities along the trail?
34. - Are there cell phone capabilities along the trail?
35. - How do I know which way to walk?
36. - Are there hospitals and doctors along the way?
37. - Are medicines available along the way?
38. - Am I open to starting/having conversations with new people I will meet?
39. - Am I willing to put up with discomfort, blisters and/or wet clothing?
40. - Am I will to tolerate being away from home and my "creature comforts" for 30+ days?
41. - Can I emotionally be away from my loved ones for 30+ days?
42. - Can I bring a pet?
43. - What is a Compostela?
44. - What is a credentcial?
45. - Can I survive on a Spanish diet for 30+ days?
46. - If I am not religious can I still walk the Camino?
47. - What's the weather like in (Fill in the blank)?
48. - Is there wildlife in the mountains there?
49. - Can I ship items ahead and pick them up in Santiago?
50. - Which guide book should I use?
51. - What's the significance of the shell?
52. - What is an Albergue? a Pension?, A Donativo?
53. - Can I push myself to get up early for 30+ days in a row and be out the door by 8:00A.M.?
54. - Do I need to carry my own backpack everyday?
55. - Where do I get water to drink?
56. - What is the significance of the yellow arrows?
57. - What is a Botafumeria?
58. - Am I one who is spontaneous or do I need to plan?
59. - Am I a positive minded person?
60. - Can I camp along the route?
61. - Can I do my own cooking along the way?
62. - Do I need to know how to speak Spanish?
63. - Am I capable of making lifelong friends?
64. - Can I recharge my electronics along the way?
65. - Am I resourceful? Do I work with a back up plan in place?
66. - Will I lose weight walking the Camino?
67. - Can I use credit cards or debit cards along the way?
68. - Am I too modest to go to the bathroom behind a bush?
69. - Am I a team player?
70. - Am I mentally strong?
71. - Am I flexible with my plans?
72. - Do I know my limitations?
73. - Can I walk 12-20 miles per day for 30+ days?
74. - Am I able to make quick decisions?
75. - Can I handle cultural changes?
76. - Can I handle temperature variations?
77. - Can I NOT think about work/school for 30+ days in a row?
78. - Would I get a Camino tattoo in Santiago?
79. - Do I need a Spainsh visa in Spain?
80. - Will I need to obtain immunizations before going?
81. - Can I tolerate foot blisters?
82. - Do I need to obtain health insurance before going to Spain?
83. - Camino de Santiago - Do they have an app for that?
84. - Are the bus, train or taxi services available along the way?
85. - Where is the fountain that serves wine?
86. - What is a Holy Year?
87. - How far do I need to walk to get a Compostela?
88 - What does Ultreia mean?
89. - Do I need a hiking permit?
90. - Can a vegan or vegetarian survive on the way?
91. - Can I deal with the possible encounter with bed bugs?
92. - What is a customary payment at a Donativo?
93. - Is tipping in a restaurant customary?
94. - Am I required to attend church services anywhere along the way?
95. - What time of year is considered "The Pilgrim season"
96. - Would I be capable of running a needle through a foot blister?
97. - Are hotels available along the way for rest days?
98. - Where can I obtain a credentcial?
99. - and last but not least.....................Can I carry my hiking poles on a plane?

Miss any?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Miss any?

A few about SIM cards.

 

[Albertagirl]

If you have (a) travelled independently abroad, and (b) done any backpacking, the only question which matters is the first one. Maybe asking the others is primarily a way to get familiar with those who will be your companions on the pilgrimage.

 

[naplesdon]

No mention at all of:
Which are the best place for a rest day?
What and where is the Cruz de Ferro?
How do I skip the Meseta?
Is there good Spanish Chardonnay you can recommend?
Does Spain have Starbucks shops?

 

[CdnDreamer]

Is the water safe? Do I need purification tablets? And where are the Burger Kings along the camino.

 

[naplesdon]

The Burger Kings are next door to the McDonald's at all of the shopping centers you walk past. (May require a small detour, n'est pas?)
I bring a small dropper bottle of chlorine that I add to my water bottle. Opps, sorry that was when I was living in West Africa.

 

[naplesdon]

A few about SIM cards.

One could write a Techie's Guidebook to the Camino (and visiting Europe) and it would be obsolete before the first printing.
I would love to sit down with some other veteran pilgrims and write the Complete Guide to (el) Camino for Dummies.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

And where are the Burger Kings along the camino.

@andywild, where are you?

 

[Davey Boyd]

One of my biggest worries before my first camino was the pilgrims themselves. What would they be like? Will they hate me? It sounded like a weird closed society.

Then I found this forum. And as soon as I realised you were all bonkers it set my mind at rest!

Truthfully, you all did set my mind at rest. What a lovely helpful group of people. Then I asked a lot of those questions above!

So, Vaseline or not?

Davey

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

So, Vaseline or not?

How many Compeed questions have we missed?

 

[Davey Boyd]

How many Compeed questions have we missed?

And socks.
And rice cooker/hair dryer/frying pan questions
And I am a dirty blister needle threader. (don't tell Davebugg)!

 

[Icacos]

Will I be able to keep an albergue window open at night?

 

[Davey Boyd]

Will I be able to keep an albergue window open at night?

Not if there are Spanish pilgrims in there! For some unknown reason (to me).

But if you manage to get a place you can keep the window open you can 'escape' and have a late meal or party at a Fiesta. (Common in the Albergue Municipal in Lugo - but don't tell anyone)

 

[t2andreo]

Through the years and especially during the planning stage(s) months leading up to summer there seems to be many of the same questions asked on this great site. Fortunately there is a vast wealth of experience and knowledge here to pool from. I truly believe we are all fortunate to be in each others company and having the same interests as each other. I know "ANY" Camino question CAN be answered her by someone.
Having that in mind I have put together a list of 99 fun and random questions I have either read here or some questions first time walkers should ask themselves BEFORE they take a step out of their front door to walk 500 miles across Spain.

Enjoy!!!!

1. - Why do I want to do this in the first place?
2. - Can I do this alone?
3. - Who should I invite to go along with me?
4. - How do I train for this hike?
5. - How long I advance should I start training?
6. - How much will this trip cost me?
7. - How do I get time off work/school to do this?
8. - How long will it take me to walk the full 500 miles?
9. - Do I need a passport?
10 - Where does this hike begin and end?
11. - How many other people do this hike every year?
12. - Is it safe to do alone?
13. - What airline flies to Spain?
14. - What's the best time of year to go?
15. - Where does one eat, sleep or shower?
16. - Do I plan this on my own or is/are there companies who can plan for me?
17. - How many Camino trails are there?
18. - What type of gear will I need?
19. - Does everyone speak English?
20. - Do I need to make reservations in advance?
21. - Do I carry food along the way or can I purchase it along the way?
22. - Can I ride a bike/donkey/horse?
23. - Can I tolerate sleeping in a room with 50+ strangers?
24. - Can I tolerate going to the bathroom in a co-ed facility?
25. - Can I tolerate showering in a co-ed facility? (Walls in place).
26. - Can I tolerate dining with others I have never met of who might not speak my language?
27. - Can I tolerate hand washing my clothes everyday?
28. - Can I tolerate living out of a backpack for 30+ days?
29. - Can I tolerate living out of a backpack consisting of items totaling about 1/10th of my body weight?
30. - Can I forego wearing my usual makeup for 30+ days?
31. - How do I choose which Camino to walk?
32. - What is the history of the Camino?
33. - Is there internet capabilities along the trail?
34. - Are there cell phone capabilities along the trail?
35. - How do I know which way to walk?
36. - Are there hospitals and doctors along the way?
37. - Are medicines available along the way?
38. - Am I open to starting/having conversations with new people I will meet?
39. - Am I willing to put up with discomfort, blisters and/or wet clothing?
40. - Am I will to tolerate being away from home and my "creature comforts" for 30+ days?
41. - Can I emotionally be away from my loved ones for 30+ days?
42. - Can I bring a pet?
43. - What is a Compostela?
44. - What is a credentcial?
45. - Can I survive on a Spanish diet for 30+ days?
46. - If I am not religious can I still walk the Camino?
47. - What's the weather like in (Fill in the blank)?
48. - Is there wildlife in the mountains there?
49. - Can I ship items ahead and pick them up in Santiago?
50. - Which guide book should I use?
51. - What's the significance of the shell?
52. - What is an Albergue? a Pension?, A Donativo?
53. - Can I push myself to get up early for 30+ days in a row and be out the door by 8:00A.M.?
54. - Do I need to carry my own backpack everyday?
55. - Where do I get water to drink?
56. - What is the significance of the yellow arrows?
57. - What is a Botafumeria?
58. - Am I one who is spontaneous or do I need to plan?
59. - Am I a positive minded person?
60. - Can I camp along the route?
61. - Can I do my own cooking along the way?
62. - Do I need to know how to speak Spanish?
63. - Am I capable of making lifelong friends?
64. - Can I recharge my electronics along the way?
65. - Am I resourceful? Do I work with a back up plan in place?
66. - Will I lose weight walking the Camino?
67. - Can I use credit cards or debit cards along the way?
68. - Am I too modest to go to the bathroom behind a bush?
69. - Am I a team player?
70. - Am I mentally strong?
71. - Am I flexible with my plans?
72. - Do I know my limitations?
73. - Can I walk 12-20 miles per day for 30+ days?
74. - Am I able to make quick decisions?
75. - Can I handle cultural changes?
76. - Can I handle temperature variations?
77. - Can I NOT think about work/school for 30+ days in a row?
78. - Would I get a Camino tattoo in Santiago?
79. - Do I need a Spainsh visa in Spain?
80. - Will I need to obtain immunizations before going?
81. - Can I tolerate foot blisters?
82. - Do I need to obtain health insurance before going to Spain?
83. - Camino de Santiago - Do they have an app for that?
84. - Are the bus, train or taxi services available along the way?
85. - Where is the fountain that serves wine?
86. - What is a Holy Year?
87. - How far do I need to walk to get a Compostela?
88 - What does Ultreia mean?
89. - Do I need a hiking permit?
90. - Can a vegan or vegetarian survive on the way?
91. - Can I deal with the possible encounter with bed bugs?
92. - What is a customary payment at a Donativo?
93. - Is tipping in a restaurant customary?
94. - Am I required to attend church services anywhere along the way?
95. - What time of year is considered "The Pilgrim season"
96. - Would I be capable of running a needle through a foot blister?
97. - Are hotels available along the way for rest days?
98. - Where can I obtain a credentcial?
99. - and last but not least.....................Can I carry my hiking poles on a plane?

Miss any?

NOW, if you could post a Forum search result link for each of these, your list would be positively BRILLIANT! Just sayin... LOL

 

[t2andreo]

One could write a Techie's Guidebook to the Camino (and visiting Europe) and it would be obsolete before the first printing.
I would love to sit down with some other veteran pilgrims and write the Complete Guide to (el) Camino for Dummies.

I actually LOVE this idea. Perhaps we could group-develop and edit this, perhaps in a PM. The finished product might be sold my Ivar, with proceeds going to the Camino Angels.

Just a thought... Something to consider for the 'off season."

 

[naplesdon]

Tom, that was what I was thinking when I posted the idea. We know we have a great writer in Reb Scott, I am sure there are some others on the Forum. I immediately thought having Ivar market it and possibly using some of proceeds to help Ivar out and maybe he could find a bigger space to work from and then how about funding some permanent stone benches along the Camino.
My guess is the "Dummies" book series has some serious editorial overview process.

 

[David Tallan]

I think the question that most people on this forum have, sooner or later, is "How soon until I can walk my next Camino?"

 

[Terry Callery]

Is Saint James really buried in Santiago de Compostela?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Please add: Is the Napoleon route open?

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Please add: Is the Napoleon route open?

I COMPLETELY forgot that chronically asked question !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Good one)

 

[Phil71]

Does Spain have Starbucks shops?

Please noooooooo!!!!

 

[Tincatinker]

What is the best way to get from Erewhon to Llareggub? Except the answer is always "by walking".

 

[CWBuff]

Please add: Is the Napoleon route open?

Sort of...looking at a SUBSTANTIAL number of posts on the said topic... - shouldn't it be Napolean? Almost like a cross between a citizen of Naples and a pastry

Considering that I AM a newbie and didn't do my walk yet, I do believe I have to come up with my version of 'one of those' ...just because

As I have alluded before 13 years of my life was devoted to Living History of ACW. No matter how truly knowledgeable some of use were - the # 1 question asked of us was "Aren't you HOT in this?" (refering of course to our wool uniforms
my second favorite was (usually asked on any street of Gettysburg):
- Excuse me, where is the Battlefield?
- Uh, youre' standing on it
- No, no, this is (insert street name) I want to go to the Battlefield

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

Will I be able to keep an albergue window open at night?

Only if you bunk right next to it

 

[DoughnutANZ]

What is the best way to get from Erewhon to Llareggub? Except the answer is always "by walking".

I think that a certain amount of swimming might also be required

 

[Walton]

Will I be able to keep an albergue window open at night?

Will I be able to close an open window at night?

 

[Icacos]

Will I be able to close an open window at night?

Noooooooooo!!

 

[Walton]

Noooooooooo!!

Mosquitoes love Perigrinos!

But admittedly it does get toasty in alburgues at night. Global warming at its best!