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Walking the Francés

Time of past OR future Camino
march 2023
I have been back for a couple of months now and mostly the walk was wonderful. Although i started in the spring i had to leave for a family emergency. I finished the walk in November. Reaching Santiago, to me, was an amazing experience.
The one big downer in my walk were bed bugs. In Santiago i stayed at the KM0 Albergue. I checked the bed and found no signs of bed bugs. That was my first lesson. By the time midnight had rolled around i had so many bed bug bites (and yes you can feel them) i had to flee my bed. Me, and another in my room then spent the night in the lobby, not comfortable. I had killed two bed bugs and captured one to show the albergue management. The albergue promised to reimburse my credit card even though i paid cash. He refused to reimburse me in the office. I gave them my credit card number. Of course they never reimbursed me. This albergue was 20 euros a night. Lesson learned. I believe the bugs they were in the blankets they give out so be forewarned before using the albergue blankets. I spent a fortune heat drying my pack and clothing the next day. i took other precautions also like bagging everything that was not heat treated. I was disappointed in the KM0 albergue for not reimbusing me like they promised., it shows a lack of integrity.
Although it rained (and was cold) for almost 3 weeks in the fall it did not dim my enthusiasm for the walk. The only thing was that it kept my indoors at the albergue or bar instead of exploring the area. I'm 70 years old and it was challenging but i am proud of my accomplishment.

Another question, what is the reason and use for the structure (lots in Galacia - photo enclosed).

If my health holds up i would love to do the Francés again. It was wonderful and i would recommend it to everyone that can do it. The spanish, the coffee and sine are wonderful
 

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The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
A guide to speaking Spanish on the Camino - enrich your pilgrim experience.
Fellow walker D. Madill in his 2014 blog Galician Granaries provides extensive research re the history/location/protection of these vernacular structures.

 
Fellow walker D. Madill in his 2014 blog Galician Granaries provides extensive research re the history/location/protection of these vernacular structures.

Good Read - Thank you
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I have been back for a couple of months now and mostly the walk was wonderful. Although i started in the spring i had to leave for a family emergency. I finished the walk in November. Reaching Santiago, to me, was an amazing experience.
The one big downer in my walk were bed bugs. In Santiago i stayed at the KM0 Albergue. I checked the bed and found no signs of bed bugs. That was my first lesson. By the time midnight had rolled around i had so many bed bug bites (and yes you can feel them) i had to flee my bed. Me, and another in my room then spent the night in the lobby, not comfortable. I had killed two bed bugs and captured one to show the albergue management. The albergue promised to reimburse my credit card even though i paid cash. He refused to reimburse me in the office. I gave them my credit card number. Of course they never reimbursed me. This albergue was 20 euros a night. Lesson learned. I believe the bugs they were in the blankets they give out so be forewarned before using the albergue blankets. I spent a fortune heat drying my pack and clothing the next day. i took other precautions also like bagging everything that was not heat treated. I was disappointed in the KM0 albergue for not reimbusing me like they promised., it shows a lack of integrity.
Although it rained (and was cold) for almost 3 weeks in the fall it did not dim my enthusiasm for the walk. The only thing was that it kept my indoors at the albergue or bar instead of exploring the area. I'm 70 years old and it was challenging but i am proud of my accomplishment.

Another question, what is the reason and use for the structure (lots in Galacia - photo enclosed).

If my health holds up i would love to do the Francés again. It was wonderful and i would recommend it to everyone that can do it. The spanish, the coffee and sine are wonderful
The structures are Horreos and are (were), used for drying food etc. You’ll notice that the ‘legs’ are supposed to be designed to make it difficult for rats etc, to get in.
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
I have been back for a couple of months now and mostly the walk was wonderful. Although i started in the spring i had to leave for a family emergency. I finished the walk in November. Reaching Santiago, to me, was an amazing experience.
The one big downer in my walk were bed bugs. In Santiago i stayed at the KM0 Albergue. I checked the bed and found no signs of bed bugs. That was my first lesson. By the time midnight had rolled around i had so many bed bug bites (and yes you can feel them) i had to flee my bed. Me, and another in my room then spent the night in the lobby, not comfortable. I had killed two bed bugs and captured one to show the albergue management. The albergue promised to reimburse my credit card even though i paid cash. He refused to reimburse me in the office. I gave them my credit card number. Of course they never reimbursed me. This albergue was 20 euros a night. Lesson learned. I believe the bugs they were in the blankets they give out so be forewarned before using the albergue blankets. I spent a fortune heat drying my pack and clothing the next day. i took other precautions also like bagging everything that was not heat treated. I was disappointed in the KM0 albergue for not reimbusing me like they promised., it shows a lack of integrity.
Although it rained (and was cold) for almost 3 weeks in the fall it did not dim my enthusiasm for the walk. The only thing was that it kept my indoors at the albergue or bar instead of exploring the area. I'm 70 years old and it was challenging but i am proud of my accomplishment.

Another question, what is the reason and use for the structure (lots in Galacia - photo enclosed).

If my health holds up i would love to do the Francés again. It was wonderful and i would recommend it to everyone that can do it. The spanish, the coffee and sine are wonderful
The likelihood of bedbugs is much diminished on a spring Camino, in comparison to a fall Camino.
 
The likelihood of bedbugs is much diminished on a spring Camino, in comparison to a fall Camino.
I am not certain that is really true. We had them this winter and they can live a long time without feeding. It takes constant surveillance and mitigation to keep them at bay.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
I have been back for a couple of months now and mostly the walk was wonderful. Although i started in the spring i had to leave for a family emergency. I finished the walk in November. Reaching Santiago, to me, was an amazing experience.
The one big downer in my walk were bed bugs. In Santiago i stayed at the KM0 Albergue. I checked the bed and found no signs of bed bugs. That was my first lesson. By the time midnight had rolled around i had so many bed bug bites (and yes you can feel them) i had to flee my bed. Me, and another in my room then spent the night in the lobby, not comfortable. I had killed two bed bugs and captured one to show the albergue management. The albergue promised to reimburse my credit card even though i paid cash. He refused to reimburse me in the office. I gave them my credit card number. Of course they never reimbursed me. This albergue was 20 euros a night. Lesson learned. I believe the bugs they were in the blankets they give out so be forewarned before using the albergue blankets. I spent a fortune heat drying my pack and clothing the next day. i took other precautions also like bagging everything that was not heat treated. I was disappointed in the KM0 albergue for not reimbusing me like they promised., it shows a lack of integrity.
Although it rained (and was cold) for almost 3 weeks in the fall it did not dim my enthusiasm for the walk. The only thing was that it kept my indoors at the albergue or bar instead of exploring the area. I'm 70 years old and it was challenging but i am proud of my accomplishment.

Another question, what is the reason and use for the structure (lots in Galacia - photo enclosed).

If my health holds up i would love to do the Francés again. It was wonderful and i would recommend it to everyone that can do it. The spanish, the coffee and sine are wonderful
Hi
the building in the photos is used to dry the corn for storage.
 
Congratulations on your accomplishment of completing your pilgrimage! 🥳😎👣 I’m happy the bumps in the road didn’t squash your enthusiasm. It was a Buen Camino.
 
I have been back for a couple of months now and mostly the walk was wonderful. Although i started in the spring i had to leave for a family emergency. I finished the walk in November. Reaching Santiago, to me, was an amazing experience.
The one big downer in my walk were bed bugs. In Santiago i stayed at the KM0 Albergue. I checked the bed and found no signs of bed bugs. That was my first lesson. By the time midnight had rolled around i had so many bed bug bites (and yes you can feel them) i had to flee my bed. Me, and another in my room then spent the night in the lobby, not comfortable. I had killed two bed bugs and captured one to show the albergue management. The albergue promised to reimburse my credit card even though i paid cash. He refused to reimburse me in the office. I gave them my credit card number. Of course they never reimbursed me. This albergue was 20 euros a night. Lesson learned. I believe the bugs they were in the blankets they give out so be forewarned before using the albergue blankets. I spent a fortune heat drying my pack and clothing the next day. i took other precautions also like bagging everything that was not heat treated. I was disappointed in the KM0 albergue for not reimbusing me like they promised., it shows a lack of integrity.
Although it rained (and was cold) for almost 3 weeks in the fall it did not dim my enthusiasm for the walk. The only thing was that it kept my indoors at the albergue or bar instead of exploring the area. I'm 70 years old and it was challenging but i am proud of my accomplishment.

Another question, what is the reason and use for the structure (lots in Galacia - photo enclosed).

If my health holds up i would love to do the Francés again. It was wonderful and i would recommend it to everyone that can do it. The spanish, the coffee and sine are wonderful
Thanks Mikey, 3 bugs less on the road.
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
You know you saw them but no-one ever listens
They'll be long gone by the time the sun has risen
You feel 'em lurking, hear 'em howling in the shadows
Wreaking havoc on your perfect world
They are the tricking trolls
They got the bell that tolls
Flash at the edge of your sight
They only come out at night
They only come out at night
They only come out at night
They only come out at night
 
You know you saw them but no-one ever listens
They'll be long gone by the time the sun has risen
You feel 'em lurking, hear 'em howling in the shadows
Wreaking havoc on your perfect world
They are the tricking trolls
They got the bell that tolls
Flash at the edge of your sight
They only come out at night
They only come out at night
They only come out at night
They only come out at night
It's a song btw, not my poor attempt at poetry
 

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