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LOL. Yes I know what you mean. I wasn't sure if i Could grow one at first!

Maybe you can! Worth a look.

LOL. You tend to do 'long' Caminos Julian! For us mre mortals, you are right. A cut before you start and one at the end should be enough 🙂

Some interesting questions recently 🙂

You're welcome

I’ve been thinking about what you said and I’m glad I came across this video. I think you are spot on. It’s good to know the service is available and pilgrims can use it as needed. Having yet to walk a Camino, I have to say that from my perspective just being on the/a Camino is a huge huge huge accomplishment!

Yes, very true John. Such memorable experiences....

Hopefully most of those places are still trading...... any prices here might be a bit out of date.

Buen Camino 🙂

Wonderful 🙂

Glad to help!

Welcome back to the channel. But I'm not going to make any videos on politics or religion, sorry. Let me explain why. (1) I basically have no interest in the Religion or Politics of others. I see both topics as extremely devisive. And they certainly have no place on a Channel about the Camino, which for me is all about if I can sound corny.....Peace, Love for our fellow Pilgrims and Sharing. I think I have once talked about God in relation to the Camino, but that is in the context of it being an ancient Christian Pilgrimage. (2) I have no clue as to the religion of others I meet on the Camino. I do not ask, as it does not matter to me, and it would be rude to ask anyway. They generally don't volunteer the information either. I would no more ask what car they drive or their annual income. (3) I try not to judge a people by the actions of their Governments. (4) Spain is a wonderful country, and well worth a visit. It has an amazing history, culture, food and people. (5) Like any country, there will be highly vocal minorities who try to sway public opinion and goverment action. We need to understand that it is not usually a reflection of the 'people' as a whole. (6) Who are you hurting by not going to Spain, or not walking a Camino? 😉

@@robscamino I would not expect you to explicitly make a video on politics or religion ... and I don't need to know why - it's obvious. I asked a simple question as to whether you had seen any indication of this problem intruding into the Camino space, so to speak. The word is "divisive". I am also not talking about your fellow Pilgrims, as it is obvious that they would not be there if they were barbarians, but they have have had or talked about some socialogical issues - like in the movie with the Gypsies. I am also not asking you to judge the country. Do you know much about Spanish history? Maybe you should take some time on the road and read or listen to an audiobook. Pretty interesting past, and I ask because of Spain's recognition of Palestine, and also Spain's siding with the fascists during WWII. > 5) Like any country, there will be highly vocal minorities who try to sway public opinion and goverment action. We need to understand that it is not usually a reflection of the 'people' as a whole. I think any sane person understands that, so I'm a bit offended that in an offhand way you are questioning my basic civility. Why do you think I would be trying to hurt anyone by not going to Spain? It seems like you have not given your answer much thought aside from being defensive, which was not my intent - sorry about that. I don't want to hurt the world by supporting barbarism - or confronting it - and I don't mean the Spanish people, or Pilgrims and don't know why you would imply that. If you don't want to comment on it, why did you comment on it and sort of attack me for asking. There is a wave coming in Europe which you might benefit by being aware of, whether you might want to talk about it or not.

My apologies if I mis understood your question or the tone of it. It took me back a bit. Yes I'm aware of Spin's history. Perhaps I'm overly sensitive to those sorts of topics. Probably due to my background, which we don't need to go into. I haven't noticed any of the things you raise. I wouldn't expect to on the Camino..... And those sorts of conversations have never arisen. Pilgrim discussions don't really get into that territory. They do get deep, don't get me wrong, but more about family, hopes, dreams, losses.......

@@robscamino No problemo. Glad to hear the Camino seems safe for all participants. Hmmm, now you have me curious to know about your background which you don't want to go into. ;-) Anyway, I've always enjoyed your videos and I expect if there were issues you would probably let people know. I can't recall now if you are a Brit, or an Aussie, but suspect if you were a Brit you might understand my concern. I've seem a few more movies and documentaries about the Camino and almost feel like I've been there myself. Hope to go someday. G'day. ;-)

To add to your confusion, I carry three Nationalities! British, Irish, Australian. (ex Brit Military) And my wife carries two, Australian and Thai and is from a non Christian background. I get where you're coming from........ Don't worry about those you meet on the Camino. I often think that walking on the Camino is like a little 'bubble' of what our lives should really be like. Everyone you meet is just nice, chilled, great company, and the conversations are carefree and happy......... and then we get to come home! 😉 It's probably why so many of us return to the Camino time and time again. Good to see you back 😉

Yes, it's not really a problem is it. I suppose another option that I didn't mention is that is some places you might order and pay at the bar individually anyway. I think split bills are generally OK, but with a large group it could get awkward and time consuming. Like 10 + people....

Great questions Sara that I'm sure will help others. Answers, or at least my thoughts on it, coming soon.

Yes, I think zero days is a great topic. I might look back over the pre Covid material, but I would expect that the only things that could be dated might be prices? But if you saw some specific ones that are outdated, do please let me know. It's probbaly time to repeat and at the same time update, some core topics though.

Great questions and topics, thanks

Yes, you need to enjoy hills! 🙂 But every hill I climbed, I took as a blessing, becuase it usually meant stunni ng views too! Whilst not a strong walker by any means, I had the benefit of some 'training' having walked from Seviile. So the going up was a breeze. The coming down was the hard bit!

Nice idea. I'll do that.

I second the topic! And now e-bikes are also starting to appear according to a feed on the Camino Forum. Eegads, man!

Ahhh. Bikes. That might be a tricky topic for me to stay impartial on 🙄 But a worthy topic........

Yes, happy to do one on distances. And what helps to avoid injury. I try to keep below 25 kms a day. Above that and I hurt a bit!

Great that you are enjoying it! 🙂

LOL. Just my normal cut. Or was that Sarcasm? 🙂

I'll do a video on that. Though it kind of depends on the route and Infrastructure. On the Frances for example I might carry a small bag of nuts and a chocolate bar. As there are loads of villages and cafes along the way. (on most stages). By contracxt on most stages on the VdlP, I'll carry the nuts, choc bar, a banana, a tim of tuna. a bread roll etc. Becuase most days there is nothing en route and some days there may be no breakfast or dinner available. so a small spare meal is a hand thing to carry. Same with Water. Based on route and time of year. I might carry 1-1.5 litres on the Frances, depending on the stage. On the VdlP 2-3 litres depending on the stage.

Do you only carry water. Or also aqurius etc for the elektrolyts? I am asking bezause i plan the primitivo and the hospitales routte has nothing

@@nicolevroon3071 Good question. I will often carry 1 bottle with water and another with Aquarius. Last year I also tried electrolye tables and they were great. (Called Salt sticks)

I think those days are still there. even on the Frances. That route is very special. Though I find on a more remote route, maybe not seeing any other Pilgrims for days on end, can enhance the Spiritual element.

Great topic idea. I suppose a view of enjoyment in relation to Camino experiense? Not really about the route at all. Did you see this video? czcams.com/video/NQq_p0-5wyA/video.html

Crowd avaoidance is a great topic Gregory. The 'simple' answer is easy. Pick a remote route! But I'll go through some ideas on a video for sure. Did you see this one? czcams.com/video/NQq_p0-5wyA/video.html

Hi Gregory, I'm currently on the Frances. I'm nearly at Leon. Done a mixture of albergues/hotels. From SJDP not been massively busy. The albergues are cheap at 10/12 euro's a night. Decent standard. People do leave early everyday but no bed race. I'm doing 2 albergues then 1 hotel. Don't overthink it and worries about things. The only thing I recommend is get your footwear correct. Ive got Hokka trail shoes got them a month before, half a size bigger than my feet. Ive had nocfeet issues whatsoever. Any other questions pleese message.

@@steveclayton4249 Nice to hear a balanced view on the bed race!

⁠@@steveclayton4249Thank you for your on-site report, Steve. It’s very much appreciated. I think your division of albergue/hotel stays is, as I mentioned, what I am leaning towards. Equipment-wise, I am good to go, including the shoes! I’ve had a good experience with the Hoka Stinson ATR 6s which, unfortunately, are no longer being made and my size has poof! vanished from the stores. I’ve moved on to the 7s and, tho’ a bit different than the 6s, they have felt good on a few days of simulated Camino walks. This time I took Rob’s advice and bought 2 pair and may spring for another to be on the safe side. Gracias de nuevo y Buen Camino!

@@gregoryhageage6362 no worries Gregory. A few people have replacement their shoes in Spain if desperate to Pamplona, Burgos all have gud walking shops if required.

Thanks Peter, these are great topics. I'll get to work on them.

Oh my apologes Kate. I never did. Partly because (a) I have put on weight again and look awful LOL but mainly becuase (b) it's hard to work out all the camera angles. or I need someone to walk alongside maybe. But in the meantime, I fould this video which is really good. czcams.com/video/7q2YwOE4okA/video.htmlfeature=shared

Thank you for the link! It was very helpful.

Please don’t let your weight fluctuations impact your choices of what to post. I followed you because I liked your approach & honesty about the challenges!

@@pamelasotelo7307 Ahhh We all havve a bit of vanity LOL.

Great suggestion!

Well, I'll need to get some more videos out for you quick! Next one in 2025 hopefully. But I'll be sharing some additional vides from past Caminos. I know what you mean with some YT videos 🙄 I watched one channel recently and the daily videos seemed to be a constant stream of negativity about weather, food, accomodation....... I'm sure it wasn't meant to be, as the host is very experienced, but it just came across like that. Maybe it's a mindset thing?

What topics would you like Joan? I'll make some particulary for you 😉 Actually. How to enjoy the Camino! Great topic.

@@robscamino that sounds like the channel I’m talking about! He walks fast, that’s kind in the name of his channel. Too many complaints in my humble opinion, too much negativity like you say. Then he’s bored to death because it’s the same routine everyday, but he’s returning to the Camino next month! I just don’t get it. My husband basically told him, thanks to your very detailed videos I no longer feel or wish to do this 😂 🤦🏻‍♀️

@@robscaminoyes! That sounds like a great topic “How to enjoy the Camino”. I would like to learn about your shoes and gear in general. I know you have videos about that but the topic never gets old.

LOL. Love the response. I had a new topic running around in my head. But I think you've helped me focus it.......... "How to really Enjoy your Camino" We can talk about all that negative stuff and how to put it aside and focus on the really cool / amazing stuff. I have found over the years, if you look for 'crap' you'll find lots of it! If you look for 'joy', it's there in every step 🙂

Sounds like a great topic for a video! 🙂

Just reflecting on this a bit more John. The popularity of the Frances and Portuguese in particular is not going to decline any time soon. And they are great first Caminos. But I wouldn't walk them now. Just too many people. Maybe we 'repeat' offenders are part of the problem..... 😳 Have you thought about a more remote route? I'm going to stick mainly with remote routes now. I think 10 Euro Pilgrim meals were about 10 years ago sadly. I was getting really good Menu del Dias last year (though not on the Frances) for 14-15 Euro.

@@robscamino just watched a CaminoCafe video where they stated that tourism in Spain is up by the same amount as the numbers on the Camino. In some places in Spain there are local protests saying there is too much tourism. Majorca in particular. I had not considered this wider context. Re other Caminos, I am looking at the Ruta de Mar - the missing link between the Norte and the Inglese. The scenery looks stunning. I am also keen to go on the Inverno (? Spelling) which is less traveled, as you demonstrated. I also know I can organise myself better- I left Sarria on a Sunday along with 50% of the people walking that week. A rookie mistake and a wake up call. But, one of the original attractions of the Camino for me was the plentiful and cheap accommodation and infrastructure. I don’t have to carry a tent, cooking kit etc. it’s just too much for me over interesting terrain. That is a draw for anyone old enough to get six weeks of work e.g. retired.

@@johnavery5384 Interesting John. Certainly look at the Invierno. Or take the plunge and try the VdlP? Such a great route. Loads of cheap accomodation and food..... Wonderful scenary, all to yourself most days......

Hi Rob, was walking with a vegan on the Camino who found it very hard to eat. Whats like for veggies and vegans?

I must go to see it again! 🙂

It's a very personal thing. I have many guidebooks and about 6 different apps on my phone. The problem I find with many of the apps is that the information about accomodation can be outdated. Those that I mostly use are Gronze (to work our distances and lookup accomodation) , and google maps! At the end of the day to find my accomodation. On more remote routes I use a mapping app such as maps.me.

@@robscamino Muchas gracias, perhaps just Google maps is enough. Simplify is my motto. Buen camino!

@@adrianadelgado3804 And a good listing of accommodation places with contact details is good. I use Gronze for that.

@@robscamino Thank you. Great advice. Los Amigos del Camino from my home country of Argentina recommended that site too. I found it very useful.

That's not uncommon Lilly. Many people even feel a sense of sadness or loss. I often feel it's an anti-climax. The reason I believe, is that it really is, all bout the journey. I talk about it on this video: czcams.com/video/fc-pT639kZI/video.html

Yes, I think that's the plan. It's showing in Cannes and should get picked up by European / North American distributors after that.

LOL. You won't get lost. don't worry. The paths are fairly obvious. Though I used maps.me as a backup. What part of Sydney are you in?

@@robscamino Bankstown

@@petergriffiths5510 About 20 mins away! We should have a coffee sometime 🙂

@@robscamino would be happy to meet up. Are you on Facebook ?

@@petergriffiths5510 facebook.com/robscamino

maybe one day you'll be able to walk a Camino? I hope so. 🙂

Honestly, I think any umbrella would be OK. I use a Euroschirm. Not cheap, but it has lasted me 9 years so far. It reflects the sun which is good.

@@robscamino thank you Rob

Must look out for that next time! It's a wonderful route isn't it? 🙂

@@robscamino it really is! I loved every second of it, as well as the Inglés before it (in spite of some brutal weather!). I am back in Santiago de Compostela now (as a tourist rather than a pilgim) and I already miss the weird and wonderful parallel universe which is the camino so much. While I am writing, a big thank you for your videos - they were a great help in preparing.

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

Glad it was useful......

That looks like a new feature, since they introduced QR codes at the Pilgrims office in Santiago. (a great system that reduces the waiting time) You can register online using that code for your Compostela on arrival in Santiago. No need to register anything prior to starting. Just add your name. start date, start point and collect your first stamp! usually from your first Albergue the night before starting, or maybe a local church. Your first stamp goes on the top left of the first clear page. Not that page with your name. The last stamp provided by the Pilgrims office goes there. So just to be super clear. The registration is to receive your certificate (Compostela) at the end of the Camino. You do not need to register to start a Camino. At least as at May 2023! For the most up to date 'rules' about the Camino, it's always best to check the Pilgrims Office website. oficinadelperegrino.com/en/pilgrims-reception-office/

@@robscamino Yes. THANK YOU! I would just add that there are QR codes inside the newer passports that will allow the "registration". And yes, you can probably do this from home before you start the walk, if you wish so.

@@michaljambor7772 Yes, a useful feature. Though no need really till you are nearly finished the Camino, as it's registering your completion rather your start 🙂

I just read that it was the 3rd highest opening box office last weekend for an Australian film!

It was fun. Sometimes we need to be pushed 🙂

So True. I see it was the 3rd highest grossing Austrlian film this weekend! Well done Bill 🙂 I think it might just become THE Camino movie to see.......

What type of accomodation are you seeking? Sad that so many are booking....it's kind of a self fulfilling prophecy. And of course it is peak season.

@@robscamino Generally private accommodation but have stayed in alberges, that was a trip, Some wished to lay hands on me and recite incantations. I advised them that being an Australian male that would not be acceptable.

@@robscamino Mw wife and I have picked up heavy cold and have booked a 2 bed unit in Leon for 5 days to recover. 550 euro.

@@Motorallyrider Best wishes for a speedy recover!

@@Motorallyrider LOL. Never stayed in an Albergue like that! Are you sure it wasn't just a hug and a blessing 🙂