Oh the many ways- Itero de la vega to frómista

I have had so many little tid bits of advice on the camino from people who do it each in their own way. Some are new, some have been on this pilgrimage for months already. Below are a sample of tips.

Vaseline on the feet under the socks before walking.

Always starting in dry clothes- this means paying whatever is asked to use the secadora. It's worth it. There is nothing worse than walking in wet clothes starting off.

Newspaper stuffed into wet shoes overnight to dry them out. Though this doesn't work as effectively if they are left outside in the cold all night. Still. Better than nothing.

Wear two pairs of socks - meh. I just wear ankle supports under socks.

Wear the rucksack on your hips not from the shoulders, tighten up the straps around your waist. Your love handles will kill you but the pain will pass in three days when you no longer have any love handles.

Drink all your water at night, that way you don't have to drink that much during the day. (Questionable)

Drink 4 litres a day to avoid blisters.

When walking long days- more than 30 a day, eat everything before 10 am. Then walk until one and have lunch and carry on until you drop. (Possibility of not getting a bed)

Ring ahead to book, that way you have a drive to get there.

Or

Don't book anything, let the camino guide you.

Eat whatever is put in front of you

Or

Complain when you don't get the exact same food as in your own home town. (Hint : don't do this, you are annoying)

Put a plaster on the second you feel a blister, drop everything and do it.

Try, just try speaking a little Spanish, it won't kill you.

Try to smile too, that makes everyone love you.

Gracias - is the key to happiness

Xx

Also a prize goes to anyone who can tell me why Mesa tables look like Aztec stepped temples.