El with TSE the practical guide for the pilgrim el camino de santiago with tse

ARE YOU ¿ READY FOR THE ADVENTURE?

THE ENGLISH WAY

The Camino de Santiago is the medieval route whose purpose is to arrive in the city of to visit the tomb of the Apostle Santiago. In reality, thousands of people from all over the world come by different routes of the Camino going on foot, bicycle or horse, and for diverse reasons that range from religious, athletic, spiritual…etc.

At TSE we’ve chosen the Camino Inglés or English Camino, not only for its historic, artistic and cultural value, but because it is more relaxed and less traveled by the masses. It was the medieval route of pilgrims that arrived by boat to the ports at A Coruña and at Ferrol.

Our camino goes from Neda to Santiago de Compostela and is divided in six or seven stages, depending on the chosen program. In the period of a week you’ll walk a little more than 100km enjoying spectacular landscapes along the way. You’ll traverse through immense forests, navigate the river, ride horses breathing clean air, and enjoying the hospitality and peace of the Galician villages.

Accomplishing the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable, positive experience for each pilgrim, but we must warn that it is also a hard experience. You will have to walk an average of 17km daily in approximately five hours and so it is necessary to have a minimum level of physical fitness. You should prepare physically and above all mentally. Motivation is so important for the most difficult moments.

The weather conditions, fatigue, and blisters can make the journey difficult, but you’ll have to overcome the challenge. From True Spanish Experience, we assure you that when you reach your goal, the feeling is unlike any other. The sensation of pride, overcoming difficulties, pleasure and satisfaction that overruns pilgrims when they arrive in Santiago and set foot in the Plaza del Obradoiro, is immense. And with TSE you will be able to test that out for yourself.

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THE CLIMATE

The climate in the province of A Coruña, is located in the south of Europe and bathed in a large part of the Atlantic Ocean. It therefore has an oceanic climate with mild temperatures throughout the whole year.

As for the rain, in general is a geographic region of abundant rainfall and A Coruña specifically has an annual humidity of 70%.

Generally, during the months that we will do the camino (May, June, July) the temperatures will vary between 15 and 25 ºC and the rain is a little less. But weather can be unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared for everything.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

You should be aware that the vehicle for this journey is your own body. That is to say that we should be able to move supporting our own weight plus the added weight of gear during daily courses of about 20km, under conditions such as cold, heat, rain, etc., on dirt paths, asphalt, or rock that are uneven and can have steep slopes over several days.

It is likely that your body is not used to this much physical exertion, so it is recommended that you train before doing the Camino de Santiago so that it is easier. We advise beginning with short walks, lengthening them progressively, and if possible do them in an area with hills so as to get used to the ups and downs. Continue to do this until you reach the distance that will be covered in a day. Remember that it’s not about doing the maximum number of kilometers in the shortest period of time, but we should gain as much resistance and strength in our legs as possible.

The position that we adopt to walk is also important in avoiding blisters, so we should walk upright with weight distributed evenly inside of the backpack. A tool that will allow us to have correct posture is a walking stick (pilgrim staff), although it is not mandatory to carry them, we recommend it.

pilgrim’s staff walking sticks

On the Camino with TSE we include a luggage pickup service at each stage so that you won’t have to haul around excessive weight between stages. When you arrive at your lodging your things will be waiting. However, you will have to carry a small backpack with you that contains everything you’ll need for each stage.

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WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK?

The necessary equipment for the Camino de Santiago will depend on the chosen route and the time of year. Typi- cally, the Camino with TSE is done spring/summer and is on the Camino Inglés or English Route. Below we will provide details on the indispensable things that you should bring in your luggage, so that you aren’t lacking anything along the way while at the same time are not weighed down by unnecessary items. Please refer to the photos that accom- pany each description to guide you.

BACKPACK: While a luggage service is included on the camino with TSE, you should carry a light and not too large backpack to transport all of the immediately necessary equipment between stages. Further on we will see how the backpack should be and what you should have in it for each day.

TREKKING/HIKING BOTS/SHOES: Footwear is the most important factor when undertaking the Camino. They should be comfortable and broken in (not brand new). It is very important to not use brand new shoes for the camino, because they will be uncomfortable and cause injuries or blisters/cuts. Try to bring two pairs, because if it is no training you can swap out the hiking boots for tennis shoes. Our best advice is to bring waterproof boots that support your ankle to avoid sprains and other injuries.

SANDALS: You will be able to use these to shower in TOLETRY BAG AND TOWEL: You will need bathrooms/showers that are collective. They’ll also be a towel for the day that we’ll be staying great for resting your feet at the end of the day. in an albergue (shelter). The ideal one is microfiber, because it is lightweight and takes up very little space.

cantEEN OR WATER BOTTLE: We advise bringing one with PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT: You should at least one-liter capacity and that has an airtight always carry one in your backpack. seal, so water doesn’t spill out. Further on we’ll detail what should be inside of it.

HAT: To protect your head from the sun. SUNGLASSES: To protect your vision from the sun.

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In addition to everything we’ve already written, this page contains the clothes that you’ll need for the Camino. We suggest athletic/hiking clothing. It is incredibly important that the clothes are comfortable, breathable, and with as few seams as possible (that includes underpants), because given the weather, you could suffer from chafing in the most unexpected places.

polos oR TECHNICAL SHIRTS: You should carry at least 3 short sleeve shirts. Wearing sleeveless shirts runs the risk of burning your shoulders in the sun. In any case, do not forget to bring sunscreen. The shirts can be cotton or polyester, breathable and should not take up much space. We recommend technical shirts, since they are easy to wash and dry quickly. Remember that the camino consists of six or seven stages and although the lodgings will be able to wash your clothes, you will also be able to carry in your backpack a daily shirt if you feel it is necessary. In addition to these clothes, you’ll be able to carry another normal shirt for the end of the stages.

sWEATSHIRT, POLAR FLEECE, WINDBREAKER: Normally, the first hour of the morning and of the evening are cool, so we recommend that you carry a sweatshirt or polar fleece to keep the chill out. It’s important that it is comfortable and isn’t too bulky because once it warms up you will want to put it in your backpack

ATHLETIC PANTS: You should carry at least 2 pairs for walking and a spare for when you finish the stages or for the trip home. The walking pants should be comfortable, they can be track pants or trekking pants. We suggest trekking pants that can be shortened to account for weather changes. If those aren’t available, opt for long pants that are thinner, because while the temperature could rise long pants will help you avoid bug bites, stings, sunburns, or plant abrasions…etc.

RAINCOAT: Very important. It will keep the rain off so socks: You should have, at least one pair of tall you stay dry. socks per day. We advise that they be seamless and breathable. They are anti-blister socks that help to reduce friction between your foot and the sock.

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WHAT SHOULD YOU CARRY IN YOUR BACKPACK?

As we’ve said, your backpack that will go with you between stages should be light, comfortable, waterproof, and have adjustable shoulder pads. Also, it should close around the waist and chest and have various sections for quick and easy access of objects that you need on hand. The size should be about 20 liters.

Each day you should have in your backpack:

- Canteen with water, at least 1 liter. - A snack such as fruit, dried fruit, or energy bars. - Hat and sunglasses. - Sunscreen. - Small first aid kit, that we’ll detail shortly. - Raincoat - Spare pair of shoes (something comfortable and not too bulky) - Spare pair of socks: very important if it rains or if we have a blister or other injury. - Cellphone, camera (optional), batteries and chargers. - Documentation: Passport, health insurance card, credit card, and pilgrim’s accreditation.

WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT?

• Band-Aids and bandages of different sizes for blisters and cuts

• Gauze and tape

• Povidone Iodine and serum or something similar to clean and disinfect cuts

• Antidiarrheal

• Neutral Vaseline

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatories to alleviate common ailments

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellant (Can be spray, cream, wristbands etc.)

• Scissors

With this first aid kit, you’ll be prepared to deal with the most typical health issues that pilgrims experience such as: muscle aches and cramps, cuts, blisters, scrapes, effects of heat, sunburns, bug bites and stings, and diarrhea or gastroenteritis. However, each individual should be aware of their own pathologies and the illnesses that tend to affect them and not forget medication that is necessary for treatment because in some stages there will not be pharmacies available to buy them. 5 el camino de santiago with tse

HYGIENE AND FOOT CARE

Foot care is something primordial at the time of doing the Camino. From the first day we have to dedicate time and special attention to them. They are what will take us to Santiago, and if you take care of them, you’ll arrive without problems.

As earlier stated, you should not have brand new footwear when you start the Camino. It is more comfortable to have footwear with a thick sole, flexible and without very hard buttresses or toes. Although it is great to have a secure foot, avoid too tight laces and seams that can cause skin lesions. Don’t forget to use appropriate socks, made of wool or cotton that are breathable and sit above the boots so as to cushion the ankles. Change them daily and store them carefully so they don’t wrinkle and chafe your feet.

To avoid blisters, it is very important to keep your feet dry and very hydrated. Every day, before starting to walk, we’ll apply Vaseline or lotion especially between the toes and the ball and heel of the foot.

It’s also very important to keep your feet clean; at the end of the stage of the day we should shower and wash our feet carefully. Afterwards, dry them fully especially between the toes to avoid irritations and illness such as fungus and papillomas. Don’t forget to use sandals or shoes in the shared bathroom spaces.

In order to rest your feet between stages it would be convenient to soak them in warm water with salt (per each liter of water, a tablespoon of salt) for at least five minutes. There are relaxing and refreshing creams specially made for feet; you can apply them after washing your feet and massage smoothly from toes to heel.

If after all of this, blisters start to appear to avoid them bothering you, the best thing you can do is to protect the area with a patch or some type of dressing like gauze taped down to cushion it. Although is some cases there is the idea to pop a blister, it can be dangerous because there is risk of infection. Under no circumstances should you pull at the blister and pop it.

Finally, in all of the lodgings along the Camino there will be showers. It is incredibly important to shower each day after finishing the stage. By doing so, we will avoid catching cold by sitting in our sweat, we’ll get rid of the dust from the road, clean whatever cut or scrape, and get rid of any bad odors reaching coexistence that is best for everybody.

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GENERAL ADVICE

• Once the route begins, don’t walk really fast on the first days but rather try to maintain the rhythm. • DO NOT wear new footwear to do the Camino • Foot care is fundamental; procure the items we’ve advised in this guide to help prevent blisters and other injuries. • Use lightweight, comfortable clothing with the fewest number of seams possible to avoid chafing. • Carry a waterproof backpack, and in case that it isn’t, find something to cover it that is waterproof. A raincoat or a garbage bag for example. • Always carry your documentation to accredit your identity and origin. Do not forget your identification as a pilgrim. • Bring your cellphone with battery and additional batteries if applicable. • If you have a geo-localization system (Safe-365, WhatsApp...etc.) keep is activated. • Don’t lose sight of your belongings and make sure your backpack is shut tightly. • During the stages, drink a little bit of wáter but frequently to avoid dehydration. • Eat snacks with a lot of energy such as banana, dried fruit, or chocolate. • Never leave the indicated path and respect the rules of the road. • ALWAYS walk on the left side of the road. • If you’re sore and have muscle cramps, rest and drink plenty of fluids. • If you find an animal loose along the way, especially around the entrance or exit of some local place, do not feed it. It likely belongs to someone and if you pay attention to it and allow it to accompany you, it will end up far away from where it belongs, disorientated, hungry and unable to find its way home.

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OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

The Camino de Santiago is a unique experience that each person will live in a personal manner. However, we should remember that this is group trip and we’ll have to cohabitate with monitors, professors, and companions for many days. Our behavior should be respectful and appropriate towards the members of the group as well as other pilgrims and locals that we meet along the way.

Whatever behavior considered indecent or inappropriate on the part of the student will result in expulsion from the program, and the expulsion will be at the student’s own cost. We understand as inappropriate behavior the lack of respect for the monitor or whichever companions or other pilgrims as well as any act that disturbs the coexistence of the group and becomes an obstacle for the normal rhythm of the Camino.

If any individual were to have any mishap or lesion, he or she will be able to return to A Coruña to continue with Spanish classes in the TSE center. In addition to each student having a personal first aid kit, the monitor will have a complete first aid kit to be able to carry out immediate treatment in case of emergency. In the case of abandonment of the Camino for causes that aren’t listed above the student will be still responsible for paying for a return trip to A Coruña and any other costs therein.

You should keep in mind that, generally, the stages of the Camino are of moderate difficulty. That is to say that they will be easy for individuals that have a basic level of fitness. However, while prior intensive training is not necessary, whichever person with unhealthy habits or a tendency to be sedentary will find that the level of difficulty is higher and could slow the rhythm of the group and the schedule for the program activities.

Individuals that are intolerant and/or allergic to whatever type of food, or follow specific dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, or with any sort of physically problem or allergy to something else such as pollen or insect bites/stings etc. should alert the organization in advance and take/bring whatever necessary treatment prior to an emergency. This last part if especially important as the stages that we will be carrying out are through the mountains and are on occasion far from population centers and should an emergency occur, we will have to wait to be moved to a care center.

Finally, as we warned at the beginning of this guide, the weather of Galicia can increase the difficulty of the Camino, so it is especially important to have clean, dry clothes each day. Depending on the chosen program, there will be 6 or 7 days that we will be walking, and you should prepare yourself for that. You should be conscious of the fact that each day will be a new stage with different unevenness, distances, and requirements for physical strength. Without a doubt, motivation to overcome these is super important. You should be motivated, each camino is different and in your hands is the opportunity to enjoy it: take advantage of the experience, meet people from all over the world, relate to your companions and anyone else you meet, participate openly in the activities and practice your Spanish. We promise that this will be a truly unforgettable experience. ¡BUEN CAMINO, PEREGRINO! 8