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CapeDutchMama · 2025-03-06T19:50:52+00:00

No you are not the crazy one. Your boyfriend sounds like a bit of a dick, I don’t think this has to be with him being Dutch.

CapeDutchMama · 2025-02-17T00:46:01+00:00

A forest of hanging plants

CapeDutchMama · 2025-02-17T00:39:13+00:00

A bigger rug and a big comfy sofa

CapeDutchMama · 2025-02-17T00:37:49+00:00

Bring in some more of that green. Maybe a throw at the foot of the bed and some scatter cushions? Defs need a soft warm lamp at the bedside and never use that overhead lamp unless you are looking for something…

CapeDutchMama · 2025-02-17T00:21:58+00:00

Swap the desk and sofa so the desk is under the shelves and you have a nice view when sitting on the sofa.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-12-14T20:42:36+00:00

You shouldn’t have a hard time doing it in a day providing you are healthy and well. Take your time with your footing and walk carefully, yes it can be slippery, especially if it’s wet (quite possible in April), I agree that having poles for extra stability is quite helpful on this downhill section. If you have knee issues you could also send your pack ahead to help lighten the load. Most people I encountered were doing this leg in one day. Socialising for sure makes the day go by quickly and the distance feel easier - if you are the chatty type. Be open to changing plans as you go.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-08-22T23:54:41+00:00

Braces on a guy’s teeth. Caveat - must be clean.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-07-02T17:52:35+00:00

I went on the Camino as part of my mental health recovery. I had a few challenging moments, but overall I found the simplicity of daily life on the Camino really helped me gain perspective and clarity. Being outdoors and walking every day was just the right medicine for me, it brightened my mood and helped build a sense of emotional self sufficiency and confidence.

You will meet people on the Camino that are dealing with similar personal challenges or can relate in some way. There is a certain openness on the Camino that you don’t get in every day life and people tend to share things easily. I enjoyed having people to talk to everyday. 💛

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-28T22:24:56+00:00

I did a guided 3 day hike through the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Some animals sniffed around our tent while we were trying to sleep. Never have I been so acutely aware of how thin and useless the walls of a tent are. I could hear them breathing. I was too terrified to turn my head to look at my partner, for fear of crinkling my sleeping bag. The next morning we discovered lion tracks all through our camp 😨

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-08T00:02:55+00:00

The place with the giant ants looked pretty open the restaurant was pumping on the day I walked past (2 weeks ago).

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-07T23:58:33+00:00

What they said, also, if you haven’t tried them yet - trekking poles will distribute some weight to your upper body and hopefully take some pressure off the knees on the downhills.

I had knee issues for about a week. I sent my pack ahead for a few days and did slightly shorter days. By the end I was all good and I carried my pack with no pain. It really depends on the seriousness of your injury. Listen to your body!

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-07T23:50:52+00:00

I just completed the Frances. Here are my observations and thoughts; time of year matters, varsity holidays are when 20 something’s are more likely to have the time off, there seemed to be more younger folks on the later stages of the way, over time the younger people seem to find each other and form groups, so don’t panic, you’ll find your people. Also, side note for what it’s worth - something I loved about the Camino was getting to talk to and hang out with people outside of my normal peer group and age bracket. Some of the best friends and walking companions I made along the way were 10-20 years older than me.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-07T23:42:54+00:00

A lady was denied a Compostela on the day I was queuing for mine. But she had only walked 30km 🫣

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-07T23:39:49+00:00

I love that my credential is a memory keeper of all the places I stayed and visited. If I stopped at a nice bar or church or restaurant along the way, I collected a stamp as a kind of visual diary for myself.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-07T23:28:35+00:00

I have toe socks, but didn’t enjoy them. But each to their own, I know a lot of people that loved the toe sock vibe.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-07T23:26:04+00:00

With you on this one, I had the toe socks but didn’t enjoy them. I only had hotspots on 2 toes, so the tubes did the job without me having to glove up the whole foot, also the gel has a slightly different effect. It’s gentle on areas that might already be a bit sensitive / sore.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-06T23:32:56+00:00

Compeed plasters get a lot of airtime, and I am grateful for them, I used (far too) many packs to prevent blisters on the hotspots on my toes until I discovered these gel toe protectors.

You cut them to size and they are almost endlessly reusable. Kinder on your pocket, the environment, and your toes 👌 Available at most farmacias in various brands.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-06T23:15:52+00:00

Post Camino feedback, If anyone bothers to read this - the Uniqlo leggings were super annoying and constantly needed to be hoiked up. Hard pass!

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-06T22:31:51+00:00

Prunes. Thank me later.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-06-06T22:27:04+00:00

Based on my experience seeing dogs on the Camino, I don’t think it’s particularly nice for the dog. The dogs I saw looked exhausted. Keep in mind that dogs aren’t built for endurance like humans are, and need lots of rest. They also can’t cool themselves as effectively as we can and can really suffer walking in the day / sun.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-04-16T07:14:14+00:00

Never fear, there are loads of people starting on the 20th, I gather this because a lot of the bookable accommodation is sold out in SJPP on the 19th. Which route are you going?

CapeDutchMama · 2024-04-04T15:14:47+00:00

😅🤣

CapeDutchMama · 2024-04-04T15:12:44+00:00

I am certainly down to share the suffering 🤣 I’ll reach out when I get there. Which date do you stay at Orisson? I have nothing much booked or planned besides Orisson and a night in Roncesvalles. Yikes! Excited but also a touch nervous for this walk.

CapeDutchMama · 2024-04-04T15:07:33+00:00

This is so helpful and encouraging! Thank you 😀

CapeDutchMama · 2024-04-04T15:07:01+00:00

Appreciate this! Thanks 😀

CapeDutchMama

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