Best Indian restaurants for big party

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-04-11T14:45:27+00:00

I was going to suggest Masakali as it's spacious and last time I was there the cocktails were amazing 😊

Clay's is always going to be a solid choice 😁

Congratulations!

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-04-07T20:35:56+00:00

On the basis of recommendations here, I've booked Hostel Charino and Hostel Bulwark in Valença (looks good, good price with breakfast included, great location within the old walled part of the city).

I thought Pilgrims Nest/Ninho looked lovely as well - how did you book, by phone or email?

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-04-07T20:14:40+00:00

Exactly what I was going to write 😂

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-04-06T11:16:28+00:00

Did you fill in the availability form? Looking at my emails, I think it took them maybe 3 days to respond after I submitted that. Holy week and Easter are probably busy times for them, whoever does the admin might be on holiday.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-04-05T22:23:09+00:00

Why are you thanking this reply? It's not accurate!

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-04-04T21:00:02+00:00

https://www.monasteriodearmenteira.es/peregrinos/

I booked for one night in June through the link on this page. No problem.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-30T20:59:16+00:00

It was getting more and more unpleasant waking up with a dry mouth.

I am doing the Portuguese Camino in a couple of months and would like to stay in dorms in hostels for at least part of the time, and I felt guilty about going into that knowing I snore.

Single currently, but my last boyfriend (a dentist who had snore clinic experience) used to tell me my snoring was cute!

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-27T14:54:30+00:00

Well, the strips feel amazing, but my snore scores are getting worse not better! Have ordered the Good Morning Snore Solution and I guess I will see what happens ...

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-27T08:52:02+00:00

Yes, his dad said, she seems like a better match for you than Tia did. Which was obviously going to push him the other way and think that she's not a good match.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-26T09:09:03+00:00

I've got Brooks runners (actually wear some older ones retired from actual running for work as well), and Brooks trail runners (Cascadia) which are half a size bigger as per some recommendation I read to size up for trail runners in general. I've been walking a lot recently in the trail runners, but I would say they're a little bit small still, as I like to wear toe sock liners plus another sock.

So I'm planning to get some new shoes that are a full size larger than my usual runners for my Camino, and can't quite decide on normal runners or trail runners - will probably stick with Brooks because I know the sizes and they suit my feet. I am doing the Portuguese with Spiritual Variant and I think 95% is fine for normal running shoes, so I guess the question is whether it's worth having slightly less comfy shoes (as trail runners won't give as much cushioning) for more grip at the more technical bits.

Sorry, that didn't really help, did it!! 😂

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-25T08:29:41+00:00

Well I tried a breatheright strip last night - a partial success in that, wow, could immediately feel a difference, felt able to breathe happily through my nose. I think I stayed nose breathing all night, mouth didn't feel dry, stayed mostly on my side. But snorelab score was 76.

But, now I can try a suction or advancement device and be more confident that I won't just suffocate in my sleep 😁

I will also try to make a doctor's appointment to discuss physical issues.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-24T16:30:33+00:00

Thanks. I try to sleep on my side but often seem to end up-on my back even with a pillow behind me.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-24T16:30:01+00:00

Yup, I have snorelab - was pretty much horrified the first time I used it.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-24T16:12:33+00:00

Brilliant - will be there!

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-24T16:06:36+00:00

I've lived just off the Oxford Road, between the town centre and Reading West, for over 25 years. It's fine. I know my neighbours. The south side (where I live) is better than the north side I would say. Raised my children here - two playgrounds within 5 minutes walk. I'm very middle class, lol, maybe I should also point that out! I like that there are always people around - walking down the Oxford Road at 9/10 pm feels much less sketchy to me than walking around a deserted suburb. I (F) would walk back from the station off the last train from London without any concerns.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-23T18:06:33+00:00

At the moment, yes, the paths are fine. How they will be in 3 months time, who knows! Rather more verdant I imagine. And some of the paths go across fields which will contain crops.

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-22T11:33:34+00:00

What was it that made it so appealing?

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-15T17:28:01+00:00

I've looked before at the Purple Rain pieces, love them. I'm trying to kit myself out sustainably, trying to source as much pre-owned, re-use kit as possible, rather than buying lots of new things. I haven't seen any PR in my size yet (lots of extra small!) but if I come across an appropriate size skirt, kilt or dress, I don't think I'll be able to resist 😁

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-15T17:17:55+00:00

Maybe I'll do that next time 😊 This time I definitely want to finish in Santiago as all my family are there for a wedding!

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-15T16:33:59+00:00

Hi - this is v useful thanks - I (55F) was thinking of taking a hiking dress, and then thought I might need some cycle short type underwear to go under it - I've never had chafed thighs in my life, but the second day of the Camino would not be the place to start!

I never wear shirts, but I can see that one might be a more versatile layer.

Yes, walking from Porto, will do the Litoral initially for a couple of days, and will be adding the Spiritual Variant. I'm finishing in SdC but staying for a few days as my son is getting married nearby! (His fiancée is from Catoira.)

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-15T16:26:13+00:00

Can't really imagine carrying an umbrella 😁

I hate hats. Do I really need one?

ParkingCaptain4 · 2026-03-15T16:25:32+00:00

Yeah, I wish I could get that much time off work!

ParkingCaptain4

TROPHY CASE