Camino de Santiago - Practical Preparation and Background

This book is intended for people planning to walk a Camino for the first time. It contains detailed, practical, impartial information and advice to help you prepare. It is based on the author's personal experience gained over nearly twenty years walking Caminos and on the experiences of many other pilgrims. The following topics are covered in detail: - the latest situation in Spain and how it affects the Camino. Travel restrictions, the EU Digital Covid Certificate, prospects for 2022. - what to take, or more importantly, what not to take. This is the most important part of your preparation. How to choose equipment, what to think about and watch out for when buying hiking clothes, shoes, socks and a backpack. - how to avoid, or if necessary, deal with blisters, bedbugs, heatstroke and other hazards of the Camino. How to access the Spanish health service and stay safe. What can you do before you leave home to help avoid disasters? - What's a typical Camino day? What's it like staying in a "pilgrim hostel"? Where do you eat and what's the food like? - how do people manage if they don't Speak Spanish? How to order food in restaurants? How to understand a typical Camino menu. from its beginnings to its revival, what was the Camino like in the middle ages? Who walked it then? What hardships and hazards did they face? - politics, culture and people of modern Spain. - including details of websites and Facebook pages and groups where you can meet other pilgrims.