Things that don’t exist in Spain

Things that don’t exist in Spain

by | Apr 16, 2025 | Camino de Santiago, Culture and traditions, food

If you’ve never been to Spain and believe everything you read online (especially in Camino groups) you might end up filling your backpack to the brim. Why? Because apparently, according to some of those posts, Spain doesn’t have anything.

But is that really true? Can you not find ice, peanut butter, electrolytes or even flip flops in Spain?

It’s normal to have lots of questions before traveling to a new country, especially if it’s your first time.

I remember my own first trip to the UK when I was about 15 or 16. I went with a school group and stayed with host families. Some of the questions we got from them were… interesting.

Things like: “Do you have washing machines in Spain?”
And years later, when I moved to Ireland, I heard more of the same. A Spanish friend mentioned her dad was an engineer, and people were genuinely surprised: “Wait, there are engineers in Spain?”
This was from people who had actually been to Spain, and seen our roads, airports, infrastructure…

So, yes, some stereotypes are hard to shake.

And when I scroll through Camino forums, I see similar assumptions.
People ask if they need water purification tablets. Or vaccines. Fortunately, these are not the most frequently asked questions, but they come up every now and them. 
In case there are any doubts, let me clear that up right now: No, you don’t need water purification tablets to walk the Camino in Spain. You don’t need any vaccines to get into the country either.

So, over the last few months, I’ve been compiling a list of the questions I see most often in forums and groups. Some are understandable, others a bit surprising. But what truly baffles me are some of the answers.

Take decaf coffee, for example.

Someone asked if it was available in Spain.
A few people quickly replied there’s no decaf in Spain.

One person even said they had just walked the Camino and hadn’t found decaf anywhere. I was curious, so I asked what they had asked for. Their answer was “decaf”, in English.

Well, that explains it.

Of course they couldn’t find it. No one understood what they were asking for. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!

 

Someone else asked if it was acceptable to take leftovers home from a restaurant.

The response?
“No, that’s not something people do in Spain. They won’t understand if you ask for a doggy bag.”

Well, if you say “doggy bag” in English in a Spanish restaurant, no, they probably won’t understand.

And if you try Google Translate and ask for “una bolsa para el perro”, they might hand you a bag of scraps for your pet—as they did with another poor pilgrim!

But does that mean you can’t take your leftovers home?
Not at all. It’s actually perfectly normal to do so in Spain. But you need to ask in proper Spanish.

(Get this episodes’s transcript for free here)

So, I compiled a list and ended up with 25+ items that people often worry they won’t be able to find in Spain.

Then, I went to supermarkets, pharmacies, sports stores… and even those catch-all chinos (discount stores run by Chinese families). All the typical places you’d go shopping in Spain. Just to confirm that everything on my list could be easily found.

And guess what?
I found everything. I had to search a bit harder for one of the items… but I found that one eventually, just not in the first shop I checked.

Here’s the thing: sometimes it’s not about what’s available, but how you ask for it and where you’re looking.

For example, in the UK or Ireland, you can often buy over the counter medicine like painkillers or cold remedies at a supermarket.

But in Spain? Nope. You won’t find those in the supermarket.

That doesn’t mean they’re not available. You just need to go to a pharmacy.

I’ve turned all this info into a super practical guide called: “Things That Don’t Exist in Spain”
(Spoiler: They do exist).

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A list of 25+ commonly asked items

  • Where to find them

  • What to say in Spanish so people understand you

  • Cultural tips, like how to find a pharmacy open 24/7—even on Sundays and holidays

  • Photos to prove it all!

Inside pages of the ebook Things that don't exist in Spain

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Travel and language learning with Lindsay

Travel and language learning with Lindsay

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Camino Spanish, interview

What if your travels could inspire you to learn a new language? That’s exactly how Lindsay approaches language learning.

In the latest episode of the Spanish for the Camino podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lindsay Dow, creator of Lindsay Does Languages, about her experience with learning multiple languages and the role travel has played in it.

 

So, how many languages can Lindsay speak?

She doesn’t have an exact answer. It depends, she says! She doesn’t speak all of them at the same level. Some, like Spanish and French, she knows well; others require a bit of refreshing before she can comfortably use them, and some others she only knows the very basics. .But if she must say a figure, she’ll settle for around 15 languages.

Her takeaway: you don’t have to be perfect in a language to enjoy using it!

 

Many language learners feel pressure to reach a high level of fluency, but Lindsay reminded us that this isn’t necessary. She realized this early on, when she  started learning Spanish and French at the same time in school, that she didn’t need to reach perfection in every language—just knowing enough to communicate and connect with people was valuable.

 

We often hear that immersion is the best way to learn a language, but Lindsay challenges that idea. While being surrounded by a language can be helpful, she always tries to learn at least a little of the local language before she travels. For her, it’s easier to learn a bit of a language before arriving in a country rather than trying to pick it up while traveling. So, for example, before a trip to Turkey, Lindsay took some online classes in Turkish, which helped her navigate her visit.

But everyone learns differently, and there’s no single best method, so it could work for you.

Her recent trip to India made her realize how difficult it can be to keep up when a country has multiple languages spoken in different regions and it confirmed her preference for learning at least the basics before travel.

 

Languages aren’t just about words—they reflect culture too. We can’t separate language and culture. Lindsay shared an example from Korean, where even a simple greeting involves different levels of formality depending on who you’re speaking to. This cultural aspect of language learning makes the process even more fascinating and rewarding.

 

One of the funniest stories Lindsay shared was from a trip to Morocco. She and a friend found themselves switching between multiple languages—French, Arabic, Italian, Polish, and even Chinese—in one day as they navigated different situations. It was a great example of how being flexible with languages can help you connect with people wherever you go.

 

Lindsay’s top language learning tip

 

To wrap up our conversation, Lindsay shared her three key principles for language learning, which she calls the “Three Fs”:

 

  • Flexible – Find ways to integrate language learning into your daily routine without making it a huge disruption.
  • Functional – Focus on learning the language in a way that helps you use it in real-life situations.
  • Fun – Enjoy the process! Whether it’s music, movies, or something else that excites you, find a way to make learning enjoyable.

She also encouraged learners to “find their Shakira”—something they love that keeps them motivated to keep learning. For her, it was Shakira’s music that first connected her with Spanish.

 

If you want to hear the full conversation, check out the episode in the Spanish for the Camino podcast. 

(Get this episode’s transcript for free here)

Lindsay’s journey shows that learning a language isn’t about reaching perfection—it’s about making connections, having fun, and embracing the process. Whether you’re preparing for a trip on the Camino de Santiago or just curious about a new language, her advice is a great reminder to enjoy the adventure of language learning.

Where to find Lindsay

Lindsay’s website: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/
Language Life, Lindsay’s program to learn languages your way: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll

 

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Buen Camino

Cycling the Camino with Yolanda

Cycling the Camino with Yolanda

by | Feb 7, 2025 | Camino de Santiago, interview, places

Today, I’m sharing highlights from my recent chat on the podcast with Yolanda, a Spanish teacher from Valencia. Yolanda told me about her experience cycling the Camino de Santiago way back in 1993. 

Yolandas’s Camino

Yolanda completed the Camino Francés in 1993!

Back then, the Camino was far less crowded than it is today, though it still felt lively since it was a Holy Year (Año Jacobeo). She cycled the Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela with a group of coworkers in just 17 days.

In 1993 there were not as many accommodation options as today, and it was a busy year on the Camino. The existing albergues were not enough, so Yolanda recalls camping along the way in special tents set up just for cyclists. These campsites were well-equipped with comfortable mattresses, proper showers, and even laundry facilities. 

Yolanda described her journey as “privileged.” They had fantastic weather for most of the trip, with no rain until they reached Galicia.

Even more surprising? They didn’t get a single flat tyre over 800 kilometres! That said, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. On one particularly tough day, they had to ride 90 kilometres to find a place to sleep, leaving Yolanda completely exhausted by the time they arrived.

Still, the experience of cycling through different landscapes, meeting pilgrims from around the world, and feeling connected to nature made it unforgettable. As Yolanda puts it, “It was magical – the skies, the air, the feeling of moving at your own pace.”

(Get this episode’s transcript for free here)

Valencia

Yolanda and I also talked about her hometown: Valencia, starting point of the Camino de Levante and a city she highly recommends visiting. She suggests renting a bike to explore the Jardín del Turia, a 12-kilometre park from which you can go into different parts of the city, like the old town or the stunning Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

And, of course, you can’t leave Valencia without trying its famous rice dishes. Yolanda explained that while paella is the most well-known, there are countless other varieties, including arroz al horno (baked rice), arroz a banda (seafood rice), and arroz del senyoret (rice with peeled seafood – perfect for the “rich gentleman” who doesn’t want to get his fingers dirty).

Final Thoughts

Yolanda’s story is a reminder of how unique every Camino experience can be—whether you’re walking, cycling, or simply dreaming of your journey. Her 1993 pilgrimage might seem worlds apart from today’s Camino, but the magic of connecting with others, enjoying the journey, and embracing life at a slower pace is timeless.

 

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Buen Camino

Koalas in Galicia

Koalas in Galicia

by | Dec 28, 2024 | Camino de Santiago

There are koalas in the Galician eucalyptus forests.

Yes, you read that right—koalas in Galicia!

For quite some time now there were rumors and occasional sightings, but now experts from the University of Santiago have confirmed their presence after months of research. The article below tell the full story (in Spanish).

Keep scrolling for a summary, in English.

 

Koalas in Galicia article page 1
Koalas in Galicia article page 2

As the article says, the story behind this surprising discovery is fascinating.

Apparently, a well-known Galician drug lord once built a private zoo for his grandchildren, complete with exotic animals, including koalas. When the children lost interest, the animals were released into the wild, and the koalas found a home in Galicia’s eucalyptus forests.

The humid climate and abundance of eucalyptus—a tree not native to Galicia but widespread due to the timber industry—have provided these marsupials with everything they need to survive. While their impact on the local ecosystem is still being studied, their presence adds a unique twist to Galicia’s rich natural landscape.

So, if you’re walking the Camino through Galicia, keep an eye out—you might just spot one of these unexpected visitors!

 

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The Camino starts when you think about it

The Camino starts when you think about it

by | Nov 1, 2024 | Camino de Santiago, interview

This week on the Spanish for the Camino podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Cris Pacino, a Brazilian teacher who has lived in Spain for 20 years. She’s a seasoned pilgrim and Spanish language teacher, especially for Portuguese speakers, helping them to fulfill their dreams of communicating confidently in Spanish—whether for personal, professional, or academic goals.

You can listen to our conversation, in Spanish, on the podcast, or can continue reading a summary of our chat in English.

Cris’ connection to the Camino de Santiago traces back to her father, originally from a small village in Galicia. Growing up, she often heard him talk about it, but her true spark came at age 14 when she read The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho. It ignited a lifelong goal: one day, she would walk the Camino herself.

 

She finally did it in 2008, walking part of the Camino Francés, from Burgos to Santiago, after a layoff offered the perfect chance. Cris knew months in advance that she was going to lose her job, so she used that time to prepare, hiking daily with her backpack to build stamina. Her first Camino experience was unforgettable. For her, it wasn’t just a hike—it was a powerful journey of self-discovery.

While her first journey was a solo pilgrimage, she had the support of her then-boyfriend, now husband, who had also walked the Camino and encouraged her to experience it independently. This solitude became an essential part of her pilgrimage, allowing her to connect deeply with herself. Walking alone gave her the freedom to process her thoughts. an experience she treasures, despite the now-changed nature of the Camino, which is often bustling with groups celebrating together.

 

Cris’ Camino Adventures

Since then, Cris has walked sections of the Camino de Madrid. In 2020, she completed the Camino Portugués from Tui to Santiago with a friend. In 2022, she went back to the Camino Francés and walked from Ponferrada to Santiago with her sister, who traveled from Brazil for this. Each of these journeys has held special significance for her, giving her fresh perspectives and cherished memories.

 

She hasn’t walked the Camino with her husband yet; maybe in the future, although work commitments make it hard.. However, Cris dreams of walking the stretch from Saint-Jean to Burgos in 2025 once her studies are complete.

Cris on the Camino Francés in 2022

On the Camino Francés in 2022

Cris on the Camino Francés in 2022

Since Cris is a Portuguese speaker and I live on the Camino Portugués, I took the opportunity to ask Cris for some Portuguese phrases to help pilgrims when they start their journey in Portugal. Cris happily shared a few essentials:

  • Bom dia – Good morning
  • Boa tarde – Good afternoon
  • Boa noite – Good night
  • Obrigado/Obrigada – Thank you (gendered: men say “obrigado,” and women “obrigada”)
  • Por favor – Please

 

A Message to Future Pilgrims

As a parting message, Cris left a heartfelt reminder for anyone considering the Camino. She believes that the Camino truly begins the moment you imagine it. So, if the Camino has ever crossed your mind, you’ve already taken the first step. And don’t worry if you have uncertainties; the Camino will reveal itself to you in unexpected ways, often exceeding your expectations.

 You can find out more about Cris at https://crispacino.com.br/

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