Cell Phones

[Jeffrey Crawley]

Tony, ignore the jibes.  During September last year there were numerous
North Americans going frantic because they couldn't reach relatives after
the 11th.  From your use of "fall" instead of Autumn I guess you are
American (or a Canuk). Be warned, international calls by mobile phone can
cost an arm and a leg.

My advice, take/buy your phone, but make sure your charger can take 230
volts not 110 as in USA/Canada and will fit a two, round pin socket (or
bring a lightweight adaptor).  Use it to recieve SMS text messages.  Leave
it turned off all day and only switch it on when you are alone in the
evening when your relatives are awake in the morning.

There are lots of Cibercafés in Spain even in relatively small towns like
Portomarin.  Before leaving go to www.microsoft.com and set up
a "hotmail.com" account for yourself - this way you can send more detailed
messages.

Bear in mind that a lot of "short walk" Pilgrims (no offence meant, not
everybody can take 6 or 7 weeks off to do the CdS in one go)wouldn't
appreciate the effects of being away from home for a long time.

Above all - It's YOUR Camino, hair shirts and self flagellation are NOT
compulsory!! If you want/can carry it and you promise not to annoy Howard
by talking while you walk then why not?

Buen viaje

Jeffrey