Will language be a problem

[bconn]

I am new and I apologize if this quation has been asked and answered before. I only speak English and was wondering if this would be a problem or not. I would appreciate any advice.

[BHinSanDiego]

I wouldn't say it would be a problem, a bit of a hinderance or difficulty at times. I suggest at least getting or making a Spanish phrase book and use the internet to learn some basic words and phrases. Quite a few of the pilgrims, are native English speakers or come from a country such as Germany and know English as a second language and have the same concenrs as you. Get familiar with words you'll probably use everyday, words for various foods and drinks, numbers, how to say "where", "how much", "how many", "when" simple things like this can get you far.

[HuskyNerd]

I agree with BH that it's good to have a few phrases. Occasionally there's a hospitalero who doesn't speak any English at all. Often there are shopkeepers with very little English. In most all cases a few smiles and points of the finger and sign language will make it all work.

That said, there's a good argument for going deeper in Spanish. I had a college term of Spanish before Camino #1 and then spent two more college terms prior to Camino #2. After study I was able to engage people in stores a little more and began to sense I could communicate a little. I'm looking forward to my upcoming camino in May with my sister who's a fluent Spanish/English interpreter. The bonus of having her along will be Spanish lessons on the fly and also more time to converse with the locals. IMHO this is one of the treasures of the Camino that we English-only folk miss too often. But, yes, learn a few phrases and you'll be fine!

Buen camino!