A few highlights from the last week:
-The game that qualified Spain for the World Cup final! Spain has not gone to the final in a long time (maybe ever) and there is a growing excitement here. When they qualified, there was muchas fiestas, lots of horn honking and yelling.
-Exploring the cliffs and caves near Tosantos. There were millions of rock formations of quartz chrystal shining in the sun. We climbed through patches of wild oregano and among thistles, searching for treasure.
-Having my needs met in the most unexpected ways. A hippie peregrino named Marcelino, who gave me a walking stick. Food offered by strangers, when I need it. Singing nuns at the albergue. Encouragement from a parting friend. A well timed fountain in the desert heat.
-Discovering the joy of the parrocial albergue. Most people stay in the municipal albergue, run by the city and packed with lots of people. You pay 5 euros, get a bunk bed and a kitchen for making pasta (if you are lucky). But, the parrocials are lovely. They are run by volunteers and everyone works together to make dinner and clean up. After dinner, nighttime prayers and guitar playing before off to bed. The people are delightful and all have walked the Camino before, so they have tons of wisdom to share. These albergues are donativos, which means that you pay as you can and participate in the community life.
-Rain, a final break in the heat
-Learning how to best pop and clean blisters. Gross, yes, but necessary on the Camino.
-Wild poppies, everywhere!
-Vineyards and great (cheap) Spanish wine
i love that you found the singing nuns! and i LOOOOVED the poppies, they were some of my favorite things.
ReplyDeletei'm definitely re-living the camino vicariously through you. its such a beautiful thing, and i'm glad you are doing it.
i totally agree about the parrocials. there are a few lovely hostels througout la meseta that pools. which is a lovely thing to happen upon.
and your postcard made me very happy.