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My Camino Journey
So today I thought I was going to be getting wet, last night it was raining really heavy as I lay in bed and that's when I decided that there was no chance I would be getting up early. Compared to yesterday morning I now wanted to stay in bed for as long as possible...... Many people were still up and about before 6am and at 6.30am I couldn't take it anymore, I was the first bed in the room, right next to the door and it was driving me crazy all the people going in and out of the room.... I got up and got dressed, I still had washing on the line so I went to collect that and to my surprise, it was cold but no rain and I know the sky was clear because I could see the stars. I finished packing my belongings and made the quick trip 2 doors down to have my morning kickstart, cafe con leche and a chocolate croissant. Once my belly was satisfied I was ready to start walking, leaving Santo Domingo de Calzada was a little tricky, not every corner had a clear sign and a couple of times I just took a guess.... It paid off because in 15minutes I was out of the town and on the open track, the sun had not come up yet but it was pre-dawn and enough light that you could easily see where you were going. Just a little more than 3km in and I am climbing up the hill by the motorway. Once I reached the top I stopped and waited for the sun to come up, again it was another beautiful sunrise. There was many pilgrims at this spot enjoying the same amazing view I was, the air was clear and fresh and in the few moments when there were no trucks whizzing by on the motorway, it was absolutely breathtaking. As I was heading into the first town for the day I passed a guy and said good morning, as I passed he said he liked my sticker on my backpack ( I have Buen Camino written with the oz flag) and he asked were I was from and I told him that I was from Australia, he response was the standard.. oh Australia, your a long way from home, to which I could only agree. I asked him where he was from and he told me he is Spanish and lives in Madrid. We walked together for a while and once we arrived at Granon we stopped for coffee. Once we had finished our coffee and received a stamp for our pilgrim passport we were back on the road, so far I knew that this guy was Spanish, lived in Madrid, was a civil Engineer and had studied in Peru, what I didn't know was his name...... So I thought I better just ask.... and what do you think a good Spanish name would be.... Juan of course haha. He was so lovely and we walked together for ages, even crossing the border of La Rioja and Castilla y Leon together, of course we stopped for the obligatory picture at the border (pic attached) At the next town Juan being a devote Christian wanted to wait for the church to open so he could see the Romanesque baptismal font that witnessed the christening of Saint Dominic who was born in this tiny village and who did so much to help pilgrims along the way. It was going to be an hour and I thought I better keep moving. We wished each other a buen Camino and I continued without stopping in this town at all. It was this encounter that made me realise there is something special about the Camino and the people you met, and the very liberating feeling that when you decide you are ready to move on, or in Juan's case stay behind somewhere, you just wish the person farewell and there is no pressure or expectation that you have to stay together or change your plans for someone else, there are no excuses or reasons that need to be explained, there is a mutual understanding that every individual is on their own journey and just as quickly as you met someone you can also move on. I would love to be able to feel like I can do this at home.... So back on the road by myself and I decide it was time to pump some tunes to motivate me to the end of the day, it was cold and I need to get to to Belorado before 2pm to ensure I got a bed. Walking through Villamayor del Rio which has a population of just 50, but still has a restaurant and shop thankfully, I was busting for the toilet and although I have already once on this trip had the liberating experience of peeing standing up (yes I brought a shewee) the track was to busy today to even think about peeing by the track, haha. Feeling much better after that little stop I was able to quicken my pace and marched into Belorado by 1.30pm. I got a bed at El Corro municipal Albergue which has a total of 40 in 4 different rooms, they also offer a dinner which means I don't have to worry about finding somewhere to eat. The shower was good and facilities are neat and clean all for 15€ which is $22aud... Not bad. Now time to rest.
- comments
Renae Looks amazing!
Nina I was going to write something nice about how good it is you are finding some piece and learning about moving on with no strings attached, but then the topic of "You bought a shewee!!" Came up!!! I don't know if we could be friends anymore! What's wrong with the good old fashion squatting? I know you can damn well squat low enough! Hehe!
sally So glad you used the shewee! Hilarious... I'm proud to call you my friend :)
Louise scott Walk strong, walk tall! You look and sound fabulous. Thank you for the reflections. Take care.xx