Reflections

This stuff saved my life (along with the gummy bears, wine, cafe con leche, etc....) My feet were in heaven...note my scallop shell coffee table, that I have had for 20 yrs and the reflection of my scallop shell piece of "art"....the first gift I gave my husband...look closely

My sweet husband

Mi esposo, knowing of my obsession and love of cookbooks, gave me these gifts on our reunion in Santiago. I also had admired those same tiles along the Way. Thank you, dear friend...without you I would never have known about this journey...

Gummy bears to the rescue!

I don't know what I would have done this day going over the mountains  without my gummy bear charge...it's more that just sugar...it's AMAZING!!!

No map needed

It was like a game following the yellow arrows or scallop shells...you really had to be observant, especially going through larger towns...I did get lost a couple times and had to backtrack.

The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino as it shows the many paths across Spain leading to Santiago. The Camino Frances, which I traveled, is the most popular, well marked and has the best infrastructure. Although there are private hostels, or albergues and inns, every town also has a larger municipal one, run by the government. Amazing...

More Madrid

Is it just me or is the sky bluer in Madrid? Went to the Prado Museum today and wandered through the streets and squares until my feet were in need of the bidet again. Just had our siesta and then will go in search of tapas. Can't believe we leave tomorrow...:(

Madrid

Staying right on the Puerta del Sol, the center of town. It's very lively with a strong police presence and several paddy wagons ready to hall off protestors.

Took the subway out to Real Madrid's stadium, got a little lost, and my feet hurt more now than on the Camino...a bidet has many uses...

Madrid has some lovely areas and with all the scurrying about, it is easing me back into the "real" world...hope I can keep the spirit of my Camino with me always...

Botafumeiro

We are at the cathedral waiting for the pilgrim's mass to begin, and are lucky that the botafumeiro, the giant incense burner, is going to swing today, as it doesn't every day. According to legend, it was used to cover the odor of the masses of pilgrims, after their long journey. It takes 6 monks to hoist into the air, as it sways back and forth up to miles per hr. It has only fallen twice...

Santiago

I made it! Am sitting at the bar at Hotel de Los Reyes Catolicos in Santiago with my sweetie who met me here today. Absolutely amazing!

Heaven is a eucalyptus forest in Northern Spain

As we approach Arziua, we pass through a treat for the senses...the aroma of eucalyptus, the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and cool blue skies, The beauty of the area helps to distract from the pain of our 18 mi walk today, which took over 10 hrs. We are all a little sad that we have only 2 more days til we reach Santiago.

We stopped for lunch at a Pulperia, where the specialty is marinated octopus. There was a vending machine in the bathroom that sold gum and toothbrushes.

Sarria to Portomarin

Got my energy back after a good sleep and today was beautiful. Through forests and countryside, small hamlets and rolling hills. Interesting Romanesque cathedral in town. Traffic jam on the Camino but as usual I was well behind the crowd, enjoying the solitude, and walked into town with a lovely Australian couple. You hear so many languages at once, especially in the municipal albergues (hostels).

Onward to Sarria

Took a taxi to a cute little mountain top village with ancient stone dwellings with thatched roofs...it was 41 degrees and cold all day...hope it warms up. The walk was beautiful but I didn't have much energy for a change. I heard the fatigue has a cumulative effect. This is the point a lot of people start so it may be more crowded.