LIVE from the Camino Live from Camino del Norte, followed by Camino Inglés!

[Caminogoat]

I asked for a restaurant recommendation when I checked into a hotel. The recommend was a Basque restaurant just behind the hotel, but they won't be open until 8:30 pm, a half an hour later than others. For a yummy dinner I can certainly endure a half an hour more of a prolonged starvation. When I walked into the restaurant at 8:30 pm Swiss time, and told a guy was cleaning the restaurant how his restaurant was recommended to me and I would like to have dinner there, he said in a straight face " sure you can, but tomorrow ". Yes, they are, and all the other restaurants near the Hotel Comillas are closed on Tuesdays. Did I already mention today is Tuesday here? Just my luck with restaurants.
Yours Truly Starved

 

[Caminogoat]

Another highligh of the day other than the lady at the restaurant who wanted to make sure I eat? All these furry guys who came running to see me. They were so curious about me. I told them in Korean that I was a Korean pilgrim. I think they understand Korean cause no questions were asked.

 

[Caminogoat]

Just a brief note anout COVID concerns. But for the masks I see everywhere, I would have thought there is no COVID here. People are going about with their lives as before. Signs are posted everywhere to keep 2-meter distance but none really follows. Restaurants and bars are packed with people drinking and eating like before 2020. Some people actually wear masks over their noses and mouths, but most people wear them just over their mouth or on their wrists. It's no wonder that Spain has such high rate of COVID. Perhaps they decided to jusy live with it. I was fully vaccinated and thankfully no problems so far (I just knocked on my head).

 

[Caminogoat]

This museum was wonderful. Just 5 minutes off the Camino. I was very touched by the story of Asutrian's immigration history to America. It's different and the same with all immigration histories. Boldly taking chances for better lives.

BTY, as of yesterday I reached the half point of 800-Kilometer Camino del Norte.

 

[forwardwego]

A very convincing store sign saying we sell milk here.

Thank you Mera for sharing your journey on the Norte as you go. Much appreciated. Curious to know, has the Guthook app Camino del Norte route been serving you well? I think I recall reading you'd downloaded it for your use? It is an excellent app (and used alot for the AT and other trails in US. Thanks again for your updates. In your experience thus far, is the Norte (coastal alternative routes) well marked?

 

[Caminogoat]

Hello,
I actually haven't used it much. I have both Buen Camino and Norte apps. I am so used to them both I keep using them To find hotels, restaurants etc., I just use Google Map, which contains more information than the Guthook ( not called Far Out) except the Camino routes.
Mera

 

[Caminogoat]

Got into Ribadesella very late. I spent too much time at the world's smallest sea. The beach was just 50 meters long. Sort of like a microscopic sea, yet has everything. Today I saw 8 pilgrims, the most I have seen in one place since 10/13. A lovely young lady, without hesitating none what so ever, did a skinny dipping. Sorry gentlemen no photos.

 

[Caminogoat]

Do you like my on-the-go clothes dryer? One of the hotels I stayed at gave me the bag and I am getting a good use out of it. It works quite well.

 

[Caminogoat]

I am getting a really good use out of Ivar's mask. I brought 35 N-95 masks and Ivar's mask, but really there is no point in wearing N-95s when other people are wearing their's just over their mouths or on their wrists. I wash it every night. Dries quickly.

 

[Caminogoat]

Leaving Ribadesella this morning. Overcasted, and raining.

 

[Caminogoat]

Has anyone seen these signs? I met the man who makes them and post them in his yard for peregrinos. When I pointed out that there wasn't one for Korea, he invited me into his workshop to make one together. So I did. He had created a lot of art works. They reminded me of the artworks I saw when I visited the Museum of Altamira in 2019: nothing technical in any specific way, just true expressions of feelings and observations.

 

[Caminogoat]

One of his creations dipicted a broken heart. I asked why and he took me to his yard where his wife was burried. BTY he didn't speak a word of English so my Spanish had to rise up to the occasion with much efforts.

 

[Caminogoat]

To show my appreciation I gave him my scarf with Chicago Bull's logo. Pablo loved it and we made another sign together for Chicago.

 

[Caminogoat]

In return, Pablo presented me with a small jewerly box. I really didn't want to carry it in my backpack another two weeks but couldn't say no. Guess what? There was a painted ROCK inside!. I nevertheless accepted it dutifully, and put it in my backpack. Carrying a rock for next 2 weeks is just perhaps what I needed!

 

[Caminogoat]

He took me out to his yard and fed me some walnuts, very freshly cracked I must admit. He also brought out that famous Asturian cider. I am attaching a Google screen shot for those who are not familiar with this traditional drink.

 

[Caminogoat]

Meanwhile, a cocasion couple, turned out to be a British couple, who live in the vicinity, popped in wondering what's going on with all that laughing and the commotion. Although they lived near by, they had never met Pablo. So I took the liberty of introducing them to each othrt. Come to think of it, it was a bit absurd wasn't it? We all drank more cider and three of them started playing a game of golf. Yes, Pablo set up a miniture golf course in his tiny yard. His wife's memorial is the most difficult spot, something like the 12th hole at the Augusta National. It's so clottered, I actually tripped over, but thankfully nothing broke. Seeing them having a fun game I left for Colunga. Please do say hello to Pablo if you ever pass by, and add your hometown there.

 

[Caminogoat]

Oh let me just add Pablo's photo as a child and when he cycled to Santiago.

 

[Caminogoat]

Apple thief. I saw them eating from the tree. How did they get into the orchard?

 

[Caminogoat]

Chicken conference!

 

[Bala]

Wonderful story about you and Pablo. Very special memories for you. I have a feeling you will treasure that box and stone.

 

[Caminogoat]

The box yes, but a smsll rock is questionable. Thank you for reading my postings.

 

[Caminogoat]

Got in so late. I will just post a few photos. Not really anything you have not seen.

 

[palmah]

Meanwhile, a cocasion couple, turned out to be a British couple, who live in the vicinity, popped in wondering what's going on with all that laughing and the commotion. Although they lived near by, they had never met Pablo. So I took the liberty of introducing them to each othrt. Come to think of it, it was a bit absurd wasn't it? We all drank more cider and three of them started playing a game of golf. Yes, Pablo set up a miniture golf course in his tiny yard. His wife's memorial is the most difficult spot, something like the 12th hole at the Augusta National. It's so clottered, I actually tripped over, but thankfully nothing broke. Seeing them having a fun game I left for Colunga. Please do say hello to Pablo if you ever pass by, and add your hometown there.

Great story! Getting the neighbors to meet and socialize for the first time will hopefully add to a future friendship for them! Buen continuing Camino!

 

[Caminogoat]

Yesterday when I arrived in Gijon, I took a taxi to Aviles because I didn't want to walk the paved and confusing road out of Gijon to Aviles. Today it was raining all day. I haven't seen a single pilgrim. Walking in the rain all by myself was meditational. I saw this tiny, yet so beautif jade-clored lake. Also beautiful flowers whose name I know not.

 

[Caminogoat]

I had not eaten anything all morning when I saw this tiny cideria. I dared to knock on the door to ask if I could buy two apples. A man came out and told me to take as many as I wanted to, "for the Camino". I knew he meant it so I took one, but he insisted on taking more. He even offered a bag. I took two and thanked him. How it warmed up my heart! However, it didn't stop me from inspecting it carefully before taking a bite. I noticed a lot of these apples have distintive damages that could only caused by warms. I don't think they ever use any sprays. It's fine with me and in fact I am all for it, but I just dont want to be the one who hurt any warms that are situated inside comfortably

 

[Caminogoat]

I checked into one of my favorite hotels on the Camino Palacio de Magdalena in Soto del Barco. I arrived on time for lunch. Did I make up for missing the breakfast this morning? No doubt, I ate everything that arrived on my table. What a fine day it turned out to be.

 

[Caminogoat]

The day was still early so I headed out to San Juan, a tiny village next to Soto del Barco. It took me 20 minutes to completely walk around the town center. I saw buildings that are unsual for Spain. I have seen the likes in South America but didn’t expect to see it here. When I go back home I will try to find out more about this, the historical back ground.

 

[Caminogoat]

Got into Santa Marina so late, yesterday. A pencion named Prado was nothing like the name sake. No heat, had wifi but no internet connection! I was the only guest yesterday in that big building. The owner told me "just lock your door ". Sure, I locked my door and placed a couple of chairs against the door. It won't stop anyone from breaking in but at least it will waka me up to greet the intruder in time.

 

[Caminogoat]

I was not happy at first that is until I saw what she brought out with her soup, a spicy pepper powder. All the others can be over looked.

 

[Caminogoat]

Today started out lovely, then rain all day. Made it to Luarca seeing lovely views along the way. Also very windy and wet.

 

[Caminogoat]

A dog warning sign. But the supposedly "vicious dog" was smiling in the "vicious dog warning " photo. Soon enough, a husky with a Mona-Lisa-like smile popped his head out to greet me. What a treat!

 

[Caminogoat]

Just a few more photos as I enter Luarca.

 

[Caminogoat]

I saw only 3 pilgrims all day: 1 from Netherland, 1 from Cyprus, and an American. They were all somewhat wishful about my hiking umbrella that kept me dry and warm. Like how they say "snug as a bug in a rug".

 

[Kanga]

The box yes, but a smsll rock is questionable. Thank you for reading my postings.

They are delightful. Keep it up! Your photos take me right back to the Norte.

 

[oursonpolaire]

When I got to Santander I looked for some Japanese food and went to a restaurant called Sakura. The place was cozy but the food was less than acceptable. I can say confidently that I have a great talent in eating but not very accomplished in cooking. Nevertheless, even I can make something better. A big disappoinment! Incindently Koreans use the word "sakura" to say something is a fake. That restaurant lived up to that term.

I have to admit that I have only had one fusion/Asian meal in Spain which was good. Every other one was acceptable at best-- reporting this to a Hakka-origin friend in Toronto she told me that I was a fool and anyone with a brain knew that the best Chinese food was in Scarborough, Ontario, and I should not waste my time elsewhere.

I am very much enjoying these posts. I am a Norte-repeater and quite comfortable with that.

 

[Caminogoat]

Rained all night and stll coming down hard.

They are really stingy about heat here. Most hotels turn it on for about an hour at night and then maybe a few minutes in the morning. Prepaid hotel guests can be frozen stiff by the time that pincho-size morning-heat comes on. Ok, it's not that cold yet but my laundries don't dry over night. I have to be up early to set up my do-it-yourself drier. By the way, I have to report a huge size reduction: from size small down to double extra small. I wish I were talking about myself but unfortunately I am talking about my clothes. I took all my clothes to a laundromat in Aviles. Watching my laundry getting a spa treatment was a sheer joy. I briefly considered going naked and throwing in ALL my clothes into that wonderful washer but got a hold of my better sense in time to avoid getting arrested. A tragedy occured in the drier. I had mistaken 80 celsius to 80 fahrenheit. With close to 200 degree in fahrenheit, all my clothes were down sized by two sizes. I wasn't sure whether I should cry or laugh. At least I have one pair, thanks to my good sense, still fits. If you ever see a pilgrim who looks like wearing her child's clothes that will be me. A hand-me-down will be very much appreciated. Anyway, those shruken clothes still requires getting dried so here I am attacking them with a hair dryer.

 

[mspath]

Mera,
Thanks for your update.
At least you do have one set which is the correct size!
As for the rainy weather hopefully your poncho still covers all.
Stay safe and Carpe diem!

 

[VNwalking]

Only finding this now.
Thanks for the wondergul updates, @Mera!
Bummer about your clothes, though. Good thing you decided not to strip down.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Rained all night and stll coming down hard.

They are really stingy about heat here. Most hotels turn it on for about an hour at night and then maybe a few minutes in the morning. Prepaid hotel guests can be frozen stiff by the time that pincho-size morning-heat comes on. Ok, it's not that cold yet but my laundries don't dry over night. I have to be up early to set up my do-it-yourself drier. By the way, I have to report a huge size reduction: from size small down to double extra small. I wish I was talking about myself but unfortunately I am talking about my clothes. I took all my clothes to a laundromat in Aviles. Watching my laundry getting a spa treatment was a sheer joy. I briefly considered going naked and throwing in ALL my clothes into that wonderful washer but got a hold of my better sense in time to avoid getting arrested. A tragedy occured in the drier. I had mistaken 80 celsius to 80 fahrenheit. With close to 200 degree in fahrenheit, all my clothes were down sized by two sizes. I wasn't sure whether I should cry or laugh. At least I have one pair, thanks to my good sense, still fits. If you ever see a pilgrim who looks like wearing her child's clothes that will be me. A hand-me-down will be very much appreciated. Anyway, those shruken clothes still requires getting dried so here I am attacking them with a hair drier.

If it's any consolation, you would not have been arrested as undress in a public space is not an offence in Spain unless the local municipality has a regulation to that effect (e.g., Barcelona). Still, that will be one of the most effective warnings one could give North American pilgrims-in-training about the international measurement system (Canadians use both systems in a way which continues to confuse me, but my US friends are often quite stymied)-- make sure of your temperatures or you will end up with mini-me clothing.

With your permission, I will use it when next pilgrim training begins.

 

[Caminogoat]

Sure if it can help someone I would be delighted. Thanks for reading my posting.

 

[Caminogoat]

Only finding this now.
Thanks for the wondergul updates, @Mera!
Bummer about your clothes, though. Good thing you decided not to strip down.

Yeah that's for sure!

 

[Caminogoat]

Mera,
Thanks for your update.
At least you do have one set which is the correct size!
As for the rainy weather hopefully your poncho still covers all.
Stay safe and Carpe diem!

Thank you so much!

 

[Caminogoat]

I skipped breakfast, and missed lunch on the way. I was cold and hungry, the surroundings were not exciting. The rain finally stopped, AFTER I reached my destination, la Caridad.
I did some food gathering in the forest but couldn't crack them to eat because of the rain and mud. Now I am checked in, took a nice shower, and washed the walnuts all clean, but how do I crack them? Boy do I wish that I didn't leave Pablo's stone back at the hotel in Villaviciosa! The Camino provided me with something that I would soon be needing, but I was too shortsighed to know that. The dinner is still 3 hours away. Nuts!

 

[VNwalking]

how do I crack them

Take 2, and squeeze them together in your hands...

 

[Caminogoat]

Take 2, and squeeze them together in your hands...

I tried and tried but no luck!_

 

[Caminogoat]

Are you tired of my saying that it's overcasted and raining? Well, I am sorry but it's been raining every single day since November 1st as if someone had set up an alarm clock or it was on their agenda calendar. It was pouring and very windy this morning. Between my umbrella and a rain coat, I resembled that girl on a Morton salt container. I even took out my gloves because it was so cold.

You know what they say; just when you think it can't get any worse it always does. As if getting totally wet wasn't enough for this pilgrim, the rain turned into a severe hailstorm. Nevertheless, I counted my blessings that at least there was no lightning or thunder like how it was in meseta, Galicia. Also, just like how it is in our lives, there were a few brakes in between with a ray of sunshine. So I must say that overall my last day in Asturia was very lovely, walking through a quiet forest with cute little streams. I saw people's garden with interesting displays. I took the longer coastal route and it was worth it.

 

[Caminogoat]

Kermit the frog seemed a bit depressed here. I was even wondering if he was drinking.

 

[Caminogoat]

Doesn't this flower remind you of the folower in the movie "Little Shop of Horrors"? Constantly saying "feed me"?

 

[Caminogoat]

This ex-pilgrim now lives here and sells flowers. I bought all his flowers. Having finished his daily quota, he took me to his lovely home. I swear it's true. Look at his empty basket.

 

[Caminogoat]

St. Pat walked the Camino?

 

[Caminogoat]

As I was heading to Tapia I asked a local man who was walking alone, with no wife in sight, which restaurant he recommended. He said there used to be around 30 restaurants in Tapia but now only 4 left because of reduced pilgrim teaffic. He recommende one. But with my luck, it was closed. They went on a vacation!

 

[Caminogoat]

Just a few pictures.

 

[Caminogoat]

I think the material shortage crisis is affecting here, too. I saw blue, white and even red arrows todsy.

 

[Caminogoat]

I saw snail babies, and the mother running away from them, who can blame her.

 

[Caminogoat]

Today is my last day on the Camino del Norte. Having walked this route a few times, I am heading out to do the Camino Ingles. I will be taking a train to Ferrol tomorrow. I will keep posting whenever I can. Thank you all for reading my postings.

 

[oursonpolaire]

As I was heading to Tapia I asked a local man who was walking alone, with no wife in sight, which restaurant he recommended. He said there used to be around 30 restaurants in Tapia but now only 4 left because of reduced pilgrim teaffic. He recommende one. But with my luck, it was closed. They went on a vacation!

This information is too late for you, but I would strongly recommend La Marina, down by the harbour. I have eaten there twice and been very pleased.

 

[donalomahony]

Today is my last day on the Camino del Norte. Having walked this route a few times, I am heading out to do the Camino Ingles. I will be taking a train to Ferrol tomorrow. I will keep posting whenever I can. Thank you all for reading my postings.

Your posts enlightend my month... Thanks

 

[nycwalking]

Rained all night and stll coming down hard.

They are really stingy about heat here. Most hotels turn it on for about an hour at night and then maybe a few minutes in the morning. Prepaid hotel guests can be frozen stiff by the time that pincho-size morning-heat comes on. Ok, it's not that cold yet but my laundries don't dry over night. I have to be up early to set up my do-it-yourself drier. By the way, I have to report a huge size reduction: from size small down to double extra small. I wish I were talking about myself but unfortunately I am talking about my clothes. I took all my clothes to a laundromat in Aviles. Watching my laundry getting a spa treatment was a sheer joy. I briefly considered going naked and throwing in ALL my clothes into that wonderful washer but got a hold of my better sense in time to avoid getting arrested. A tragedy occured in the drier. I had mistaken 80 celsius to 80 fahrenheit. With close to 200 degree in fahrenheit, all my clothes were down sized by two sizes. I wasn't sure whether I should cry or laugh. At least I have one pair, thanks to my good sense, still fits. If you ever see a pilgrim who looks like wearing her child's clothes that will be me. A hand-me-down will be very much appreciated. Anyway, those shruken clothes still requires getting dried so here I am attacking them with a hair dryer.

Thanks for dryer take.

I needed the chuckles.

Hope it gets drier out there.

Buen camino.

 

[trecile]

Only finding this now.

Me too, what a delightful thread!

 

[vjpdx]

@Mera, your writing & photos are such a delight, thank you. I've followed you so I don't miss your Ingles thread (if it's separate from this one).

 

[Caminogoat]

This information is too late for you, but I would strongly recommend La Marina, down by the harbour. I have eaten there twice and been very pleased.

Yes, that was the one, which was closed with " closed for vacation" sign. Good for them since a restaurant business is a tough grind every day. I didn't really mind it. I got to see that cute little Marina. And thank you for letting me know. Have you done the Camino Ingles? If so I welcome any advice. It will be my first. BTY, Galician COVID regulations are much more strictly imposed. I usually ask to see my room before paying, but here they didn't allow it. We also ate in a shift only 5 at any given shift. This hotel, O Cavbazo, is very lovely and comfortable.

 

[VNwalking]

. I will keep posting whenever I can.

Please! Safe journey over to the Ingles andbuen camino!

 

[Caminogoat]

@Mera, your writing & photos are such a delight, thank you. I've followed you so I don't miss your Ingles thread (if it's separate from this one).

Oh thank you so much! I think of all of you who are back home thinking of the Camino. My writing in English requires a little more efforts because it is my second language. Sometimes you will have to keep that in mind when some of my sentences are awkward.

 

[Caminogoat]

Me too, what a delightful thread!

Thank you!

 

[oursonpolaire]

Yes, that was the one, which was closed with " closed for vacation" sign. Good for them since a restaurant business is a tough grind every day. I didn't really mind it. I got to see that cute little Marina. And thank you for letting me know. Have you done the Camino Ingles? If so I welcome any advice. It will be my first. BTY, Galician COVID regulations are much more strictly imposed. I usually ask to see my room before paying, but here they didn't allow it. We also ate in a shift only 5 at any given shift. This hotel, O Cavbazo, is very lovely and comfortable.

If you mean O Cabazo in Ribadeo, I have stayed there and they were very helpful when I had misplaced my spectacles. It was very comfortable.

I have not done the Camino Ingles so cannot be of much help there.

 

[formysons]

Mera,
Many of us who have walked in the past are, indeed, snails !
You must be very excited now that you are setting off. Please do report on the conditions along the way.
Carpe diem and Buen camino!

Snails pace is the best pace !!!

 

[Caminogoat]

If you mean O Cabazo in Ribadeo, I have stayed there and they were very helpful when I had misplaced my spectacles. It was very comfortable.

I have not done the Camino Ingles so cannot be of much help there.

Indeed yes, that is the one. The owner's name is Juan Rodriguez. I was thinking "Don Juan, a.k.a.Don Giovanni", the legendary, fictional Spanish lover who devotes his life to seducing women? No, this Don Juan was devoted to his hotel only, I think.

 

[Caminogoat]

Your posts enlightend my month... Thanks

I am so glad to hear it, and humbled by such a kind comment.

 

[norelle]

Thank you Mera for your posts. I walked the Norte a few years ago and you have rekindled some wonderful memories!

 

[Caminogoat]

You are so welcome! I almost feel privileged to be able to walk the Camino at this time. We all are going through such an unsual crisis. What we are going through will be noted in the history. I pray for good health and joyful days for you.

 

[Caminogoat]

I accomplished a lot today. I made a quick trip to la Playa de las Catedrales before I got on a train to Ferrol. The regional train stopped every 5 to 10 minutes, but eventually made it to Ferrol in about 3 hours.

 

[Caminogoat]

But the major project this morning was drying my boots.,

 

[Caminogoat]

This morning's view from the hotel.

 

[Caminogoat]

The regional train was heated and comfortable. My still somewhat-wet boots that little hard working hair dryer couldn't completely dry were completely dried by the time I arrived in Ferrol. BTY, have you noticed my peculiar way of tying the boots? My feet are very wide, just imagine Donald Duck. Growing up in Korea that was my sore point because Koreans consider small and slender feet beautiful. I seceretly blaimed my mother although it could not have been intentional. Anyway, to give more room to my already extra wide feet I don't cross string the lower parts, but string vey tightly around the ankles. My wide feet actuality help me to balance better. They help me tremendously during these long walks. It turned out that my mother did a good job for me afterall.

The train traveled along the beautiful coastal lines. I though that the Camino del Norte should be connected to Camino Ingles along this coast, that way making it an another option with a name like Camino del Norte Largo. Ferrol is a farily big city. Off to walk now.

 

[Caminogoat]

Oh let me tell you one more thing. I booked a room at the Gran Hotel of Ferrol with "courtyard view". I got a rooftop view. I don't think these two terms can be used interchangeably. They clearly said "courtyard view" on Booking.com and again when I checked in. Armed with this photo I went down to complain. They did cave in and gave me " street view".

 

[Martyduc]

Hi,, there is a connecting route,, it's called the Ruta del Mar!

The regional train was heated and comfortable. My still somewhat-wet boots that little hard working hair dryer couldn't completely dry were completely dried by the time I arrived in Ferrol. BTY, have you noticed my peculiar way of tying the boots? My feet are very wide, just imagine Donald Duck. Growing up in Korea that was my sore point because Koreans consider small and slender feet beautiful. I seceretly blaimed my mother although it could not have been intentional. Anyway, to give more room to my already extra wide feet I don't cross string the lower parts, but string vey tightly around the ankles. My wide feet actuality help me to balance better. They help me tremendously during these long walks. It turned out that my mother did a good job for me afterall.

The train traveled along the beautiful coastal lines. I though that the Camino del Norte should be connected to Camino Ingles along this coast, that way making it an another option with a name like Camino del Norte Largo. Ferrol is a farily big city. Off to walk now.

 

[Caminogoat]

Oh really? I didn't know. I think I will try that next time. Thanks!

 

[Caminogoat]

That is me at the Ribadeo Train Station.

 

[VNwalking]

The Ingles is a delight.
But I have to warn you. It goes by in an eyeblink.

Buen camino, Mera! I look forward to your impressions.

 

[Former member 49149]

Mera,
Many of us who have walked in the past are, indeed, snails !
You must be very excited now that you are setting off. Please do report on the conditions along the way.
Carpe diem and Buen camino!

I am heading off for the moment, but revisited the l8nk you referred to, @mspath. So refreshing!

• Mar 16, 2021
• Add bookmark
• #1,013

Sahagun, albergue de Cluny, interior
photo taken March 3, 2007




Thumps in the night

Walking towards Sahagun I heard a car honk, the driver shouting "a young 'hoodlum' in camouflage is on the camino!"

Minutes later footsteps crunched the gravel path. Bingo! A young guy wearing pink and grey camouflage stared at me. I said "Hola!"; he grunted and went on.

Arriving at the municipal albergue de Cluny I tried to explain the encounter ;
the hospitalera offered a key to lock myself in !!
Thus I was alone in the huge repurposed space. ..

Time passed. While showering I heard thumps on the massive staircase. Covered in suds I grabed my poncho.Two hefty cops and two slim male cyclists appeared! "Senora, we've brought you some protection" said the cops.

Smiling we all shook hands and I, clad only in that sudsy poncho, brewed tea for five.

Later snug in a lower bunk
I felt blissfully protected by those most welcome nearby cyclists.

 

[Caminogoat]

My first day of the Camino Ingles. Started early at the dawn. Passed by their navy training camp.

 

[Caminogoat]

I loved this simple and unassuming church, as well as the simple monument. I personaly think this is how it should be as this was how Jesus was.

 

[Caminogoat]

I had such a wonderful day today not only because of the landscapes I had walked, but also because I had met a few wonderful people on my way to Mino. For example, I had to go to a bar and order something because I had to charge my phone. Then the owner, Manuel, started asking me questions about my history. I told him about my past and present Caminos. He then asked me where I was planning on going the day after Mino. I told him I didn't know because I really didn't know. I plan each day as I walk. I said " no lo se porque que sera sera". He laughed and started singing the song "Que Sera Sera". He was singing the song with all his heart, I started singing along. Couple of people inside sang along and before you know it everyone in and outside the restaurant joined in. I felt such longings for how our childhoods were, and how they turned out to be! I don't take photos with straingers, my old habit from my job, but this one time I let my guard down and posed for a photo with Manuel. I sensed his life didn't quite turned out to be how he wished. Look at the photo: he is smiling but it's a guarded smile, and his eyes look sad.

 

[Caminogoat]

I have never imagined that I would get a McDonald stamp on my pilgrim passport, but I did today and here it is. Well there was a Burger King, too, but closed.

 

[Caminogoat]

It's late and I am tired so please let me just post a few photos.

 

[nycwalking]

I have never imagined that I would get a McDonald stamp on my pilgrim passport, but I did today and here it is. Well there was a Burger King, too, but closed.

As an American I love the McDonald’s stamp.

Love your post. Do keep them up.

Buen camino.

 

[Caminogoat]

Mino is so beautiful, I am staying extra day here. The night view of Mino looks like a Christmas tree

 

[Caminogoat]

As an American I love the McDonald’s stamp.

Love your post. Do keep them up.

Buen camino.

Thanks! I love their breakfast. Did you know they serve Portuguese sausage and rice for breakfast at all the McDonald’s in Hawaii? They are quite good. They also serve Saimin, which is a noodle soup. I saw a green McDonald arch in Quebeck. Due to local ordinance they couldn't put up the signature golden arch.

 

[Caminogoat]

The trail leading to Mino was very beautiful.

 

[VNwalking]

Did you know they serve Portuguese sausage and rice for breakfast at all the McDonald’s in Hawaii?

Yeah, but Zippy's is much better.


Enjoy your Mino day, @Mera !

 

[Caminogoat]

Yeah, but Zippy's is much better.


Enjoy your Mino day, @Mera !

Yes, I agree. Saimin at Zippy's is much better especially with some Tabasco sauce and lots of green onion. You made me miss Hawaii!

About 5 Kilometers leading to Mino yesterday was so beautiful. I think I will go back there and walk again today. Then I might go to A Coruna to have lunch there. It's an hour away by bus.

 

[chinacat]

Me too, what a delightful thread!

Me three, this is a lovely thread with some great photos!

 

[Caminogoat]

Me three, this is a lovely thread with some great photos!

Thank you so much. I am glad. This poised cat photo is for you then. Woops I tried to upload it several times but it's not happening. I posted the same cat photo last night.

 

[VNwalking]

Then I might go to A Coruna to have lunch there. It's an hour away by bus.

Good idea. Go! It's a nice little city.

 

[Former member 49149]

I accomplished a lot today. I made a quick trip to la Playa de las Catedrales before I got on a train to Ferrol. The regional train stopped every 5 to 10 minutes, but eventually made it to Ferrol in about 3 hours.

First, thank you for your thread. Your writing style is so refreshing, I have just read it again from the beginning and it puts a spotlight on your way of seeing and experiencing. (Try to keep the little stone in the jewellery box, for a while anyway. In the end, nothing is worth the weight!)
The Playa de las Catedrales is an amazing spot. I swam in one of the caves there!

 

[Caminogoat]

Sitting in the lobby and waiting for a taxi. Google says 24-hour taxi service. At 7 am, I called 5 different numbers and got no responses except answering services, I fnally called the hotel internationally because no one was at the desk and my room phone is connected to nothing. Nor is there a phone jack! She said no taxi services before 8:30 am. Whew! I really wanted to see the sunrise at the Tower of Hercules, and have Korean food, which I have not had since 10/12.

Sorry but for some reason the cat photo did not upload and here it is.

 

[Caminogoat]

"Un bel dì, vedremo
levarsi un fil di fumo... " so it goes on. Madama Butterfly sings about how a ship will appear on horizon, one fine day, bringing her love back. How ironic is it that when that ship finally did appear, one fine day, it became the beginging of her end.

Unlike Madama Butterfly, I had a really fine day. Findind an taxi on Sunday morning in Spain was a monumental project. Although it said 24-hr service that's just a feel-good phrase. Nobody means it. When I called the hotel I was told to wait until 8:30 am. 8:30 must be some sort of critical hour; the dinner starts at 8:30 pm, my bed time. After some yelling like " what do you mean you are still sleeping or you sleep too much" the hotel owner found a taxi who promised to show up in 9 minutes. It's a very small town so they all know each other free to speak honestly. I imagined that the othersides sere saying something like: " What are you nuts? This is Sunday"

The taxi showed up after about 30 minutes-a.k.a. Spanish 9 minites according to the hotel owner who said "this is Spain, not Swiss".

Once I finally made it there it was wonderful: visited Hercules Light house 1st built in 1st centry by Romans and probably by countless Spanish laborers and later excavated and rebuilt. Also visited an acuarium and lastly but most importantly had a lunch at a Korean restaurant. It was "un bel di". I tried but photos are not uploading. Slow internet! I will again try tonight.

 

[Corelacka]

"Un bel dì, vedremo
levarsi un fil di fumo... " so it goes on. Madama Butterfly sings about how a ship will appear on horizon, one fine day, bringing her love back. How ironic is it that when that ship finally did appear, one fine day, it became the beginging of her end.

Unlike Madama Butterfly, I had a really fine day. Findind an taxi on Sunday morning in Spain was a monumental project. Although it said 24-hr service that's just a feel-good phrase. Nobody means it. When I called the hotel I was told to wait until 8:30 am. 8:30 must be some sort of critical hour; the dinner starts at 8:30 pm, my bed time. After some yelling like " what do you mean you are still sleeping or you sleep too much" the hotel owner found a taxi who promised to show up in 9 minutes. It's a very small town so they all know each other free to speak honestly. I imagined that the othersides sere saying something like: " What are you nuts? This is Sunday"

The taxi showed up after about 30 minutes-a.k.a. Spanish 9 minites according to the hotel owner who said "this is Spain, not Swiss".

Once I finally made it there it was wonderful: visited Hercules Light house 1st built in 1st centry by Romans and probably by countless Spanish laborers and later excavated and rebuilt. Also visited an acuarium and lastly but most importantly had a lunch at a Korean restaurant. It was "un bel di". I tried but photos are not uploading. Slow internet! I will again try tonight.

Thank you so much for this great thread and photos! Spent some time in A Coruña after the Frances in 2019 and loved the city. Delighted you found Korean food

 

[Caminogoat]

Hope these photos get uploaded.

 

[Caminogoat]

More photos.