What a wonderful day! When we arrived just before noon there were already hospitaleros arriving. We were the only Americans at the party, however, another American whose partner is a Spanaird was also there. I would say total there about 40-50 people.
Everyone brought a bocadillo or food to make bocadillos and there was way more than enough. Everything was set up on folding tables in the back courtyard under some trees and someone also brought a sun shade. One man, Carlos, brought his portable speaker and there was Spanish dance music playing. Lots of people were dancing and having lots of fun on this hot afternoon with sandwiches, wine, and water available.
We walked to to the bakery to get the special cake and were made to sing songs to pay for the preparation of the cake. So much fun!
Then we went into the coolness of the ancient church and a special video was shown with messages and greetings from hospitaleros from around the world. Afterwards it was time for mass and one of the former priests who was there for the party conducted mass since the current priest was tied up at his other job at the monastery in Santo Domingo. A young priest from Louisiana who is walking as a pilgrim also assisted in some borrowed vestments and his flipflops.
Afterwards Phil and I decided to cut out of dinner and the late meditation service as we were were still pretty whipped from the heat and the walk. We went back to the La Concha bar and at the next table was the young priest and some others at least one which was also a priest.
The young priest from the US was very happy to have been able to participate in the mass at this special celebration and he told me that he and the other priest only needed a handkerchief and they had all they needed to do a service on their own. Phil was glad to donate his clean hankie for their cause. (He always carries two, one for himself and one for a person in need.)
They asked us a lot of Camino questions and we told them some of the memorable albergues on the way they should consider. They asked about being volunteers etc. After they left, Phil and I shared a plate of patatas bravas, had some red wine, and walked back to apartment. We had done laundry earlier and so we brought that in from the balcony.
I am impressed with this apartment. 2 Br, 2 bath with full kitchen, large terrace, swimming pool, and a big living room. It is more than we need, but would be great for a family or pilgrims traveling together. (Mirador del Grañón on booking.com.) pricey but worth it to us right now.
We picked up the key at The Cuartel which about 100 yards away. Several years ago when these apartments were new, Phil and I talked about buying one even though it is totally impractical to live in a tiny farming community on the Camino without a visa or a job...
Tomorrow we catch a bus bach to Jaca and we'll transition back to the Camino Aragones so I will switch back to that thread in a few posts.
. Also we have been having ATM trouble in Jaca. Phil spent 30 minutes on the phone with the bank today and they suggested we try banks in Logrono and also avoid the "touch" option and physically stick the card in the machine.
