Day #31: O Coto to (past) Azura, 16 miles
There are basically three types of albergues (pilgrim hostels)-municipal, church-run, and private. The municipal are the cheapest (about 5€ per night) but seem to have the least charm and amenities. The chuch ones usually offer vespers or mass and sometimes a communal meal. They add to the spiritual component of the walk. We have stayed primarily in the third type--private albergues, even though they are a few euros more. Many have been imaginatively constructed or reconstructed from traditional buildings of the region. There have been some amazing ones. There are anywhere from four to twenty or more pilgrims sleeping in the same room and sharing limited bath facilities. Luckily I am a good sleeper-there are some real snorers here! The worst is the people who get up at four or five a. m. and rustle around trying to get a jump start on the rest of us. But overall the albergues have been an amazing way to share the Camino.
Lots of bunk beds. Luckily, Gracie usually lets me have the bottom.
Monday, September 22
We got horribly lost this morning. I think that in the darkness (it doesn't get light until almost 8 a.m.) we missed one of the yellow arrows that guides us. It took many miles and a couple of conversations with people who didn't seem to speak either English or Spanish (Galician?) to get us back on track. What a day!
Tuesday, September 23
Not the greatest weather today and nothing new to report-we didn't get lost, at least. Counting down!
Glad you found your way back to the path! Great pictures as usual Chris! Are you going to continue to Post when you go to Portugal? I hope so!
ReplyDeleteHow long will you stay in Santiago? Hugs, Paul (traveling vicariously through you)