tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44223271625201297802024-03-19T13:55:57.513+06:30CassyBee's Travel BlogCassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-45517702999850189632018-02-20T08:57:00.001+06:302018-02-20T09:07:29.155+06:30Seattle LoveHey Seattle, I love you! I realized that I never wrote about my former-home city. When this lil blog was born three and a half years ago, I was focusing on TRAVEL and my transition to Myanmar. Seattle did get an <a href="http://cassybeetravel.blogspot.mx/2014/07/saying-see-you-later-to-seattle.html" target="_blank">honorary mention</a> as my road trip and travels began, but I think she deserves her own post; don't you?<br />
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As part of my USA visit, I booked two weeks in Seattle (note to self, and friends, please remind me, next visit should be 3+) at the beginning of December. No, that's not the most beautiful weather time to visit, but my friends look just as good in the gray. ;) When the clouds finally parted, as we descended, this was my first glimpse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seattle, impressive rain or shine</td></tr>
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The first week I stayed at R's lovely home, visited a lot with Y and hit up some favorite spots. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60878-d7129134-Reviews-Araya_s_Place-Seattle_Washington.html" target="_blank">Araya's</a> is an old favorite vegan Thai restaurant. My first meal in Seattle was at their Madison valley location; they had one restaurant when I first moved to Seattle (U-District), now they have three!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Araya's with J, yes, I visited more than once. ;)</td></tr>
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One of my favorite things about Seattle is the live music scene. It's also one of my most-missed aspects of living abroad. Seattle has small, medium and giant-sized music venues and there is something interesting happening every single night of the week. While living in Seattle I saw plenty of shows at the <a href="http://www.paramounttheatreseattle.net/" target="_blank">Paramount</a> and I was amazed to see that another old favorite, the <a href="http://www.pixiesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Pixies</a>, had decided to visit Seattle on their tour at the same time as me. I managed to get a ticket to the sold-out show and they rocked as much as always. La la, love them!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A familiar landmark</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As amazing as ever</td></tr>
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<a href="http://plumbistro.com/" target="_blank">Plum Bistro</a> is an all-vegan restaurant on Capitol Hill. It's a cute, but tiny spot and they don't take reservations. Their mac n yease recipe is an experience (to die for!) and everything on the menu is delicious, whether you have dietary restrictions or not.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R and I visit Plum</td></tr>
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It's an interesting experience to be in the states without a car. I spent a lot of money on taxis, Lyfts, Ubers, walked and got back into the bus system. I enjoy not having to own a vehicle, but that's something that is a lot harder to manage if you live in the US.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for my bus</td></tr>
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In my first week, I also visited my beloved <a href="http://www.eastsideprep.org/" target="_blank">Eastside Prep</a>. It has expanded and the physical layout and campus have changed a lot! Still, after visiting with former students, administrators and teachers, I would say that the soul of the place hasn't changed. Teachers: if you want to work in Seattle, apply here! Parents: if you want your kids to learn and grow in a supportive yet encouraged-to-stretch environment, apply here!<br />
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Another very vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly restaurant is <a href="http://cafeflora.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Flora</a> in Madison Valley. I love their tofu scrambles and coffee in the morning. Gosh, it's easy to have dietary restrictions and live in Seattle.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYaDWmyDKOQ2Y1t6O8P2CaK4l-8ZO7cIecozJEZu66HZPi9C961zkIbUEzjA51dgJjlbtPLvoqtCeBLMU-uxOJUxpgdUtS2hyphenhyphenhOlmUOXVW0p84eoH_WSQxyXbRA9Cm4QyHzWUNtJU7V8/s1600/IMG_0579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYaDWmyDKOQ2Y1t6O8P2CaK4l-8ZO7cIecozJEZu66HZPi9C961zkIbUEzjA51dgJjlbtPLvoqtCeBLMU-uxOJUxpgdUtS2hyphenhyphenhOlmUOXVW0p84eoH_WSQxyXbRA9Cm4QyHzWUNtJU7V8/s400/IMG_0579.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R, Y and I caffeinate and prepare for the day at Flora</td></tr>
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After a week in the city I was whisked a little farther north for a couple of days to reunite with A and A (elementary school friends!). We chatted, chatted, joked and chatted one morning at the <a href="http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com/" target="_blank">Skagit Valley Co-op</a> in Mt. Vernon. They have a great natural market and lots of deli dishes too. My favorite was the turmeric almond milk latte.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoJoUst0mCqAI6BNqeqWyhVRzZlFdTNQ9QJS16sMsbB2J8su3wKsdMr4pmGrmu_Uch2MhyWmSt26S6TlVmBcRUveVX1BWZ5uWyXD7Wb1qCv7gM6SbfrWt3ocQpf-zzvdWnOr6ONJ3nB8/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoJoUst0mCqAI6BNqeqWyhVRzZlFdTNQ9QJS16sMsbB2J8su3wKsdMr4pmGrmu_Uch2MhyWmSt26S6TlVmBcRUveVX1BWZ5uWyXD7Wb1qCv7gM6SbfrWt3ocQpf-zzvdWnOr6ONJ3nB8/s400/IMG_0597.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two old friends and one very new one.</td></tr>
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My second week began back in Seattle, but West Seattle this time. Have I mentioned all the sunny days that Seattle shined on me? Maybe she was trying to woo me back... Too bad, during my stay here I signed a contract with would pull me south. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seattle skyline from West Seattle</td></tr>
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I had my very own room at J and M's, J graciously let me use her car to attend Yoga training in Redmond at <a href="http://www.sattvayogastudios.com/" target="_blank">Sattva Yoga</a> (I'm very close to finishing my 500-hour cert!), M made the best popcorn, J made the best vegan chilli, Bowie is the cuddliest kitty-company and J and I even had time to do a little touristing, too.<br />
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I was in town just in time for a show at the <a href="http://www.skylarkcafe.com/" target="_blank">Skylark</a>, featuring many friends and former colleagues playing their music.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvUXfXM6v9UDl0ZeSrZMYmLp4iTa5kriQArONVbgZneDvR-RdciSTiHomYG1JUzlwEta9wLFBPcrmXeqmmfbqAJXEq6bQDvuhyEJdfxr2S4JEFQD6lEUq0C8_ibOoVzM72VikyZSYsIo/s1600/IMG_0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvUXfXM6v9UDl0ZeSrZMYmLp4iTa5kriQArONVbgZneDvR-RdciSTiHomYG1JUzlwEta9wLFBPcrmXeqmmfbqAJXEq6bQDvuhyEJdfxr2S4JEFQD6lEUq0C8_ibOoVzM72VikyZSYsIo/s320/IMG_0608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One Sunday morning there was a reunion at A and V's new place in West Seattle. Everyone was moving too quickly for me to get any great photos (including the twins!), but here they are!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyAT3EiZEctAXpYZl-peO7CNleP0oZIEgxVvT4IA1L1Rw3Kkpfp7yCGEsbAf6J2hkMp9RO77yBFNE19pUYqcf8cxb-PI-qpmF9JXgu67xjlaWD6qjdOEcxYHDJJLwfg6-Iy_zcKbYYr0/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyAT3EiZEctAXpYZl-peO7CNleP0oZIEgxVvT4IA1L1Rw3Kkpfp7yCGEsbAf6J2hkMp9RO77yBFNE19pUYqcf8cxb-PI-qpmF9JXgu67xjlaWD6qjdOEcxYHDJJLwfg6-Iy_zcKbYYr0/s320/IMG_0625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V oversees the prep</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUcyXhlHt_F1BD5Sx1d6n8z4QSGImGRckIvogTpFEsdm-EesvatnSHlqzN63Xvq5FFsK7HyK0ekRJqtTklyC5zrvzlSXhvQ0ljTJ5wuwCRr28rb50n1WlCc_SO82_uaoZAPTshVSL5ZM/s1600/IMG_0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUcyXhlHt_F1BD5Sx1d6n8z4QSGImGRckIvogTpFEsdm-EesvatnSHlqzN63Xvq5FFsK7HyK0ekRJqtTklyC5zrvzlSXhvQ0ljTJ5wuwCRr28rb50n1WlCc_SO82_uaoZAPTshVSL5ZM/s320/IMG_0626.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A in position barista!</td></tr>
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J and I decided that our favorite spot for breakfast/brunch is <a href="http://www.chacocanyoncafe.com/" target="_blank">Chaco Canyon Cafe</a>. They have kombucha on tap and lots of delicious organic options!</div>
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Pike's Place Market, downtown is a not-to-miss spot on any Seattle tour and this trip was no exception.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Required photo shoot!</td></tr>
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The last day was a walk along West Seattle with this one and lunch at my new favorite Thai spot outside of Thailand - <a href="http://www.buddharuksa.com/" target="_blank">Buddha Ruksa</a> - before my airport drop. Time went super-fast and I hope I'll have time to see everyone next trip.<br />
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Thanks to all my friends for hosting me, treating me and driving (or letting me drive!) around! I've got such great memories of our time together. See you next time! Or, maybe... in Mexico???</div>
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CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.332070847.2636695 -122.9775178 47.9487495 -121.68662379999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-66145604460292823432018-02-05T09:27:00.004+06:302018-02-05T09:27:52.612+06:30My Trusted Housesitters ExperienceIn 2017 I decided to take some time off of work in order to travel, study yoga and contemplate future life options. It was a huge decision and an opportunity for me to grow, leaning into uncertainty. I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to save money while I worked and lived in Myanmar, but this blog is about one of my tips to make time off affordable, whether you are on your own sabbatical or simply taking a vacation: Trusted Housesitters.<br />
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About a year ago I learned about <a href="https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/su/gaDHFEuS" target="_blank">Trusted Housesitters</a>, a site that matches traveling home and pet owners with sitters. It's an interesting arrangement because no money is exchanged; you get a great place to stay and fuzzy company and they get great petcare and home security. I investigated a bit more and decided to go ahead and sign up, even though there is an annual fee (of about $100 US). I figured that even if I only got one sit of a few days that the membership would pay for itself.<br />
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<br /><span style="color: blue;">I have had a fabulous experience with the Trusted Housesitters organization and with the homes and pets I have looked after. </span></h4>
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<u>Place</u>: Bangkok, Thailand<br /><u>Dog</u>: Toby the Corgi</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdJ0j0lKE3NYVexkrVlhPSTJcGbN2-uaLWO8cvT26hxJBgzZsYpQqxtYgRqKuxJr9IF3OIgTRX9z33g4AP2sbTbGf-1gGDWbbSSR2WH2Cg4ZsgIN2gYKqsD2Mk2OOxDvee-g9t2LVjtk/s1600/IMG_6760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdJ0j0lKE3NYVexkrVlhPSTJcGbN2-uaLWO8cvT26hxJBgzZsYpQqxtYgRqKuxJr9IF3OIgTRX9z33g4AP2sbTbGf-1gGDWbbSSR2WH2Cg4ZsgIN2gYKqsD2Mk2OOxDvee-g9t2LVjtk/s400/IMG_6760.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Who could resist that face?!?</td></tr>
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This was a very sweet gig. Toby's home was a huge, modern top floor apartment in the trendy Thong Lor neighborhood of Bangkok. I had my own guest room, a gorgeous kitchen and a roof top with a view to enjoy.<br />
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Toby was a busy little dog, and still a puppy, but my main task was to take him up on the roof (pictured in the video above) or outside for a walk, twice a day. I spent extra time with him, playing, brushing, even doing a little training, but I had lots of free time to explore the neighborhood, Bangkok and relax in a fantastic apartment, cooking my own food, doing yoga homework, reading and enjoying Netflix. The cleaner came three times a week, which was another perk!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">He did spend time chilling, too. </td></tr>
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<u>Place</u>: Taos, New Mexico, USA<br /><u>Cats</u>: Tennessee and Button</h3>
This sit allowed me to explore another part of New Mexico. I know <a href="http://cassybeetravel.blogspot.mx/2017/01/santa-fe-style.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe</a> well since my parents have lived there 15+ years. I secured this sit when I was still in Spain. Here is the house:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5NqUWDXyNuZXZYvjB3NcGD-2mC8dnmf80vRXVA2xFutSBMr7PRlcx0WVHzHVeW2LSewnu7CalnFZoOZc0S5M63IlK5tGCD4FdCLXaVO0JjGLRbkxkadaHyzq2KvtKqiJooLWIPwbaxc/s1600/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5NqUWDXyNuZXZYvjB3NcGD-2mC8dnmf80vRXVA2xFutSBMr7PRlcx0WVHzHVeW2LSewnu7CalnFZoOZc0S5M63IlK5tGCD4FdCLXaVO0JjGLRbkxkadaHyzq2KvtKqiJooLWIPwbaxc/s320/IMG_0335.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I fed these two cats their very fresh meals (raw chicken livers for breakfast and dinner and sardines for lunch), read, did yoga homework, wandered around town and spent quality time with these felines. </div>
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I enjoyed fires in the evening. Button did too!</div>
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And slept in this princess bed.</div>
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These owners were very kind; they sent me a personal thank you after the sit!<br />
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<u>Place</u>: El Dorado, just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA<br /><u>Cats</u>: Skaaget, Nauset and Graham</h3>
The owners of these three cats needed a sitter who could commit to a "maybe" because their plans were up in the air. Since I was already staying with my parents in Santa Fe, this it was easy for me to stay flexible. It worked for me and it worked for them! And in the end, I did get the sit. These owners had a special request: that no gluten be brought into their house, as one had a severe allergy. I'm 8 years gluten-free; it worked for me!<br />
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Meet the three kitties! Three is the most pets I have ever looked after. Two were very friendly and the third totally warmed up to me by the end of the week. The new skill I learned with this sit was how to give a cat pills, as Graham needed daily medicines. He was really good about my efforts and I can say I am confident doing this now!<br />
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The house was a lovely, very Santa Fe style kind of home. There was a woodstove, walking trails, a patio and I even got to use the car to zip into town for an errand or yoga class (or to visit ma n pa). </div>
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My cozy room.</div>
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And those southwest sunsets...</div>
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---> Okay, so now you want to housesit, right? Here are a few tips. :)<br />
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<b><u>Building Your Trusted Housesitters Profile:</u></b></h3>
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<li><span style="color: red;">Take the time to build your profile!</span> Pretty much the rest of the tips come down to this. It is a project, but your investment of time will pay off when you get some great sits. I broke up the task, working a half hour or an hour at a time until I got it where I wanted it. </li>
<li>Consider what title captures you as a sitter - this is the first thing viewers of your page will notice.</li>
<li>Include photos of you and animals you own/know and some that show your personality and hobbies. Homeowners want to know you... you are going to be staying in their house!</li>
<li>Be honest about your experience and what you can/can't do. There are all types of animals and sits and you want to make sure you can look after the critters you sign up for. I've seen farm animals, cats that need injections and rescue dogs that require special patience and love. Sometimes the sits require, but don't provide, a vehicle, which would mean committing to renting a car. Carefully consider what you can take on.</li>
<li>Get external references from your boss, landlord and anyone you have petsat for in the past. This helps create your profile and shows you are responsible. </li>
<li>Go through the external verification. You pay a fee and Trusted Housesitters runs a background check on you. Having this on your profile gives petowners peace of mind. </li>
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<b><u>Applying for a Sit:</u></b></h3>
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<li>Check the site often or set up email notifications. It does pay off to be the first person to apply for a sit, especially in popular areas or at peak travel times. </li>
<li>Always include a personal note that shows that you have reviewed the sit and include why you are interested and a good fit! Some owners get a lot of interest so make your note stand out.</li>
<li>Offer to talk on the phone or over Skype as well as via email. This helps them to see you are a nice person. And take the "interview" seriously!</li>
<li>Follow up if you don't hear back, but know that sometimes homeowners do get bombarded with offers or change their travel plans...</li>
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<b><u>During the Sit:</u></b></h3>
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<li>Follow through and have fun! Most petowners will walk you through the details about the home and animals when you arrive. They may provide you with a manual with all the info (love it when they do this!); if not, ask questions and take notes!</li>
<li>Communicate often. It's easy with technology to send photos and videos, showing them that their fur-babies are happy. This keeps them happy too.</li>
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<b><u>After the Sit:</u></b></h3>
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<li>Of course, leave the house in tip-top order! I've heard that some sitters even stock the fridge or prepare a special meal and leave it as a thank you.</li>
<li>Send a thank you note/text to express your gratitude for the time in their house. </li>
<li>Ask that they review you on Trusted Housesitters so that you can get more sits! This is so important as reviews and trust fuel what this site is all about. </li>
</ul>
If you are curious about signing up for Trusted Housesitters, feel free to post questions! You can get a discount off of your membership by using <a href="https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/su/gaDHFEuS" target="_blank">this link</a> when you sign up! (Full disclosure: I get a discount when you use it, also.)<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy traveling and happy petsitting!!!</span></h4>
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CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0Taos, NM 87571, USA36.4072485 -105.5730664999999836.304989500000005 -105.73442799999998 36.5095075 -105.41170499999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-50402668467388029382018-01-02T09:14:00.001+06:302018-01-02T09:14:45.158+06:30The Camino Francés vs. the Camino Primitivo <div>One last Camino post, more than two months post-Camino, here we go! </div><div><br></div>Okay, “versus” is in the title, but it’s not really a competition. When most people talk about “the” Camino or first hear about the pilgrimage, they are referring to the Camino Francés, the most popular Camino. However, as you learn more about the Camino, and maybe after you walk your first one, you realize that there are many paths to Santiago. This post discusses some of the advantages of the two Caminos that I know. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_7196_b8b_6a77_6a11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zxcB9yB8HVM/WkryDn7AAbI/AAAAAAAAJak/ybaRwMpkm6QKpHc8gLwCJy9Ht4PlfGTDQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Camino Francés is the yellow route and the Primitivo is purple. </div><div><br><div><b>The Camino Francés</b></div><div><ul><li>At just over 800 kilometers the Camino Francés is the longer of these two options. Most pilgrims take around 30 days to do the whole thing and this gives your body time to adjust to the rhythm of walking everyday and your brain time to get out of the monkey mind of your “normal” life and settle into the Camino. I met many pilgrims who were just doing the last 100 k, from Sarria to Santiago and this really doesn’t give bodies time to adjust or allow minds to disconnect. Doing the entire Francés provides the space and time to experience a transformation. <img id="id_acac_adf7_5741_2448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kyrvEUcPMc/WkryC_d7LTI/AAAAAAAAJag/oh-9YEVGiyAYdXsNBfWkm9I6cb-8bnL-wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">Physically stronger, mentally tougher and spiritually transformed? It could all happen by the time you arrive in Santiago! </li></ul><ul><li>The Francés has the most services (restaurants, cafes, bars, a variety of accommodation options, stores and pharmacies). If you are thinking of your first Camino, unless you have a lot of experience backpacking, the ease of how services are organized on the French Route will help you transition into Camino life. Remember, many of these towns exist because of and for the steady stream of pilgrims over hundreds of years!<img id="id_1076_d488_bcdf_e286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t9wlVAF9WLE/WkryENnkhWI/AAAAAAAAJao/dguf_dxkuH4-vIihPShIrHzfjOB28JISgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">A restaurant, shop and vending machine just outside of Pamplona. </li></ul><ul><li>This route also offers the most options as far as breaking up the stages and really walking your own Camino. Since it is the most trafficked, most days you can easily walk more or less than what the guidebook says, thus really listening to your body and doing your personal Camino. <img id="id_ebaf_160e_a6d_c41b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWEyYykO8rU/WkryFsPH09I/AAAAAAAAJa0/Nz--3fLk1MgrmwKYTpqNEdTUvc2rG021wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">My first albergue in St. Jean. The French route offers hostels, pensions, small hotels and even luxurious accommodation options. </li></ul><b>The Camino Primitivo </b></div><div><ul><li>The natural landscapes on the Primitivo are stunning. The other routes have some gorgeous sections, too, but the one-week flat and straight meseta of the Francés can become a bit tedious and there is definitely less asphalt on the Primitivo. <img id="id_16dd_de4d_6755_2757" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KxzSOEFDQBo/WkryGlu0GtI/AAAAAAAAJa8/kMZGZTlXUWYtxirnF9rayHj_4CZz11YPQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">The Hospitales route on the Primitivo, probably the most famous stage. No asphalt here. </li></ul><ul><li>Most people that I met on the Primitivo had already done another Camino and were back for more. Some people feel that the French route’s popularity has caused the quality of the pilgrimage to suffer. While I still believe the French route is very special, it is true that there are a lot of Camino tourists. If you are looking for a “purer” experience, the Primitivo offers less crowds, kindred pilgrim companions and some quality albergue experiences. <img id="id_9934_3286_a24f_f600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SWn3H7ojGFk/WkryFppKcUI/AAAAAAAAJaw/-vdl-O_--tcgOHn-qzigGek6staL47_owCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">Sharing stories at bedtime in Bodenaya. </li></ul><ul><li>If you want to level-up your Camino experience, then this route is going to challenge you. The stages tend to be longer and you are walkling up and over the mountains. The steep ups and downs are not for everyone! Physically, my hardest days were here (but also my happiest to arrive and some of my best sleeps). Friends and fellow pilgrims encourage you to keep going and look out for each other. <img id="id_1f57_f45_d014_522d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fbQLHevuz_I/WkryFYulJPI/AAAAAAAAJas/7DGzUWrUY3Uozc2iOq-b85qbgB1olHucwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></li></ul></div><div><b>Which Camino?</b></div><div>So, how do you know which Camino to do? Just like which items will end up in your backpack, it’s a personal decision. A few things to keep in mind are: the amount of time you have, previous training/experience outdoors, how busy/social you’d prefer the trail to be and presence of services that you are comfortable with. </div><div><br></div><div>All offer physical and mental challenges, some amazing scenery, delicious regional cuisine and wine, unforgettable fellow pilgrims and the endpoint, that special city, Santiago... unless you keep walking to the coast, adding another little Camino to your route. ;)</div><div><br></div><div>My answer? Keep coming back until I’ve experienced them all. I’ve got a good rhythm going so far with half of the Francés in 2016 and the Francés, Primitivo and Coastal routes in 2017. Join me on the Portugués in 2018?!?</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b315_f2d4_aa4e_c13a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lc-wn32rZTM/WkryGyoXtWI/AAAAAAAAJbA/bY5taP-KhSw9Rem_2cW4Zg5RAKmwIJnEwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Camino forever!</div><div><img id="id_8ada_2ffa_7232_61df" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V--EHc5HOeE/WkryGk7WHWI/AAAAAAAAJa4/ElKiCV-HJnQ5bJ3zssM3o5kDQmF--T38wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Photo credit: M from South Korea. Taken in Itero De la Vega (on the Camino Francés).</div></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-71103847867105518102017-11-02T14:34:00.001+06:302017-11-02T14:34:38.891+06:30So, what’s in that backpack?<font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="font-size: 17px;">A lot of people have asked me what I packed, so this post is for them! </span></font><br><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_ada8_b7c2_10af_96e9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I9sXyU_wa3M/WfrRlIl2CmI/AAAAAAAAJYc/ZYmzqmh6EbIPCYbOnaDa74GPRgPLOyQWgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>She’s in the background of many of my photos, or maybe you just see her straps, but what exactly is in my dear traveling companion?!?</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>The Basics:</u></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Deuter 24 liter backpack!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2 liter platypus (depending on the distance between villages I usually keep about 1 liter of water in it, on the Primitivo 1.5-2, as there are less services)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 backpack rain cover </span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Clothes</u>:</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">North face hiking boots </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2 pairs of socks (I added a third pair into the mix in León)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">3 pairs Patagonia underwear</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2 sports bras</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 normal bra (this is an extra, but I missed having something more comfortable last year)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I pair zip-off hiking trousers</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 pair running shorts </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 cotton skirt</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2 REI quick dry, sunscreen t-shirts</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 long sleeve button-up shirt </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 fleece</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 rain jacket</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Flip flops </span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 pair of smart wool leggings (added in León)</span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Personal care:</u></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sarong (towel, picnic blanket, scarf...)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Toiletries (small sizes, things that will serve more than one purpose, I buy more as I go)</span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Small first aid kit (again, just a few things, almost every town has a pharmacy)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Wax earplugs (one night in an albergue and this is obviously a necessity!)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Assortment of vitamins and supplements (I didn’t bring everything I take, but the important ones to keep in my system)</span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Swiss army tool (very small blade, nail clippers, file, scissors - Gracias to A for this!)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Universal sink plug (helps a lot with laundry)</span></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Other:</u></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Buff (headband, eyes cover, scarf...)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sunglasses + case</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Glasses</span></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Reusable shopping bag (there is enough plastic in the world, including on the Camino!) </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mini flashlight </span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Bed bug spray (an ounce of prevention...)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Journal + pen</span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lightweight sleeping bag (.42 kilo)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 new walking sticks! I liked using them. </span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Plastic fork/spoon/knife (one utensil does all 3)</span></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Snacks (weight varies!)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Essentials!:</u></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Money belt with passport, cash, cards </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Pilgrim's passport (in a plastic bag)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Technology: </u></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">iPhone + charger + headphones </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Fitbit + charger </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Angkor charger (this is an extra, but I get anxiety when my device runs low)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Yes, I carried all of this every single day!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">What you will pack for your Camino will probably vary; it’s actually a very personal process to put together your items. What one person considers essential will be an extra for another and vice versa. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">¡Buen Camino!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_7388_c8a0_3971_c890" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDKc_4mGLlM/WfrRlbbpb9I/AAAAAAAAJYg/SIQymihyIQY_2cc_lk-YDj1xv4qlOSYGgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div> CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-53050507741012195252017-10-19T02:53:00.001+06:302017-10-19T02:53:02.229+06:30Post-Camino Culture ShockJust a few observations...<div><br></div><div>1. Riding on a bus! Whoa! So fast! I got back to Santiago in less than two hours... it took me four days to walk to the coast!</div><div><img id="id_2e2_60ed_1ea4_5975" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ep_NY6iUJbY/Wee30oabWII/AAAAAAAAJVY/5RZYE1Obwec6zfzvzqjI3BkxMr7sdi_YgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The day I walked into Muxia. </div><div><br></div><div>2. Arrows! It takes a long time to re-adjust to seeing arrows in the same way after spying them and following them for 6 weeks. I followed the arrows out of the bus station, and they did, in fact, point to the exit, but it was a wholly automatic reaction. </div><div><img id="id_3dec_3a76_3348_7f3e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aUsHPiK8Mgk/Wee3977M3yI/AAAAAAAAJVg/mq9loJy1v5wpTlrLSuLxdGFMSgSl3k7ogCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It worked again when I was trying to find the post office today. Some readers should check their mail! ;)</div><div><br></div><div>3. Clothes! I haven’t thought a lot about what I put on this last month and a half, except for what is dry, clean and warm/cool. Technically, I had a choice everyday of a blue or turquoise top. Everyone in the cities looks so clean and stylish. The shops are overwhelming. Still, I took a little time to buy a new top; I wanted to wear something absolutely clean to travel back to Madrid. I also feel a kindred sense of belonging with the past pilgrims who burned everything and started fresh. (Hiking/athletic clothes are expensive so here’s hoping that some of what I have works for future hikes/pilgrimages.)</div><div><img id="id_1d32_290c_7bbb_8dff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g-9xnGtb1XY/Wee3_EEl2RI/AAAAAAAAJVo/_BC7hTAHE24AWZDShEoIcqU4gOoJ-s81gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Here I am on top of the cathedral in the spot that really signified the end of the pilgrimage - where the pilgrims burned their clothes. </div><div><br></div><div>4. Time. Although I woke up way early (even for a pilgrim), I felt time in a different way today. I lingered over my almond milk café con leche once I got to Santiago since it was raining and I took time to visit the pilgrims museum this morning (I highly recommend it.) and I went back to the cathedral and looked around without the crowds. It was really nice just to wander. </div><div><img id="id_f646_502a_3aa7_8faf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8wl-80PWfQ/Wee3-Yg6iVI/AAAAAAAAJVk/74r05fjLazcp1e9gsAUGg3KXqbjAD8oaACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>One last look at Santiago. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_c3b3_c133_a356_a761" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TmDD3WC9Mkc/Wee39SUKpqI/AAAAAAAAJVc/yEaZIVT_bOYPOFpAgOPdKTA-gwADxeo3ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>One of the first Camino guidebooks. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_822_4687_56a5_ca2a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L5oUJogMI3E/Wee4BChatyI/AAAAAAAAJVs/iK16n_9PPnco4Tfo91GiUCHtMi1WVqT2wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Then and now pilgrim garb.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e492_2452_abe1_8276" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DwYfeHTFP2Q/Wee4C3GtiSI/AAAAAAAAJVw/gbQ1rxmIdAYxX9Pztl6sGqG8AXvElj2ygCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Art made from pilgrims’ walking sticks. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also did the Cathedral Roof tour and I also recommend it! It was so cool to hear the history and see views of the city. You get to go up where most people don’t go, inside the church and right on top of the roof!</span></div><div><img id="id_2558_9ee_a455_7a1c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ytv0ftBoSjQ/Wee4HDJ41eI/AAAAAAAAJV4/F0NT88hWassqLnx5kRNQnAQa3qOP0w1dgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">View from above. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_1cda_c49d_af01_8556" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OTvK93jn9N8/Wee4E1y6f5I/AAAAAAAAJV0/iGQkSDmKNaUS0gJlYvV6WaFEnAJhceWxQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Look at me, ma!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_b2c5_4b7e_e7dd_3012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MmDq5VHwZBw/Wee4H_wC98I/AAAAAAAAJV8/c39EpkduHocoCRkSLD9CE0oyYCnZsofjgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The rain stopped just in time for our tour. </span></div><div><br></div><div>5. Albergues. Albergues are great when we are all more or less on the same routine. I’m at a nice one on the city center today, but it’s so loud... you can tell the Camino is over and that everyone has their own schedule. I definitely recommend staying in the albergues if you do the Camino, but after I’d suggest switching to a pension or hotel. </div><div><img id="id_8b44_e4b3_e43f_5efe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ANRNkINATk4/Wee4IvmZU9I/AAAAAAAAJWE/rzn05H7J0F4A01hx7GrRC5iJsSBNV8V0gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I’m in the Primitivo room. :)</div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Kilometers walked</u>: 13.91 (Fitbit). You know you wanted to know! ;)</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-56492621131839856002017-10-18T02:40:00.001+06:302017-10-18T02:40:49.371+06:30Day 44: Lires - MuxiaOnce upon a time I started the Camino... and today I finished walking! There is no where left to go, I walked to Santiago, then the sea at the end of the world and now along the end of the world’s coast. Muxia is gorgeous in a wind blown, wild and less visited kind of way. <div><br></div><div>But, first I had to get here... my internal alarm dinged just before 7 and I was awake. I did some stretching in bed and then gathered my things so I could pack up outside of the shared room. I went downstairs for coffee at 7:30 and happily sipped my americano, caught up with friends and family on the wonderful what’s app technology and ate some of my gluten free bread with strawberry jam. The television showed the news and it was all bad. I lingered as there was no reason to leave in the dark (sunrise is almost at 9 now). </div><div><br></div><div>Around 8:20 the sky was dark blue so I set off. I gazed at the silvery sliver moon, carefully followed my shells and crossed a bridge leaving town. </div><div><img id="id_7f75_deb4_e7c2_960f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fheLJt9V0Kg/WeZjgvsatMI/AAAAAAAAJTI/ja5UTvO6Wkk1nl9lOvG2Q9LJ9fYdbEqIgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I didn’t take too many pictures to start because I was just really soaking in my last day. </div><div><img id="id_331_65e2_f3bb_1df0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4sfgr_wx4Eg/WeZji1EM1KI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/w1YTpOf0KIM47IIOfYUYvDcEiAkR24wZQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Storm and fire stories have been in the news, but I saw blue skies and only smelled pine, eucalyptus and farms. I walked and walked, not taking breaks. There are days, and times, when the Camino still feels very hard, my backpack very heavy or my body very tired, even with all my practice. But, I also feel stronger and I know my pace has picked up. </div><div><img id="id_e6c8_8fac_41a1_5060" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uuw-inPhYYk/WeZji4mZx8I/AAAAAAAAJTU/NAREdfUrJY4sGzfIqcH1iUyE7wX2pHTAwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I ran into a French pilgrim (heading to Finisterre) that I’d stayed with way back in Estella (Day 7). We stopped and chatted about post-Camino plans, the sea and what the way felt like now. We are both ready for the next thing. It’s good! It’s so crazy-cool how you can see someone weeks later and still have a sense of camrederie. </div><div><br></div><div>Turning back towards the ocean has not lost its charm. </div><div><img id="id_ed67_b272_b5fc_f20a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0SK8jv8iNNA/WeZjhd-EO7I/AAAAAAAAJTM/sdm1mde7fmo0-f1ki5NAYVZGMXHzPLi5gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>At this point the Camino begins its descent into Muxia and it is absolutely unbelievably beautiful. </div><div><img id="id_ca1e_7625_585c_4284" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfkwyNNFMEU/WeZjj97N4lI/AAAAAAAAJTY/zs7BBE9PVwg91x2e9r-WyuJGT0GZ_q7LQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Coming into town. </div><div><img id="id_726f_29d9_384d_551e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oynnWGisE8E/WeZjkHNvE3I/AAAAAAAAJTc/VjezK4uVuKg5cdJYoEIThOnPao-dFxSIwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I thought I would stay at one more Municipal Albergue, but it wasn’t open at noon as I passed, I thought I would have a coffee and a wander and head back, but then I remembered H’s recommendation from a few days earlier. I happily checked in to a private albergue in the center of town, received my Muxia Compostela certificate and visited the grocery store. I made a salad and some rice here and then it was nap time. </div><div><img id="id_4679_e696_791f_96b7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D9rhsKAiH_A/WeZjnl7Md0I/AAAAAAAAJTw/r3VPwfLhzEIwCp_Vp6_4nSHQWPqEfvaCQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Raquel, my backpack, next to my bed. This place is great - individual charging stations and night stands, privacy curtains and lockers. And they even let you use a real towel!</div><div><br></div><div>Wandering around Muxia is a great end to Camino life. The sea breeze, chilled out vibe and smiles from fellow pilgrims all add to the town’s atmosphere. </div><div><br></div><div>First entering town:</div><div><img id="id_173d_2f59_bf9_91fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zmisDlgw1rU/WeZjkv69MZI/AAAAAAAAJTg/Dv1tr52Xugsqg1wLAbo0f_xUYVimRkEYQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>The harbor:</div><div><img id="id_45e2_15d7_1999_e9fc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV3uKIDGUaE/WeZjm12fs6I/AAAAAAAAJTs/hFH7i9TpG4Q6gD8IS8SmhcwxepGKvVgCQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Seaside street:</div><div><img id="id_3dbd_cdaa_77ba_80a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJkHRvS10vU/WeZjmet_KHI/AAAAAAAAJTo/az5gDirhes4o1hSuee4vx6veGMhDHqVrACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>More boots and beaches:</div><div><img id="id_66fc_26d7_1d92_e724" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Wc-jPvbifY/WeZjl0vfb2I/AAAAAAAAJTk/vpgUdf4sQt4dk0e5rX0J0F5MhoKMjt-vwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Rain has blown in this afternoon, so I’ve had some time for writing, music and relaxing at the albergue. The scene has really changed. I am on the Coast of Death at the end of the world; it seems appropriate that the weather turn dark. Despite the clouds, rain and wind, I set out just before 7 in the evening to walk the last kilometer out to the edge of it all; I’m from Seattle!, rain won’t stop me, I thought. </div><div><br></div><div>The beginning of the climb up:</div><div><img id="id_58cd_bdd3_6864_42ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bUB2JfGc70o/WeZjowlwo8I/AAAAAAAAJT0/GsnhrjqivQolzMXOsczTmeyh6L01JYRTwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The weather didn’t stop me, but it was fierce! I made my way carefully, following the arrows along the path and then rocks. </div><div><img id="id_faac_c21e_3d90_3b47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npbrwCw8S_s/WeZjrtE-wAI/AAAAAAAAJT8/LWdYHnGX46QdW6G1F_twigfcq71216PngCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_278e_54ee_d96d_b1ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hXTp1VRcbPw/WeZjqMIkAdI/AAAAAAAAJT4/GAGKrwtJL0sb6pNkTrY_U282sUDgIHr2gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>They went past the cemetery. </div><div><img id="id_4638_c10_cf31_cee3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-falK7xMSMw8/WeZjsyLbtGI/AAAAAAAAJUA/hBuHA_OYsCs3miKCyTdVCWZnVt-IGws2gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I saw a dog eating some chicken bones that someone had left and it stopped me. I realized it had been a long time since I saw a stray. </div><div><img id="id_8f9d_2b65_79e4_63b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fVuEkUVNIX4/WeZjvIf8mXI/AAAAAAAAJUM/OnenVJ6zVD8raneFqNmKh3T84fUDxKNXACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I made it to the top of the hill and looked back at Muxia. Same town, but different look! And, the dog had followed me! He seemed to know where to go, we kept moving closer towards the coast. </div><div><br></div><div>Laughing in the wind and rain; what else do you do?!?</div><div><img id="id_dbfc_92d6_56d2_55dd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nyLP7X3--Ww/WeZjtNgTQOI/AAAAAAAAJUE/g7DZTpa5rzo5xlHp-ym_l3BEJdf5UHPkgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The path evened out, and, well, became an actual path again. I followed my doggy guide. </div><div><img id="id_cee_8c68_674d_e878" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YZBYJH3uCo/WeZjw5M62cI/AAAAAAAAJUQ/Vuo9UAqwO20E01e8a15kz42zX7FwurUTACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>We saw the sites:</div><div><img id="id_86f4_da5b_6dd7_170a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8oTyIurHPA/WeZjuSmuSkI/AAAAAAAAJUI/7XC_xYexp9w-CyLlHfLS8QTk57uXLXJDACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2393_d589_5740_eac9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M__kTx1_sig/WeZjwyGQvZI/AAAAAAAAJUU/Sgi8x7Hq15Yzh-kZz-semKjqwUDro5S5QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>An amazing church stands out there:<br><img id="id_10b9_7f12_d1a7_f98e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S2xrkCyMp_k/WeZjyLzRMWI/AAAAAAAAJUc/ahvVA_WksTEfAzYabQrRnlgyav43HqRQACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And I took one last picture of the lighthouse before I started fearing for my phone’s wellbeing. I was drenched!</div><div><img id="id_ee4f_dcbf_af5e_8282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lcERci3a5CY/WeZjxTUkySI/AAAAAAAAJUY/Ol7E5z8yolgapxhWA48ebj6PqwVnHz4lwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I zipped my precious in my raincoat pocket and hurried back to town and my albergue. </div><div><br></div><div>Dinner at the albergue, using the dryer, catching up on the phone with Y and a little planning for tomorrow followed. Tomorrow: Santiago, Thursday: Madrid, Friday: Málaga!!!</div><div><br></div><div>I have at least two more Camino blogs to write (what I packed, the differences between the French and Original ways), but entry 44 ends this creative project on 17/10/17, 6 weeks after it started. I do like numbers. Thank you again to all my readers and to everyone who helped me get to the Camino. I hope you will experience it, too, one day. </div><div><br></div><div>Buen camino a todos. </div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u><br></u></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Kilometers walked</u>: 21.45 (Fitbit), 15.7 (Guidebook from the pilgrim office in Santiago). I walked all over town and out to the lighthouse and back. :)</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-16684928907476258262017-10-17T18:07:00.001+06:302017-10-17T18:07:17.770+06:30Day 43: Finisterre - LiresI fell asleep and woke up to one of the best sounds in the world: the rolling waves. My room with a view:<div><img id="id_8622_85ee_4946_9298" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0fC2xCpaKQw/WeXrSxKeqVI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/nELy22jGZtUMCnpXLfT0UN2TzoBTtqRYgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It seems that my pilgrim days keep starting later and later... breakfast at the hotel, a stop at the pharmacy and a little shopping at the supermarket all happened before I began the last leg of this Camino: Finisterre - Muxia. I started to make my way out of town. </div><div><img id="id_8133_337f_11e_a6b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5yJYmy194jM/WeXrPnC7dOI/AAAAAAAAJSE/CjJSg8F6hAgKE6TH5MvOkl888NWuoHv4wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Oh, and I also had to find the Camino. As I’ve said before, it can be tricky to catch the route as you leave a town or city. And the sun and sea and sky can be distracting...</div><div><img id="id_ec50_6edb_3cb5_bcb8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9GIEbHfqhc/WeXrR4FEz8I/AAAAAAAAJSM/4JNZy_ySVJ4-rlrUhr3DGE48Z40Rq6CWACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The extra challenge this time is that some pilgrims walk <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finisterre - Muxia like I am and others do it in reverse. Locals were friendly when I asked directions and I followed their cues until I saw the signs. Does this one count?</span></div><img id="id_c609_53c6_857d_fd6f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18LkYnKhfPI/WeXrQ_7PdPI/AAAAAAAAJSI/0yJYQpx0l0cXhKJdR2rR8hLsvdKI5er1ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div><img id="id_50e2_1d08_da45_b075" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B01B-WaMpfY/WeXrVsuzpZI/AAAAAAAAJSg/46fSvTwTcJ0aq5m_FgtHVE5RfgWzqP90QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Here we go!</div><div><img id="id_74ae_a412_f0f6_ddbf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_JY8eBS0MOA/WeXrT4Yw_cI/AAAAAAAAJSU/xZfXoH5Qf8EuQK90W6yYmt6DZX43RjXdwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And there are moments when arrows indicate both directions! Pay attention!</div><div><img id="id_c072_a947_2bd2_78de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6TV6etQbWQ/WeXrUER2D0I/AAAAAAAAJSY/ag7TG8jPgr4jk1D5hmOXSkHbWlMrLcDDgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The walk today was beautiful, quaint country roads, forests with lots of eucaliptis and plenty of panoramic views of the sea. </div><div><img id="id_acdb_13d9_597f_1a67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OvgQu0jtNuI/WeXrVBgkxdI/AAAAAAAAJSc/CymY1n53diY6jBBQE1zXVRtyFiK-sJOUACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Wow. </div><div><img id="id_fbdd_c869_b70a_29aa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QuJ0Vfl73MA/WeXrYgsqRWI/AAAAAAAAJSo/CA6K0r2pzS8TqU2r6aVG6xDMiX6gCYRpwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I had started late and I took a rest stop at one of those cute and quirky places you only find on the Camino. </div><div><img id="id_9a6c_2d81_31df_3234" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bXwOTqGL_Og/WeXrZMymPFI/AAAAAAAAJSw/0mnBGRSbKaIfc6rIorxiTBgaSEAonYcWQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I decided to stop in Lires today, dividing my Camino in half and taking one more day to arrive to Muxia. Some pilgrims do it in one day, but that’s 29-33 k, depending on which guide you believe. ;)</div><div>Below: arriving to Lires. </div><div><img id="id_e3ef_8dd_6997_3023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_usnPHC7HPc/WeXrbBQq4gI/AAAAAAAAJS0/DGB7oyHsEhoV5cZskmhiH4_izaPrTCNaACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The albergue is modern and has an ocean view!</div><div><img id="id_8fc7_18e8_3e2d_6c20" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0DJkWLbzhfI/WeXrWyRa8wI/AAAAAAAAJSk/tpL9BzvhOxA-kYaaM_HLeJSq2mXSK682gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_2855_9fcc_40a_fe1a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9si7UewJBZI/WeXrZM3kG9I/AAAAAAAAJSs/x6zHlxiVoYcA3TUSEYraou59yuL3UCDcACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Tomorrow <i>really</i> will be my last day of walking the Camino. I have mixed feelings about transitioning into post-Camino life - I’ve been here a long time; it’s home. But, I also feel ready for new adventures, my body is ready to relax (I took a nap again today!) and all my Camino friends and family have moved on. Some were long goodbyes, some were goodbyes that we didn’t realize were the last goodbyes and there are a few to whom I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. Two quotes I remembered while walking today, from very different artists, were: “Be good with goodbyes” (AWOLNATION) and “Accept loss forever” (Jack Kerouac). They seem to be saying the same thing. Change is the only constant. After spending some time making train and air bnb reservations this afternoon, I know I also have some sweet reunions coming soon. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Kilometers walked</u>: 15.05 (Fitbit), 13.3 (Guidebook from the pilgrim office in Santiago). </div></div><div><br></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-1205407651713788732017-10-16T13:55:00.001+06:302017-10-16T13:55:00.139+06:30Day 42: Cee/Corcubión - Finisterre The morning light shined down on Corcubión and I made my way after fruit and a soy milk coffee. <div><img id="id_d9fb_e27f_259c_9893" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHcJhbU4Vv8/WeReXZnr6uI/AAAAAAAAJQc/M0gFf3FkA50p4MfbEqzknhru564DU0vkwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And like always, I followed the shells. </div><div><img id="id_a9a9_2f2f_3585_7b8f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vT9gCAV1fk8/WeReGS5UrbI/AAAAAAAAJQM/NmU_WydB-_IDWt6o5m9I6i1271mQ9zqbgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There was some steep uphill to start, but it soon evened out and the Camino passed through small seaside towns. </div><div><img id="id_8394_fe97_5598_166b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w9m4Ic3aYRQ/WeReLkYOZMI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/a8CUAuRF6yYg-OxkKvQtKcb40NMbrdkDQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I didn’t feel a hurry since there were only 14 k to Finisterre. I had a snack and watched the sea for awhile mid-morning. Once again, it proved amazing to come around a turn and see the sea! And Finisterre!</div><div><img id="id_38bb_55cb_4deb_d07b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DLmdLODcv5c/WeRewytMVwI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/TgOBi7ZZ5lIBkQC8oTmA_yIqUybCrpacQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The way takes you down and the last 3 k are on, or along the beach. Which way did I choose? </div><div><img id="id_d03d_50e5_5fb9_2dc8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhPuAFx5C68/WeReOVV1PQI/AAAAAAAAJQU/K-CqwYWktUQb71nl1fi9ZE0B8mHLLNXewCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I did bathe my feet in the sea, though tradition would dictate that I go all the way in. Let’s see, there’s still time and the water isn’t as cold as I imagined!</div><div>And my end of the world victory shot!</div><div><img id="id_3287_213b_b5fa_6662" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eYTJvvDpUKM/WeReU-j6WNI/AAAAAAAAJQY/nOFIlUFMpw4Cm7TSPdQ8Mdub5cijqhA5wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Walking along the water feels like a very appropriate end to my pilgrimage. </div><div><img id="id_9790_f729_725_b019" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ppc__p0ABC4/WeRenlICZnI/AAAAAAAAJQk/yW7-C8hB-YMT7tS-wa78e4EREkP0Bl3XwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I dropped my backpack at the hotel (!), had a Nepalese veggie curry, wandered the town and queued for my Finisterre Compostela certificate. </div><div><img id="id_789_798f_2ce7_ad9e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-euhfazW5QqA/WeReyF5hLZI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/oOO2L9BBPv4L6OUJ2EDA0NwX81QjQYOtgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>After a long nap it was time to climb the 3 k to the lighthouse for sunset. I ran into C, who I had met back on the Primitivo. </div><div><img id="id_152f_55b7_b6f5_65c6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cr32REsMX3M/WeRekr5QaWI/AAAAAAAAJQg/feVpC-EHmSgyazhHsW5n0z3YpmQe-rrJwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It was a little cloudy and very windy, but there were plenty of tourists and pilgrims taking in the view at the end of the world. </div><div>With the lighthouse:</div><div><img id="id_63c5_c5c1_a68e_dd1b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ih7HN_OLmg0/WeReyi4N0II/AAAAAAAAJRA/7vhsSiAE_Vg9xY2zqAVjvIs459VbdQLXACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And kilometer 0!!!</div><div><img id="id_c81c_eb6f_7876_b5a7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lP84xzprLDU/WeRer96Xa8I/AAAAAAAAJQ0/_0byK9_oIacDxWyDJ-t17ORPoDxIv092gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I did not, nor did I see, any pilgrims burning their clothes. It is tradition to do this as purification and to step forward into a new chapter of your life. There are lots of signs saying don’t start fires. As the daughter and sister of firefighters, this is one rule that seemed sensible to follow. ;) hi, Dad!</div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 21.81 (Fitbit), 14 (Guidebook from the pilgrim office in Santiago), 13,4 (gronze.com). Fitbit is ahead today... remember I did wander around town and do 3k each way to the lighthouse. </span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-16221412829899674702017-10-15T18:18:00.001+06:302017-10-15T18:18:12.905+06:30Day 41: Ponte Olveira - Cee/Corcubión <div>The morning began misty and magical. Galicia is truly a beautiful part of Spain. Visit! </div><img id="id_84fc_aa37_5261_1b4f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0EwL6LwJ18/WeNK3t8z7yI/AAAAAAAAJPo/yQUHrlrcOgUJ89IneK8RKNLm63U4rVRmQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div>Many of the pilgrims were getting late stars after the long previous day. After coffee in Olveiroa the Camino ascended and the geography changed. </div><div><img id="id_d29a_5bb1_a389_e439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mjtnCI0Dli0/WeNK-Y1j7SI/AAAAAAAAJP0/WAiRIww14GQVRucQO9KuDlJ-VPxQad_lACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was a rural morning until the small town of Hospital (I didn’t see any hospital ruins). One restaurant before the next 14 k meant second coffee and a snack. </span></div><div>Then the choice came! The route splits towards two coastal towns. </div><div><img id="id_73da_f6a7_6ecc_61d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jEofIXwWxHo/WeNK06StLWI/AAAAAAAAJPk/qe5Qw7UTFggXzrWFKUhJVmfYwL5tyPMSwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I had decided to head to Finisterre first and that’s all that E had time for, so we went left!</div><div><img id="id_aef_a334_8520_9d42" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tR3O_WXXxFc/WeNK0M7SHTI/AAAAAAAAJPg/fL_HI3uBZuo3FBzDUcCsITbYb8cs2hSOwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Camino winds through forests, offering stunning views. </div><div><img id="id_55ad_ad26_fcba_b724" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kSrMKA1l_8w/WeNK9Odz_6I/AAAAAAAAJPw/Jl5F7MwY4IImDo1DUW4Ue5q2DNtvkT_BgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Even though we are near the end, it seems that most pilgrims prefer to stay in the moment and not venture too far into conversations of post-Camino life. I have a few new or potential ideas, but it’s not as if it’s all gotten figured out in the last 40-ish days. </div><div><img id="id_f79f_65de_88d5_fc2f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pjQZdlG0uh0/WeNK-ou_kvI/AAAAAAAAJP4/JYzeJmR6RHkPgoFe9ZzezbXrnnAic902QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The moment that the sea came into view was pretty special. A steep downhill brings you into the town of Cee (I love this name). The start of the town isn’t so pretty; there is a big factory, but then you arrive to the center and there is some charm. Another pilgrim told us his albwrgue was full, so with a last push of energy we walked on and found space right on the edge of Cee and Corcubión. By the sea!</div><div><img id="id_3c3d_c3cc_685a_620" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6yMB7lTLork/WeNK6yU7mXI/AAAAAAAAJPs/s1mMomM_YU8ouTjODjjvIWI5bsgaK8kKACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>After a rest, we found seafood for dinner and had a wander around - I put my feet in the water and it wasn’t too cold. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow: Finisterre, aka, the end of the world!</div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 22.72 (Fitbit), 23 (Guidebook from the pilgrim office in Santiago), 23,6 (</span><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">gronze.com</span><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">). </span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-26320243619523312102017-10-14T21:46:00.001+06:302017-10-14T21:46:48.546+06:30Day 40: Negreira - Ponte OlveiraA lucky breakfast of gluten free toast (!) and an americano and I left the Albergue ready for the day. E and I passed the historic section of town...<div><img id="id_af27_79d5_301a_ce64" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uX5DeLuC3dk/WeIpyotOxDI/AAAAAAAAJOk/tyFRgwIphSQYLzgW5vOo3HG8yQTjIJ8AgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And decided to take the alternate route that passed by the river (and would add 3 k to the day). It was gorgeous!</div><div><img id="id_e584_1aa0_8520_5cc9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UeKqR8GYf2k/WeIpsqzAaII/AAAAAAAAJOg/j3-mwUZkIJsep28H0jlgaBQNTelHnvipACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The signs continued guiding the way:</div><div><img id="id_741b_3bee_486c_d935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xJybz8yhyY/WeIqG0E4rLI/AAAAAAAAJOs/jvm1APoQLW0G-LhlBAnWK4gbcVmg7K9AwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And although there were some long sections of asphalt, there were also some amazing views and countryside. </div><div><img id="id_eb98_274d_6b40_906a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kSRGN9oXTf8/WeIp9OpvRBI/AAAAAAAAJOo/EUanSNAYJ-gXgAVjiQ-f1l0ODdkvCbxegCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The day started to feel long when it was 3 and there were still 8?, 11? kilometers to the end of the <i>etapa</i> (stage) recommended in the guides. But there was still a little mountain to climb, descend, snake around and then pass by. </span></div><div><img id="id_99b6_ea77_692d_f939" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2NNraw92RI/WeIqXqzzX6I/AAAAAAAAJO0/I_JN8wSqyxYU1bskeW0u_c2h6AQmDTfCACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We saw an albergue at the bridge a few k before town and decided to call it a day (it was after 5!). Dinner was <i>caldo gallego </i>at the albergue’s restaurant. I’m looking forward to a shorter day tomorrow!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 25.96 (Fitbit), 34.4 (Guidebook from the pilgrim office in Santiago), 33,6 (gronze.com). </span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-38917335334876703772017-10-13T03:27:00.001+06:302017-10-13T03:27:41.151+06:30Day 39: Santiago - NegreiraToday was a welcome return to walking. Although I didn’t sleep great, I was up at 7:15 and out before 8. The cool morning air felt nice and I decided to postpone coffee. I almost went down the wrong street (trying to follow a pen line drawn on a map), but a friendly stranger interrupted me and pointed me in the correct direction. This is what the early morning street looked like. <div><img id="id_b27e_623_1e61_305f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mM3BjpkeUa0/Wd_VbF_7dlI/AAAAAAAAJNc/730rFRTR1g0t0opRNmWamiUJvbguMg4MACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>After that is was easy! There were lots of markers. Familiar faces and some new signs too. </div><div><div><img id="id_e502_fae6_1c5_4156" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2_TLTDCBcE/Wd_VuCrJLlI/AAAAAAAAJNk/aJfC1--AoOUEYxem4PuK3YDCvQtJF6gVgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_c741_c980_dd88_b040" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a6a8ICaHh2c/Wd_VZbC1B_I/AAAAAAAAJNY/Wvrv1Sfgqh8f8BiPx9NAxebK4WChGPL0wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_301b_aba5_7a58_17ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDjJeWSbpMU/Wd_XQ9cpHoI/AAAAAAAAJOE/0ZMUkKXl0yosrVCenOkdCCcOJkKyFWf9QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I used my phone light a little and followed the way. Today is a holiday in Spain and the towns I passed had nothing open. Finally, there was a coffee shop that just about every pilgrim stopped into. They even offered a new credencial for the Finisterre/Muxia walk, good thing as my other one only had 3 spaces left. </div></div><div><img id="id_95cd_f722_5193_fca7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrQ2rIu31wM/Wd_Ve147S1I/AAAAAAAAJNg/5PegRuuU2cwcY1e21rpRw4CT8E_WNKzrQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>E also stopped for second breakfast and we walked together, doing some uphill for awhile, but breaking to take in the scenery too. Here’s going into Ponte Maceira:</div><div><img id="id_24a8_74d4_2518_2e74" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7OE0nSFlzvo/Wd_WGbZQzqI/AAAAAAAAJNo/cgio-cbONrMp3bN4Ei-ESxAbNIHMgPALwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The famous bridge the town is named for. </div><div><img id="id_6a50_f00b_844c_ae78" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Socz09Fp0vs/Wd_WqiKN1EI/AAAAAAAAJN0/3K1dIBQ-b0cL2ia_uCZp_vXuGnZpRWp_gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8faa_214b_f550_3511" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 351px; height: 263px; z-index: 100; top: 2997px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><img id="id_964c_8daa_514c_5575" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAZJ3eQ1y2k/Wd_W1X7ZXxI/AAAAAAAAJN8/MMavAAVcRhgJty0B9m2kKGCZKzfvsBR1QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>We arrived to Negreira and heard from another pilgrim that the Municipal Albergue was full so we are staying in a private tonight. The town is very quiet. T<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">he Camino guide says that </span>Hemingway mentioned this town in <i>For Whom The Bells Toll</i>, but I haven’t seen any signs of him here!</div><div><br></div><div>There is a good Santiago statue! I like the shoe addition. :)</div><div><img id="id_d6dd_5f86_af29_d753" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dl3Yy-K1o6M/Wd_WYYOsICI/AAAAAAAAJNs/C2fAyFlGWLIjWpS5bF3lQBzfAuEgE9qmACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 331px; height: auto;"><br>After a little rest time and laundry I had a wander in town. Dinner at the albergue’s restaurant was the option and it’s bedtime now; tomorrow is going to be a longer day kilometers-wise. Buenas noches to an absolutely lovely day back on the Camino. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Kilometers walked</u>: 21.58 (Fitbit), 21 (Guidebook from the pilgrim office in Santiago), 20.6 (gronze.com). It was a nice, easy transition day back into walking. </div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-35460847180704675902017-10-12T03:28:00.001+06:302017-10-12T03:28:36.200+06:30Day 38: Santiago (yes, again)My second full day in Santiago was much more restful than the first and it was also filled with joy, chance encounters and bittersweet goodbyes. First things first, I slept in! I lounged in bed, stretched, took my time and then packed up my backpack (I had to switch hostals) and went out to coffee. Over a soy milk café con leche, I worked on yesterday’s blog entry and looked up some information for my next 3-4 day Camino to the Galician coast. I’m looking at about 90 k to Finisterre and then another 30 to Muxia. <div><img id="id_293c_32c3_5482_8182" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GQTBdDYJUU/Wd6F9IoeQxI/AAAAAAAAJMw/h4M2jIfTq0Qo8gPZFXSt-cl0cWv0MGCOQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I enjoyed a gentle wander through town and was glad not to be one of the tourists in line for the cathedral. </div><div><img id="id_e57d_28e7_3911_512b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-at2vZzJ-_9o/Wd6FifAypzI/AAAAAAAAJMo/OmKTcvx3iXoBw-Npx-aJBWn2Y36mW9uBQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I met Ch after she attended mass and we had a celebratory lunch... </div><div><img id="id_5c61_35fa_bcbf_bba9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R6EAxw2iBGM/Wd6FcW95BJI/AAAAAAAAJMg/ucQwlxUhkCUHw-_v78Mmb7XBftjpn6RnQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>We are camino sisters. We started walking the same day (September 5) and met just the second day, not far outside Roncesvalles. Here we are with Compostela certificates in hand. </div><div><img id="id_578c_8c83_1303_14e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mGFB8au5UrE/Wd6ExPOsqyI/AAAAAAAAJMY/11Gti-2NB2k8KdcrelCkNyChBTMhTrgBwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I had a little more time to wander, I switched accommodations and had a little rest.</div><div><img id="id_afff_3547_94d4_bc09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w9UGBl9Atus/Wd6Feqm_-AI/AAAAAAAAJMk/0EmpidBYTcQ5U-mRlaAk0mBygxr_4T7YgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 334px; height: auto;"><br>Then I met E for some plaza people watching and now I’m tucked in for an early bedtime; I’ve got to transition back to pilgrim time!</div><div><img id="id_1113_1bb1_65ad_a368" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flDsODnqKB0/Wd6F1l6BWoI/AAAAAAAAJMs/fwTHDfrngGgswaEOHjq-zY9QRsDa2BaKgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 8.51 (Fitbit). Hardly a Camino day, but there it is! </span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-29638567355920895942017-10-11T22:17:00.001+06:302017-10-11T22:17:13.310+06:30Day 37: Santiago!!!A late night of celebrating and a small, but short sleep in my sweet single room and my internal pilgrim alarm clock kicked in. I was up and out before 8, not because I didn’t want to lounge in bed, but because a few of us had decided the best strategy in dealing with the Compostela line was to arrive early. The office didn’t even open until 8. I got there at 7:51. This is what I saw. <br><img id="id_2aee_2051_918e_e17a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C7YwYSAbWmE/Wd48zml68KI/AAAAAAAAJMA/qc2rhBJlrBoktfn_9WEPxFpWkIByCRwRwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I joined P (Madrid) and H (Canada) in line and D (Barcelona) was not far behind me. </span></div><div><br></div><div>So, what is the Compostela? It’s an official certificate stating that you did the Camino and you can also pay a small fee (€3) and they will personalize it, writing your start date, point of departure and kilometers walked. I knew that I had some explaining to do, since I started the Francés and then jumped to the Primitivo, but it hardly seemed complicated or irregular... two hours later when my turn came, the clerks had other ideas. My Camino didn’t fit their idea of what the Camino is and despite my explanation and gentle request to represent what I had actually done, they would not write my France departure point, nor any of the kilometers walked on the French route (around 500) on the certificate. I almost lost it in the office, but I’ve lived in Asia long enough to know that strong emotions get you nowhere in terms of requests. I also had this voice in my head telling me that it was all ridiculous; my reasons for doing the Camino are many and not a single one has anything to do with a piece of paper. My friends hugged me and agreed as we left the office. Emotions are all just below the surface after a month of walking and your arrival to the destination. </div><div><img id="id_25ba_3404_1bb9_5bc3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GqwqOIJIm9c/Wd48HkwuVYI/AAAAAAAAJLs/w-43oKvVtAYthqeVQFff129cS_ygp9zggCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Above - Santiago in the pilgrim’s office chapel)</div><div><br></div><div>We went out for coffee, I said “see you later” and “Buen Camino” to H and P and we parted. I picked up a couple of grocery and toiletry items and returned to my room for a few minutes of rest. </div><div><br></div><div>Then, it was time to head to the cathedral for mass. Santiago is a huge tourist destination and pilgrim’s mass is held twice a day. I scooted into line next to M (South Korea), had my bag checked by security and filed in. There were no seats left and pilgrims stood at the back and sides and sat on the floor. I squeezed in next to a stone column and realized I was right next to R and R (Málaga)... it’s funny how the Camino keeps delivering you to certain people. :)</div><div><br></div><div>The big event of the Santiago mass is the <i>botafumeiro</i>, a huge metal ball filled with incense that is swung to purify the pilgrims and cover up their smell. It’s quite the task as it’s heavy (62 kg empty and about 40 kg of incense is added) and all the incense required is expensive. </div><div><img id="id_a62_3598_ae0c_a288" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gyu0Sqzp8JA/Wd48PrN6rLI/AAAAAAAAJL0/_xfuFxL8a8UhWK8eNFsPVZRb8flfVkeJQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I took a few videos, but this one is better:</div><div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xndYdKR5tY0" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_f629_8110_303d_d78e" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div>We also waited in line to hug the Santiago statue. </div><div><img id="id_d288_ffa5_eac2_6011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gA3Sz92Hzk/Wd47bu-eG1I/AAAAAAAAJLk/oTb43sgVxdoCP3nTRn4-du9sbcFrJ2l1QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div>And visit his tomb. </div><div><img id="id_79c2_92d9_d7bc_96b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hWW3IU39xyA/Wd48NVp8AdI/AAAAAAAAJLw/OEzlo-vQHpYLqM_wnEMXVgJKGKyCO9jiwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Lunch and more time with friends was next. I had texted with K to surprise D and E (they didn’t know she was back in Santiago after visiting the coast).</div><div><img id="id_4bb8_ecdf_4e03_4b67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3RVfHPGMAM4/Wd48kpsuhZI/AAAAAAAAJL4/c9vSyR5E--EQ6aK_-WOUipPk7c0tc0bHACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I opted for coffee instead of a siesta so that I could shop, wander and hang out with D since he was returning the next day. </div><div><br></div><div>I then met Ch in the plaza and exchanged a few quick stories. </div><img id="id_620a_5588_ba85_219b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXEyRE5mQaw/Wd48-3hFNJI/AAAAAAAAJME/0xNMfQiiheM62AbFjhH5jtQKtbcJvc__QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div>About this time I was feeling physically and emotionally spent... I made the call to stay one more night and day in Santiago and postpone my epilogue walk to the coast (More soon! You didn’t think I was done walking, did you?!?).</div><div><br></div><div>Another brief rest in the room and I met friends for drinks, tapas, dinners and goodbyes. More on Santiago and the next Camino tomorrow. :)</div><div><br></div><div>Do you want to see what a pilgrim arrival to Santiago looks like? You can! Check out the webcam at the link below. The “Praza de Obradoiro” is the arrival point in front of the cathedral. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.compostelavirtual.com/webcam/">http://www.compostelavirtual.com/webcam/</a></div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><u>Kilometers walked</u>: I don’t know! :D I wouldn’t call it a rest day, but I didn’t walk on a path and I left my Fitbit in the pension! </div></div><div><br></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-38370922470536532572017-10-10T13:20:00.001+06:302017-10-10T13:20:25.324+06:30Day 36: Brea - SANTIAGOI woke up a little after 6 after sleeping hard and made tea with the kettle in my room. A few gluten free cookies later and I was on my way out! <div><img id="id_cebe_103c_b8fe_5247" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hZmUzhNIxBY/Wdxtk6pxFhI/AAAAAAAAJKU/tBYeN86G0KA3fZzQcsGPsZUZeT1JlTpeACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The stars, moon and my iPhone flashlight guided me until it became light. I passed O Pedrouzo and walked on... </div><img id="id_690f_404d_b653_b1b8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-born9GXQhSU/WdxtlVqei3I/AAAAAAAAJKY/gwWVK6-KYnUOkHIUjUiqUB4-tkrPFAjqgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div>I was hoping to surprise a few friends I had met on the French route earlier. I had to stop for a tea and water refill... and I saw them! We were all surprised - they to see me (I told them I was starting late) and me since I didn’t think I would catch up with them so soon. The other surprise was that I also saw, C, the Texan, who I had walked with for much of my first day over the Pyrenees. It was a great reunion!</div><div><img id="id_cff2_9846_3b77_6aa7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQ_BEVX7cmw/WdxtjzP5vgI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/LUeTMmVQCRoZ71lS1YAK6YL8KHQRhkM8ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><div>A lot of the Camino follows the highway into Santiago on this day, but there are also some nice spots. <br><div><img id="id_1c51_2db5_c5bb_f821" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NvWsQL2tihw/Wdxtmr4b55I/AAAAAAAAJKc/3vZCwZTi5IIedVX3wEZ6TGFSe7sNONz4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There are signs of fall. </div></div></div><div><img id="id_3ee1_b9f_8fef_3c33" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHElhBixyrc/WdxtnhtK16I/AAAAAAAAJKg/My1kn0h6pcw1x3A_V8JJg21s74rUEwPRQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It also passes the airport.</div><div><img id="id_3a57_711b_c30_4879" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VX7YdJuztZk/WdxtnznEJbI/AAAAAAAAJKk/AcVbu5or-mkrQhoGpetEwq1r8GOGUjgQACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Despite meeting up with friends and a busy trail, I also had some solo time. </div><div><img id="id_7d15_5ed7_ff3f_2bf0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YCWhNUx-wpY/WdxtoRs-0II/AAAAAAAAJKo/0FbrsZa6duwzNFxE5c2RAFkJUI7b_qk4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I arrived to Monte de Gozo with D and E, my two Spanish friends from way back on the Francés and it felt right to descend into the city with them. We took an alternative route into the city, which gave us an extra 3k to chat, reflect and soak in the moment. ;)</div><div><br></div><div>It’s a hard feeling to capture, the arrival to Santiago, and it’s a long arrival, outskirts, modern buildings and finally the historic center. This stone is the last step. </div><div><img id="id_76d3_96c8_bad5_39f7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IniXeTbFCZQ/Wdxto0BkLcI/AAAAAAAAJKs/1ocqRf2pMvUYFKTw3djztSfSssfo_4mYwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It’s a time of happiness, reunions, disbelief and much more. </div><div><img id="id_ebb2_9be0_ba7b_7796" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4WFu-DAwib8/Wdxtq4iIqtI/AAAAAAAAJK4/_OXCkGf3-hM_LYa4_U5dIzSD_VfOliUbwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>A late lunch was the next activity, then we all wandered off to our albergues or pensions to shower and rest before an evening meet up. I was stoked to have my own small room <i>and</i> bathroom... first time in 36 days!!!</div><div><img id="id_bd1_c93_6d36_5646" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rcdbe0OQXh8/WdxtqITHrUI/AAAAAAAAJKw/FpJC9yGngiQoELEMteXAYhWR2-a628UqwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And a view!</div><div><img id="id_b484_b073_eaef_8b81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m82Eh1ndwnM/WdxtrJ_nVKI/AAAAAAAAJK8/CUQa1A-5X78HrH8wQOhSC7_zwZmO60R7ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>More photos, food and celebrating followed. At this table, there are pilgrims from both Caminos, from South Korea, Spain, Russia and the USA. </div><div><img id="id_107d_4e1f_7790_3bfb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5o_hcVWmYdU/Wdxtq8E6uFI/AAAAAAAAJK0/oN-cGCICnHI3bgNboJirtONRAQxfRJZhACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Primitivo friends (France, Canada, Spain, USA):</div><div><img id="id_3b26_f421_5aae_411" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WyZEN9uFk8o/Wdxtr06to4I/AAAAAAAAJLA/NQZkkA-rpoocEVB2TIuGbLrigppzK5J0gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There’s also a sadness, or sensation of closing, and though we aren’t talking about it yet, goodbyes are coming soon. Some friends leave as early as tomorrow, some to go home, others to travel Europe, some to continue walking to Finisterre and/or Muxia. I’m leaning towards the last option. :)</div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 24.62 (Fitbit), 25.13 (Buen Camino app). D, a Canadian I shared dinner with last night, explained that walking with poles messes up the step count... that explains a lot of inconsistencies! </span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-14431139394803357922017-10-09T02:21:00.001+06:302017-10-09T02:21:53.478+06:30Day 35: Melide - Brea Despite a lovely, quiet room, I didn’t sleep a lot. I stretched and got out of bed as I heard the others in my room get ready. I had breakfast with M, a Korean girl I had met weeks ago on the French route (!) and then made my way out of town. It was still darkish as I turned to look back. You can see the stream of pilgrims... <i>are they tired? Rested? Ready? Hungover? Excited? Bored?</i><div><img id="id_e3f1_d54b_2894_7d2c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5vJupvTHx7A/WdqBpfQW2TI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/jJhDkvw_U1cJWlhoJ-iUNisgI92dE70EQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And more amazing sunrise colors. :)</div><div><br></div><div>I soon ran into B, from Oregon and we chatted and met up with a few other family members at a coffee stop. The way felt busier, but not overly crowded. I had plenty of alone time and saw lots of Camino with no one else on it. </div><div><img id="id_7c4f_7c7d_9e92_f9d2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m56_yz59Ar8/WdqBukNF7oI/AAAAAAAAJJg/ivK3hOebs2YWAaaRqU2FGTwYASJpCcSNwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And landscapes like this. </div><div><img id="id_59fa_c9f0_e7ad_7587" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DEW_aQBRFqg/WdqBrSDvgvI/AAAAAAAAJJU/uEfwvO5h26wVMw9jQuWnCROGxWOoUhJwQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Here I am in Ribadoso; a nice Basque man took my picture after we talked and walked for a bit. </div><div><img id="id_b82b_b595_158f_d00d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYOZ5n4Iu74/WdqBsFCbSuI/AAAAAAAAJJY/KgnKDTW8Law6xbbaRoXv3IMKoBcOT8YGACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(I stayed in this village last year.)</div><div><br></div><div>But, there were also signs that we are on a more populated trail. Whoa! </div><div><img id="id_2be0_c8c9_7787_a91f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GbZ2hSrDihY/WdqBsXmUmPI/AAAAAAAAJJc/to_xj57Luy8OLgx5hHYWRmEyIwOGSawWwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div>I made it farther than I thought, but not as far as some of my friends. I’m in a tiny village called Brea. A family here runs a little pension. I’m in a room for 4, but there are only 3 of us. There are a few other guests in private rooms. </div><div><img id="id_c7c_a5d_1613_f70e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKmZ8HuwUvI/WdqBz5mZd1I/AAAAAAAAJJk/LubdgC62S40bB5dAI25hcmBb8E0MqpYDgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br></div><div>The facilities include gracious hospitality, a garden, swimming pool (!!!) and home-cooked dinner. This was some of the best food I’ve had on the Camino. </div><div><img id="id_6c37_5fdb_19fb_395d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GAv6oXnTQCw/WdqB0jUQucI/AAAAAAAAJJo/TW2qAgsw-DIrMd1x9I_hJCVwAh_csY7IACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a827_7a53_7239_77e6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XkkEKNxBlFo/WdqB06VQX3I/AAAAAAAAJJs/0kn-lYqaiyUJwwSketGzc3qjw1_lGpGdACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_dcab_aa6_b73a_c541" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wGKLg4FrlP4/WdqB1toa2FI/AAAAAAAAJJw/xGdulycAQWofbce-TK0TOImLE5cThQ9dQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>News: I booked a small hotel and committed to arriving to Santiago tomorrow. Tomorrow! More on that... tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 26.66 (Fitbit), 44.49 (Buen Camino app, another bug, though 44 would be hardcore!).</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-40041388580836973272017-10-08T03:24:00.001+06:302017-10-08T03:24:11.200+06:30Day 34: San Román da Retorte - Melide The traditionally built stone albergue was comfortable and quiet. I awoke just before my alarm, made a green tea, ate peanuts and rice cakes from C and was out walking with the moon by 8. <div><img id="id_e1c0_9851_bc8d_df66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ai4S0khe814/Wdk-4gBerXI/AAAAAAAAJIU/PmgS4BO96QU49_7KQoI4Qdr5U8otk6J5QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The sun soon made her appearance too. </div><div><img id="id_2d4b_d3f4_c272_6de9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4C5QCN77CvI/Wdk-3yO-IGI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/0IIxtS1Z4h8pl776BI_e1Ie3ox1-QXPvACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I left before my family since it was a long day (and I tend to take more breaks) and so that I could have a little sola time on the Camino (last day of the pure Primitivo experience). I thought a lot about change. The Camino vibe was changing, my daily routine is soon to change... and oh yeah, my post-Camino life. </div><div><img id="id_a31b_4f2a_d33a_b9bf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eUBs6VsBUMI/Wdk-5ny0JpI/AAAAAAAAJIY/A3Y9npIacGQsdH1e5yT1F0TjZxT5arPIACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I crossed a lot of bridges today. I remembered the Galician folklore (witches can't cross bridges) and considered bridges as linking or transition points. </div><div><img id="id_b29b_8721_8177_25fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Bl2MrySwg0/Wdk-6IHioUI/AAAAAAAAJIg/zLwyTecA42owBdkRi0-lpipvwkXSliFMgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(Notice Santiago just after this bridge.)</div><div><br></div><div>My family walked ahead and behind me and I like knowing they are there and meeting up at rest stops, but much of the day I was alone with amazing landscapes like these. </div><div><img id="id_ac80_a569_fdab_b914" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-01ScPX0Lhek/Wdk-6Ayq_MI/AAAAAAAAJIc/0lcEnXdZhiktSWn8Iq0gYpdNxdFupw8EwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_cf64_f8d5_1d6f_6bf0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L5lJpIVhCgQ/Wdk-6WKz6DI/AAAAAAAAJIk/4n0FNFZdZzIrWMhroeolab3ysFt16p9NACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And I saw Camino cows!</div><div><img id="id_ed01_813f_6b28_4c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dRp_wgoM3VQ/Wdk-8cbY8DI/AAAAAAAAJIw/c9FxmduG9rgAOssJJCKwO_3Wx_7XESM5wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I arrived at 4, after 8 hours on the road. The town was quiet - siesta time on a Saturday. I took care of my daily personal errands, visited the supermarket for reinforcements, ran into friends from the Francés and Primitivo and had a great dinner here. </div><div><img id="id_2072_c351_2e6f_f85f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAf9EBNd1mc/Wdk-76_5rKI/AAAAAAAAJIs/v4qhL8kUg1YUXua8x_pveeA4uaX5bqENQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4909_d4d8_8a5a_abc2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TN9iURq5zJk/Wdk-7damTqI/AAAAAAAAJIo/PnPhMoMl1qMGZ05zXT7yBkFXYlljlghGgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I'm 51 k from Santiago, two days, or three easy days. I'm still not sure which option I'll take, but I'll get there. The way is the destination. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 27 (Fitbit), 29.85 (Buen Camino app). Friends' guidebooks state 30. I'm calling it that. :)</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-3244314677931999372017-10-07T02:23:00.001+06:302017-10-07T02:23:40.477+06:30Day 33: Lugo - San Román da Retorta<div>It was a quiet albergue last night... I think everyone was worn out from the long day to get to Lugo. I didn't hear any early packers or alarms, though I'm sure there were a few. I rolled out of my top bunk about 7 and was enjoying this splendid creation an hour later. Yay for soy milk!</div><div><img id="id_403a_926a_52a7_bb80" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ge_zfgTD-Cw/WdffE9WcYzI/AAAAAAAAJHA/PHgT5gT5uKQlz2KcgfdWmtZpNKTieQshgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I headed out with 6 of my friends; it took me awhile to feel awake despite the caffeine and it took us awhile to leve the city behind. </div><div><img id="id_c824_efbd_3974_bc05" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-748jdgxBAiE/WdffHnnt6HI/AAAAAAAAJHI/XkitsDPEoeQu6UitcRAludGJRu36ycC0QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Finding the way out of Lugo:<br><img id="id_7033_f28e_5e60_953c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xX48SCn7Ib8/WdffLh2ZRzI/AAAAAAAAJHU/ioR4hA4Rq_4l4pLMod0CeJYlpokjBG2VQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The landscape is changing. There are less mountains and it is less wild. Today we paralleled the road, or even walked on it, often. There is more farmland. </div><div><img id="id_b6d2_25bc_22c2_8c49" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dCR6j-2DSL8/WdffGNrSLFI/AAAAAAAAJHE/2dU-a_yTfVgJzUeKQIUMlp50h-t0N_mHgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Pilgrim path along the road:<br><img id="id_6fdb_f5df_c794_52e2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pk0biWuPKNQ/WdffJ7H8ZLI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/FRdjG0xQsmAJLYEqF_cb8sYHDsUHGvnewCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>But, we go up and down rolly hills in forests still as well. </div><div><img id="id_c3b6_9494_f1f0_82ac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r1rGYuPpy2w/WdffI5MBiHI/AAAAAAAAJHM/RFx4FTBEQnkhdU4EnqOq26v7ctR0xJ9sQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And the road sections are pretty easy on the eyes too. </div><div><img id="id_1b59_f19a_1625_8fdd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXWxE6DO7Yc/WdffN4zurBI/AAAAAAAAJHc/7aY54vb87Bs9Px7XUkZn1MzowYl-ivWQQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Today was a shorter day and I was happy to reach "town."</div><div><img id="id_58d4_cddb_c827_fdd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6VgTd-6WIJ4/WdffL3j7bJI/AAAAAAAAJHY/DgEI0jw2Gzocti6TqAWX5wjalNPHqk8gACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There is a church, cemetery and two albergues here. One of the albergues has a small bar/restaurant. Here's what the municipal albergue looks like. It has just 12 Cbeds and is full tonight. </div><div><img id="id_31a9_44a6_7538_d5c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aQELUio0tJ4/WdffP6zNk5I/AAAAAAAAJHo/g030NQ5D4ocnxbBem894vn_9zhfZ-w4HgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2db9_6082_35ba_4eef" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiZ9C3emWgk/WdffPSIIn9I/AAAAAAAAJHk/HyVCqrAwrU4So-mc94ALVvOe-trmJ5O-wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9ed0_e1f6_8b6b_24e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5V5kMHJYA7M/WdffPdGSguI/AAAAAAAAJHg/MbDMrvyTEbkCB7vNfO4d2AFgYzNmWCNiACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I learned how to pan roast the chestnuts that we find on the Camino tonight. They are delicious!</div><div><img id="id_327c_9a0a_fb47_ffe3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uicHWDlQVjA/WdffQgPRFbI/AAAAAAAAJHs/7Z1aqzJElxk8jUJHd6cWNxFHFQkCoXoBwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>We are at the 80 k (to Santiago) mark. I can't believe it is that close. I can already feel the environment changing. There are new walkers on the path and it feels a bit more party than pilgrimage. Doing 100 k is the minimum required to earn the Compostela certificate and many choose to do the last 100 arriving to Santiago (starting from Lugo on the Primitivo or starting from Sarria on the Francés). </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow the French and Primitivo paths join, so there will be a lot more pilgrims. I'll let you know how it all works out. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 19.19 (Fitbit), 19.18 (Buen Camino app). I think this was my lightest day on the Primitivo yet. It felt good to have some extra rest and chill time. :)</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-27540360480322311402017-10-06T03:16:00.001+06:302017-10-06T03:16:32.039+06:30Day 32: O Cádavo - LugoToday my Italian "uncle," R, woke me up at 5:52. And I wasn't mad at him. ;) The plan was: get up and out EARLY in order to cover the 30 k to Lugo (no options for breaking up this stage) so that we could see and enjoy the city. And it is in its annual fiesta, with music, dance and more! I had never heard of it before the Primitivo, but, wow, it's worth seeing! I wish I would have had more time here. <div><br></div><div>Back to the morning... G (Argentina), C (Italy), R (Italy) and I headed out at 7. Pitch dark, totally nighttime. R was the only one with a headlamp, so we followed him like an angel, looking for shells, getting a little confused, but finding the way! And when the sunrise colors came, they were amazing. </div><div><img id="id_e700_eb0a_e8cd_acfb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OoSi732xTic/WdaaE93vXyI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/DWHBKD3CLa82vJGWgSwQr6vKXsSiZRBLgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>After a couple hours of walking, we arrived in Castroverde, our coffee and second breakfast stop. Learn from the Spanish! This is how they do it!</div><div><img id="id_2f45_f64d_a800_3e4b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YliXH9xOvUk/WdaaE1xCSRI/AAAAAAAAJGM/2Bl49fTdU5oDH_aZbY9dxSfG8G1CC_N2ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Here's what one Italian ordered. No bread or milk for me, but how beautiful!!</div><div><img id="id_14e_177a_4d80_54d2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Lf__-lPuzE/WdaaETi97KI/AAAAAAAAJGE/WVHMvVnEQ4k-fgS2DQ9Rd0OYeQKOhevXACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Walking continued; we needed to make time. </div><div><img id="id_1763_1d1f_8851_1ddf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELuAj0XpDwI/WdaaE2BYbYI/AAAAAAAAJGI/KqF-FYx89ZY5GHTnlKuQQckMoYScLycXwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Notice the Santiago image below the cross. </div><div><img id="id_b0a5_af57_39cb_f90c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oKlkzxJ7nw/WdaaF3LWSFI/AAAAAAAAJGU/F96e87YCgf8YJ0uQw56aa-L_o2CvuP20wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It's definitely fall here. </div><div><img id="id_9c41_bc2c_292a_2435" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vvZLIy6eAiw/WdaaGinEbYI/AAAAAAAAJGY/gGQkcTpXzjMAUPIa_YVPNPPIRA7FnyHpACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_99f9_5eab_2610_c8b1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JW1nZvowkRw/WdaaHoDfJMI/AAAAAAAAJGg/wQiAQA_QjAwKFOB7FLcyFPMOXvBPscjggCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It was a long walking day. There weren't any intense hills, but doing 30 k with a full backpack does its toll on your body. But, I saw a face in a tree:</div><div><img id="id_35eb_8a41_9b24_2ce6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bX2BhFjdIj4/WdaaHtBv5ZI/AAAAAAAAJGc/I1V5R-fzeHcVzdGXrkwGpMQmjGFD7UHBQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And a star in a log:</div><div><img id="id_ca28_66ce_b9f5_f5a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fhu-bj4aLNA/WdaaIqtH53I/AAAAAAAAJGo/eQuB4GHTU04IoET0ziX9Yq9-TImHd-xKACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>You notice things on the Camino that you probably miss in normal life. But they are always there. :)</div><div><br></div><div>Back to Lugo; it seems like a great town. I certainly haven't done it justice, but I do walk out tomorrow. My friends and I wandered, saw an artisan market, had a beverage, visited the cathedral and had a delicious dinner. </div><div><img id="id_e6c3_3839_1ff_e576" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uE5tlSvmX98/WdaaH7iRZdI/AAAAAAAAJGk/MrMBcZO8ecE319eDwAVbc_PUfsewdcTHwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There's some beautiful music playing, but our albergue has a curfew, so I'm back here now. Pilgrim life is not party life. <img id="id_878_258f_6837_f517" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RntZu9UO4KA/WdaaJeCJqDI/AAAAAAAAJGs/eXBzCRvHr1Qz77X25DSleZNLxTvN2HLbgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>We passed the 100 k marker today; Santiago is 4-5 days away and the many Caminos join in 2 days, which will certainly result in a different vibe. I have super-mixed feelings of relief, excitement and already nostalgia for the simplicity of the Camino days once I return to "normal" life. I'll soak in all I can over the next few days and if my body allows, I'll extend my walk to the coast. More on that later! Buenas noches. <br><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 29.51 (Fitbit), 42.50 (Buen Camino app), 29.5 (gronze.com). The app is definitely way off today, but I feel pretty sure I did 30k. :)</span></div></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-5101994719411952182017-10-05T14:02:00.001+06:302017-10-05T14:02:32.563+06:30Day 31: A Fonsagrada - O Cádavo<div>To finish the night before... mass was lovely. The priest made a special effort to include the pilgrims and his blessing at the end was heartfelt. He even took our picture afterwards. We are Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the USA. </div><div><img id="id_ebfe_505f_b82c_5c7d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOR-10x7Lb8/WdXfP0actuI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/2ZRfgcEcs_Qezz27i4n-mX7_IEc9hSNMQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>My blogger app let me down yesterday... I was uploading my post and somehow it disappeared. This has never happened before; if internet is slow, it saves as offline. Anyway, this is a recreation in brief of yesterday. </div><div><br></div><div>I slept well and left at 8am with the church bells. I saw magical rest stops:</div><div><img id="id_6483_d9b5_e31c_a608" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s88lebbfEqY/WdXfR-N99OI/AAAAAAAAJFc/rH23w4S-SiEZQnEiU0AoS2zFnq4NyP9vACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Misty forests and wise trees:</div><div><img id="id_e2e8_961f_e6c6_eae7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9LVy2ALQgYY/WdXfToEHWUI/AAAAAAAAJFk/44ruraipbWEyj-pP3XMVbNsRjDACQnlygCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Seas of clouds and windmills:</div><div><img id="id_8e18_5f9b_af42_a767" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIi_u-qFvCM/WdXfQC99oaI/AAAAAAAAJFU/E_WM9x6_5N09CFP32Ngg6CcPvIKHuzY3ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>A dog that looked like a plump Bert:</div><div><img id="id_14d2_d8f8_a7b1_b7ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4MBIVA6A6o/WdXfR490SwI/AAAAAAAAJFY/NYiMDY5h4UoRZuUGrFY0PRBkT5Ks8FeQACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Traditional houses:</div><div><img id="id_61ad_7831_19f9_3c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h1yOGS5iI88/WdXfTZhirXI/AAAAAAAAJFg/PAhGw1UZAjoREIcUXpfcgOLfNFcp9w03ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And LOTS of ups and downs, ups and downs, ups and downs!!! It was a hilly day. </div><div><img id="id_1cbc_9b10_2781_5f64" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3vDUm9UEG-4/WdXfXId1NUI/AAAAAAAAJFs/mKALSAkYPWI6rdbnzFvDOaQSekwUByRUACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>But then there are views like this and you forget about the panting and pain. Or you don't care. ;)</div><div><img id="id_6b1a_e8c9_b481_9be5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V0leBvBot5E/WdXfYcafZ-I/AAAAAAAAJFw/DX0tk9oxwh4VVMmC8uJs5RaAq4yEfSH8gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And there are smiles like these at a shared dinner at the albergue. :D</div><div><img id="id_9b07_7088_f3bf_61c4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B-qEjuX6GNA/WdXfVE1veiI/AAAAAAAAJFo/G-vHrTP_6oYoqmPjttrcDl7CKauzbrpKQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It's been one month since I left Madrid and started this <i>locura</i>... I mean adventure! ;) I can't wait to see what the next day brings!!!</div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 26.38 (Fitbit), 31.33 (Buen Camino app), 24.3 (gronze.com).</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-41495851274522333262017-10-03T23:48:00.001+06:302017-10-03T23:48:12.471+06:30Day 30: Grandas de Salime - A FonsagradaAfter an on-again, off-again night's sleep, I decided it was time to get up just after 6. I made a green tea at the albergue, ate a nectarine and went through the now very familiar routine of packing my backpack. Once again I left in the misty night, but the "rain" wasn't even falling hard enough to warrant a jacket or backpack cover. After the lights of town ended I used my phone flashlight to track the shells. Sunrise has changed by almost an hour since I started walking. A headlamp would be a good thing to bring next time... (In June and July it's not necessary as the days are so long.) When it did get light I could see the tunnel-y, forest-y path. <img id="id_7be0_3a99_7ff_6f83" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOP4E86aJWY/WdPEhpQnXSI/AAAAAAAAJBg/SxnDejL9PIMYO3xsuL-rOubd-WxBQJLgwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div>I love the stone houses here. </div><div><img id="id_f8cd_3c20_e01_1751" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5jegOvrYCN8/WdPEhacmPFI/AAAAAAAAJBc/AwxuSOxnU008lGqGEzKARranXI9A4mkxACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I'm always impressed by how quickly the landscape can change - we are only moving on foot after all. </div><div><img id="id_9d4d_c7d9_a7f9_70a9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-42g1CdHFCRA/WdPE5vDee_I/AAAAAAAAJBk/SM-s6VWr8BUJjN9s7ucByLvgQxNQcSN5wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And there are those highway crossings... often with no cars in sight. It can feel quite eerie. </div><div><img id="id_d398_c69a_6224_bd4e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NI42Iqtqo20/WdPGTs2jr1I/AAAAAAAAJCE/HZkUtM2HBnUwt0ZQz8vXShec9qX8bXT6ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The big accomplishment of today was crossing from Asturias into Galicia. The path followed a long and steep climb, but my legs carried me up, over the top, I said <i>adiós</i> to Asturias and<i> ¡HOLA! </i>to Galicia. Santiago is in Galicia; this feels like progress! </div><div><img id="id_c8e3_d629_ba47_741e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rY4-Nlw7ask/WdPFI1BGzEI/AAAAAAAAJBo/0W7_BBfV6l84g-_2sn2Hh0kaNZiXynAUgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>As I walked down the mountain I considered all that I still wanted to do on this Camino. Now is when. </div><div><img id="id_bfba_4119_d7b9_43b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ND3OLinPy8k/WdPFqsxECAI/AAAAAAAAJB0/VG8qrVv8e7Eat-ouYrOhMIkJvKWt9eXpQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The pilgrim news is that the shell markers flip directions in Galicia. The top of the shell points the way (before it was usually the bottom). Can you see what I mean?</div><div><img id="id_21f9_c36b_f4af_b99d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SVP9XHXcakU/WdPFnv3UwhI/AAAAAAAAJBs/wcuaEbo1JMQ1YYrQ97iXa02_2Go0ZLWGACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There were more amazing views but there hadn't been more than a water fountain all day. Good thing I am good at squirreling away snacks. </div><div><img id="id_e42d_af22_836e_78b4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1gDOT_-nqls/WdPFvQeLoXI/AAAAAAAAJB4/GzkNhopwjrsSnAtHgh_7TLa73wWaIXlagCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I think every single pilgrim stopped at this bar/restaurant about 6k from A Fonsagrada for some kind of nourishment. Here's mine. Salad (€6), water (no charge).</div><div><img id="id_915_97a0_990_a02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXFY01AwcW8/WdPGRXzAUDI/AAAAAAAAJCA/VueQa3nV0iMaheLjfqPRmodLcEDjGnDHwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It was a sunny afternoon as I set back off and I talked to my mom while the connection held. Then it was time for the final intense climb into town. I arrived hot, sweaty and happy to join many of my tribe members at the albergue. Showers, laundry and resting is usually the order of business and today was the same. B and I splurged on washer and dryer cycles so the treat of today was no hand washing!</div><div><br></div><div>A quick trip to the supermarket is providing my dinner (garbanzos with spinach), fruit for tomorrow and some gluten free breadsticks. The tentative plan for tonight is to attend the pilgrim's mass at 8. Folks are rallying to go out for traditional Galician fare after, but I'm not sure that will be in this pilgrim's plan tonight. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 25.16 (Fitbit), 25.33 (Buen Camino app), 25.2 (gronze.com). Pretty nice agreement today. :)</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-31281603422162378212017-10-03T03:19:00.001+06:302017-10-03T03:19:33.331+06:30Day 29: Berducedo - Grandas de Salime <div>I slept great in my little room and headed out just before dawn with B, from Oregon. The misty rain felt refreshing and the black sky turned dark blue and then lighter still. We carefully followed the shells. </div><div><img id="id_38ad_1f48_c926_75bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kr6DyDPQ9_4/WdJvoIAimpI/AAAAAAAAJAM/ed678sM0h9YYlp9XHVFpENDZPz2KXiHdQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>We settled into our own paces and I walked ahead. We met again at a home in La Mesa, the family opened it up to pilgrims for breakfast and coffee in exchange for a donation. This kind of generosity is common on the Camino. The second cup of strong coffee helped propel me up a hill and soon there was a diversion. My app recommended I take it, so I did. I felt like I was looking down at a sea of clouds. </div><div><img id="id_cea_acc8_ed0a_35cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9C4ZOVHPxlw/WdJvZ9LGaDI/AAAAAAAAJAE/MdGE5IOnh7kFVHYeXGWtXKMoWQtYUaNUQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Somehow I caught up with M (or she caught up with me?) and we walked together for a bit. She took this shot of me!</div><div><img id="id_dc42_161d_7776_68a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTrSJ9uVFPc/WdJvcnCbFHI/AAAAAAAAJAI/HzpTGJ8U5twB1yHb_RmtkKWG4sWsn4_fwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There are very hard parts of walking each day. The downhill today was long and brutal. The beauty of the Primitivo is you get distracted by how amazing your surroundings are! I feel so fortunate to be here. </div><div><img id="id_377d_74a_f1a_4dba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PRCE8CV4lA0/WdKkFtFxWcI/AAAAAAAAJBA/e2JAMzk7WtshNxHIAkGjA0Ufeco4AJfgQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>From the top I could see a dam below and the path slowly snaked its way down. </div><div><img id="id_a641_ebec_2831_b6e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EG8Za7a4OTA/WdKj9qK_gjI/AAAAAAAAJA8/9N0bs3-k-TcIshftkASE-3GSr8Ih0TklACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I walked over it!</div><div><img id="id_3321_efe_26cf_cbf0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlhA3EUPpaU/WdKjdj-uVHI/AAAAAAAAJA0/IfL0pgh7D_kf6DDeyiE3ILKoRGCiRzIwwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And the Camino took us back up... The sun contributed its part - gorgeous light sparkling through the leaves to the shade or an extra hot challenge boiling down... depending on which section of the path you were on. ;)</div><div><img id="id_7075_7e80_8965_eb01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dtF83rczgtk/WdKjGCAJF5I/AAAAAAAAJAw/uoXg0HdX1vg9fHAvLWl9tcuwOOT-XwzDACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The beauty of fall is here on the Primitivo. </div><div><img id="id_d80c_7d51_9d99_cc0c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DkvbqfLYh00/WdKkjaKyj5I/AAAAAAAAJBI/CV87Oi4OdWcSGhRYk4ItfhCf-vM83oLsACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I guess I should get to the big decision of today. Last night the family/tribe/group of us that had been coinciding called ahead to reserve in Castro. I arrived here just about 3, hot, tired and ready to rest (and still 5-8 k from Castro depending which map you look at). I decided to stay. It was a tough call because I will miss my friends, but one of the most important lessons (to me) of the Camino is that we all must walk our own way. I decided to stay in this lovely town and I made new friends from France and Italy. We are all cooking and sharing dinner (well, M, the Italian is taking charge, but how perfect that there will be gluten-free vegan pasta?). I helped prep some veggies. </div><div><img id="id_c06e_c2c6_d1b_3ded" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-buScnz7aOBU/WdKkGx__FQI/AAAAAAAAJBE/6VwEFc45bAoq_HdkcCysVkdWmqXQ1aQAgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I also met another gluten-free blogger from France. Check out her voyage on the Camino del Norte and then Primitivo here: <a href="https://www.myatlas.com/colinejardin/go-to-camino-del-norte">https://www.myatlas.com/colinejardin/go-to-camino-del-norte</a></div><div><br></div><div>It's a nice, clean and modern albergue and I know I made the right call to have a shorter day today. I hope I'll see old friends and stay in touch with new ones tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 25.54 (Fitbit), 20.08 (Buen Camino app). This time Fitbit wins! I read that the diversion I took added 4 k. </span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-16751776890106736722017-10-02T15:23:00.001+06:302017-10-02T15:24:55.353+06:30Day 28: Campiello - BerducedoSleep is important. M says that your rest the night before determines the quality of your walk the next day. I agree. I had great sleep last night and today was amazing. It was one of my top Camino days so far. <div><img id="id_519d_74f9_4857_e1de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDWHGFXcjAM/WdH-hE2O-8I/AAAAAAAAI_M/wGib8v2x2HMDyvwQohn3yB5nwd6ik6vkACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>There was an important decision on today's route: La Pola or Hospitales. I learned that neither is the more authentic or original route, but that both are Primitivo routes. Back in the day pilgrims tended to take La Pola in winter or bad weather (it doesn't climb as high) and Hospitales in the summer (it is more intense in ups and downs, but shaves off a few k). When the Primitivo was first being walked pilgrims sometimes got lost on the Hospitales route (and some died... notice how I am telling mom and dad this now, after I've done it...Hi guys!!!) or were robbed. Even now, it's not recommended to take this route in bad weather and even on nice days you should go with a buddy. Good thing I have a Primitivo family. :) We organized, exchanged phone numbers and looked after each other throughout the day. We are from Spain, Italy, Argentina, Canada and the US. </div><div><img id="id_4e5c_5624_a46c_4d3f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cTvEarJF40o/WdH-knIYNnI/AAAAAAAAI_g/JP7rcqBL0GYu__41Fx8RO9OONtOd3wmywCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Alfonso II ordered that the hospitals be built so he pilgrims would have safe stopovers, though now there are only ruins left. Hospitales is probably the most famous part of the Primitivo. One seasoned pilgrim told me, "for me, walking the Primitivo means taking Hospitales." </div><div><img id="id_b51d_92d3_7c40_72e0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G89QBy3k5iQ/WdH-idZWucI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/6sWMXa170HIU8nhLEdNMszgp-87f1E2QQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I would say it's the Primitivo's crown jewel, but also considered by some to be its thorn, since it is long and there are considerable climbs up and steep descents. It's other feature is that there are really no services all day, so you must carry all your own food and water (remember that the Camino Francés is known for its frequent and abundant services). </div><div><img id="id_661_4bce_2b9c_7ec9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XD-XS7I6vWY/WdH-jAsQtTI/AAAAAAAAI_U/ebfIVSOVLI4a6wkGaGaeRLRDIORhn6sZACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>It was a long day. I was intimidated before I even began. I am quite confident in my ability to research, write, teach, speak...to be determined, and I guess it's that last one I am tapping on days like today. </div><div><img id="id_67f3_c4a6_d1df_9a9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--uRmi5ylRGc/WdH-jHDe6pI/AAAAAAAAI_Y/L_5Qn4CGUKEniYfRGDytQO7ox3Dbfv2SQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>(My friends approach me at a rest stop.)</div><div><img id="id_7e90_cb3d_d9eb_42e0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_j-0TDfKOU/WdH-kZgu4SI/AAAAAAAAI_c/rzo8U5c6HF8m4SHdOutAaDrosKGdYTs9wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Gorgeous and more gorgeous. </div><div><img id="id_cc48_22cc_4d9d_b24d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2DwN5LFHSM0/WdH-nQYcyxI/AAAAAAAAI_o/z6TcnXLbjrsrYZP4Xrjn6AArPynKrkLcgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Below: the "main" street of one "town." Note the chickens. </div><div><img id="id_a1f2_aeb4_e216_499f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mG-kQt_Qvgs/WdH-mJqSZyI/AAAAAAAAI_k/szVbu-rGKxQ4Mc3haTzH9ClRaLU0AjPRwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Sometimes I can't believe I am here. It's fascinating to watch the scenery change over the course of the day. </div><div><img id="id_87f3_9bbe_7c00_3625" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lT-QaDhwg9g/WdH-n50MStI/AAAAAAAAI_s/yYAuvR_rP7Mwr3T9nCFjvK3-MV9ITJ9NQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I arrived at about 5:15, again another long day. I was happily greeted by family members and the special news of today is that I have my own room! </div><div><img id="id_4e38_17e4_eca7_cb71" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dHeUkU97VQ/WdH-oamXKMI/AAAAAAAAI_w/agPTllRiit0k8pmUQ2whbR_facj3AYSCACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Today completes week FOUR on the Camino and I have shared a room every single night since I began. I splurged on this luxury single for €20. I have sheets! And towels! And a key to my very own space!!! I think I deserve it. :) Here's to a good night's sleep and another epic day tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 28.64 (Fitbit), 31.42 (Buen Camino app). I don't have the numbers on how much we climbed...but a lot!!!</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-4417565585703131152017-10-01T00:50:00.001+06:302017-10-01T00:50:38.606+06:30Day 27: Bodenaya - CampielloDespite the super groovy vibes, I didn't sleep well last night. Worries danced in my brain as I lay in bed (yes, that can happen even on the Camino), I had weird dreams, I woke up in the middle of the night and even when David (our hospitalero) woke us up with gentle music and the sweet smell of fresh coffee, I didn't feel so fresh myself. Coffee and conversation helped. <div><img id="id_3618_da7_d96d_76ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-arSlBT0aq4w/Wc_gaIEiiPI/AAAAAAAAI7g/xMuIMKPuZWcT8O6jZl_fDwagwwrSGAqzgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>David is a super-hospitalero and had washed, dried and folded all of our clothes for us. </div><div><img id="id_4767_11d6_247d_df53" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q-XS_lzBPm4/Wc_gWdbyAcI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/ITlSAh_w9_caXaI6M62mT3_mQ3tuVUxeACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>I hugged David and said goodbye to this sweet place. </div><div><img id="id_ec0f_1ce3_5e07_17e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1q874Lwo1S0/Wc_gWp1DXxI/AAAAAAAAI7c/oomqxBD45xgLjb_pRReL3HiIZVSET4A4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>It was the first rainy day in quite awhile and the first water I had seen on the Primitivo. Squish-squash as I went through the mud, rain jacket on and rain cover on my backpack. The mist made the mountains look pretty magical. There is a reason everything is all green!</div><div><img id="id_9116_670e_f7eb_f1b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKn64pmcpjU/Wc_gWLJfFGI/AAAAAAAAI7U/u3MYUdNCJDMZ-A-sTF_UTOprR2_leKqxgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Most of the path was okay, but some parts were quite muddy. Check out the mud and mushrooms here. </div><div><img id="id_885e_aebe_ad27_e858" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SOK5XHIjrL0/Wc_ga6BGcZI/AAAAAAAAI7k/uyXYkFscMBk3-1DlCd1t0xhy9NYTFoyUACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I stopped to dry out and warm up with a tea in Tineo. I considered staying, but M, a lively and fast-walking woman from Madrid told me to move on!</div><div><br></div><div>Acorns underfoot. </div><div><img id="id_ef0c_14af_5fe3_ccc7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-yTYS0-J6U/Wc_gb1ZWUsI/AAAAAAAAI7o/ZJEDNWasJBMz_Ja01nxJ0NmKZbMoPxj5wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Wildflowers:</div><div><img id="id_d64e_68f7_60a7_8eca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ibx_MDkU7Fs/Wc_gckVVO5I/AAAAAAAAI7w/lBkEzerJ0PoviM3vdqkn6KqRBoz_ek3KQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>After the enchanted forest section of the walk, I was back in fields, passing cows. I had a snack sitting on a big, flat rock in the middle of the Camino and soaked in the sun (now out) and view. I felt like I was in a milk commercial (most of Spain's milk comes from this region of Spain).</div><div><img id="id_a597_5bc1_bb45_1f1f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHd1WZLCjjg/Wc_gcYXsd7I/AAAAAAAAI7s/Mef3umUupVIonKpUDMXPkuhAULgzKRgVgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>I arrived at about 4... earlier than the last couple of days, but not really early. Oh well. I still had some time to rest, write and gear up for tomorrow. It's going to be another BIG day!</div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 26.41 (Fitbit), 25.37 (Buen Camino app). Some guidebooks quote 27...</span></div><div><br></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-11648992906225070892017-09-30T03:16:00.001+06:302017-09-30T03:16:15.793+06:30Day 26: San Juan de Villapañada - Bodenaya <div>Wow, what a day! I won't be able to fit it all in here because I am walking hard and having way too much fun. But, here's an overview...</div><div><br></div><div>Another Amazing sunrise:</div><div><img id="id_9501_ee58_88b8_97f2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jo_hRGFjs5w/Wc6xBtXlIAI/AAAAAAAAI6U/zEy0sk4vwx0v1jymkUcNaFqdbQL74yBwACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>So many beautiful flowers and stone houses:</div><div><img id="id_be95_bf50_6e03_291d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2Cl23BRBxI/Wc6xDrUOuPI/AAAAAAAAI6g/7MViE184PjsK-iOQxQMSKiA_mSLyL556wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Tiny mountain villages:</div><div><img id="id_4af6_6c03_e723_5cb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-my8cE4XSjlY/Wc6xDyICs_I/AAAAAAAAI6k/YPXfYL3PXUsbvr-eRL0W1QcvsOKBUXKrQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Walking time, sharing stories, picnics, coffees, feet-soaking, learning history and new words with friends. (Pictures forthcoming)</div><div><br></div><div>The ever-beautiful Camino:</div><div><img id="id_818b_31cc_7ae7_7b76" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8mKNKXTMCI/Wc6xCj_70FI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/q8c5IbPwh7MMrCpt_bM5ZkoXW4fohAvWwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>We didn't get lost in the fog!</div><div><img id="id_80aa_6350_f82e_6fbd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ukg4hHtf5Ak/Wc6xDKjOPVI/AAAAAAAAI6c/FBMNaZeCujApj9gLbxl9x2PDYoSCbv9CgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>And to top it all off, incredible hospitality with heart in Bodenaya. Shared dinner, ONE agreed upon wake up time for tomorrow (6:52am), lots of swapped stories and smiles all at a "donativo" price. Muy buena onda. ;)</div><div><img id="id_707a_afe7_5b94_9656" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZRQEsaahzg/Wc6xE7o7UqI/AAAAAAAAI6o/eFvlc8veB-wYsaRHHF1lPK3FXpN1MrMYACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3135_d9fd_1d73_36d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bOVvMIMWg8U/Wc6xFS62WoI/AAAAAAAAI6s/qb3xP63OvX8I4ctspGRXnyMUDOMvtZpFQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>I'm going to bed happy. I hope you will too. </div><div><br></div><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 25.71 (Fitbit), 25.60 (Buen Camino app). Plenty of ups and downs today, too. Hey, hey, pretty close today! :D</span></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422327162520129780.post-32370153149866080322017-09-29T02:43:00.001+06:302017-09-29T02:43:15.810+06:30Day 25: Oviedo - San Juan de Villapañada<div>The soft stirrings of my roommates woke up my brain a little bit after 6, I let my eyes stay closed and stretched and twisted in bed before opening them and getting up. I was ready, packed and out before 7. Walking with the stars while the city still slept was peaceful and I soon spotted two French pilgrims and my Canadian friend from the albergue. We shared coffee before heading on our ways out of town. I lost the markers and went in a little circle, but for the most part the way was well-marked. It is beautiful! </div><div><img id="id_f2b0_df96_c4f9_8d7c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_GQ45oI6Bs/Wc1XsDVCcLI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/iYkHTZahmHMA0wc6xCDBOet2OFaTyDIBgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I can definitely tell I am in a new part of Spain. The soft green hills rolled along as I followed country roads out of the city. The path became more rural, rising and falling, passing through tiny villages and lots of farmland. It is a different landscape, but there are still familiar "faces."</div><div><img id="id_a096_31c_26e6_157b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pzv0Ut6anjA/Wc1Xv6DkeeI/AAAAAAAAI5o/kdA2hxXM5-MGpS6143ubPwpfrw6_93bUwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I feel like I have walked into a picture storybook. I would not take a second look if the Seven Dwarves marched by or if I bumped into Alice. </div><div><img id="id_c3f6_93c5_a8bd_8937" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ky5zHQSgv4g/Wc1XvbANGEI/AAAAAAAAI5k/Efnjrce4GN44FrfyHOva9kg9uq2umBaIgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I visited a few lovely small chapels. </div><div><img id="id_a78f_1a96_b204_fe4a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsQa7vmtDj8/Wc1XvDdrgYI/AAAAAAAAI5g/y58Z_JMnon8ZqpinhQGSdK79_mSo9O3jQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ecd0_7704_60e5_106b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rHnRvCTf-I0/Wc1XuzZ6_gI/AAAAAAAAI5c/yYupyatJND8XlKuCp1to0zF6gyzkt4WDgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>An overdue snack, rest stop, bathroom stop and water refill finally happened in Peñaflor. I ordered a salad and refilled my water (I picked out the egg.).</div><div><img id="id_5bce_f35c_8f4e_c588" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-75hr3Yp9Ys8/Wc1XxqyY_zI/AAAAAAAAI5s/tTumCQditfowKMhHdhHs9-r9O19ShEmJACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The two Russian pilgrims that I kept crossing paths with ordered cider, a traditional drink from this region. It was served to them in a very interesting contraption which sucked the liquid out of the bottle and funneled it into the glass. So cool! They shared a sip with me. The spirit of sharing is one of the beautiful things about the Camino. </div><div><img id="id_c4e6_1bbe_c877_3577" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hubW7B7WkoI/Wc1X0J4WfbI/AAAAAAAAI5w/c47QrzkYZCcz4vJzvaoRoFPnp_s7OAFbACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The day was hot as I moved on, crosssing another bridge and making my way towards Grado, which is the end of the first stage according to some guides. I had heard great things about the albergue in the next village, so I pushed on. </div><div><img id="id_a441_bf3a_4cac_df4b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oKYAaHCQxG8/Wc1X1EaZSJI/AAAAAAAAI54/dRD1RBac1vwJ_8lPtytKMb9WgNRYyVNUACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>I bought some snacks in Grado and rested in a park. And moved on! Uphill! I was probably about halfway there (a couple of k to go) when a truck pulled up next to me, the driver greeted me in Spanish and said that he was Domingo - we had spoken the day before! He told me to get in! I hesitated, he insisted, "it's hot; it's still a little ways," I conceded, calling him my angel. :) They say that the Camino gives you what you need; I guess I needed a lift. </div><div>Check out the spot:</div><div><img id="id_6851_322f_5f01_945c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wRt7dumrCVo/Wc1X0ulylgI/AAAAAAAAI50/4QQKWWxzUoMX_CmPCOcJXMWJrZ9HTklFQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And the view! Oviedo is <i>way</i> in the background. <br><img id="id_f918_ebfa_a587_b2d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Run9NynUihU/Wc1X2MKci-I/AAAAAAAAI58/Fs7z4lfIWw0_ShWNJhF8tiEyv6MQy_KHgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>And my new friends: </div><div><img id="id_eea5_56e1_8543_f248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsNMGmLZLLo/Wc1X2TFgDDI/AAAAAAAAI6A/rcbaB0P6EOMgyUEjwBlA9awRo8LE33WXACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Domingo, our super host, takes a selfie with us. </div><div><br></div>I should explain the name, Camino Primitivo, you may be thinking your Spanglish understands this word, but it actually means <b>original</b>. It's the way Alfonso II went to visit the apóstol and it's the first path from which we have pilgrimage information. <div><br></div><div>It's been a lovely, restful evening here. Everyone cooked and shared food, B from Oregon did her stand up routine (and I interpreted into Spanish!) and we learned more about tomorrow's path from Domingo. It's not as chilly as the Francés has been (at least this evening) and it's definitely a less crowded path. Tomorrow another big day awaits, but I have a reservation at the next spot (along with my other friends in the picture), so I don't have to worry or rush for a bed. It's early, but so far, I'm loving the Primitivo experience. <br><div><br><div><u style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Kilometers walked</u><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">: 26.97 (Fitbit), 32.78 (Buen Camino app). There should be a little discrepancy, but not that much! </span></div></div></div>CassyBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027612808392833972noreply@blogger.com2