Day 26 Samos to Barbadelo

Day 26 Samos to Barbadelo 17 km

I experienced one of the deepest sleeps I have had during my pilgrim walk. It's possible that the hostel's relaxed and chilled atmosphere is the reason.

Although, along my journey, it may be unappealing, a thin linen sleeping pouch has safeguarded me from the widely discussed bed bugs. It makes me itch just thinking about it.

I set off at a later time, 07.30. The path today was mostly level under my feet.

Yesterday, I posted a picture of the famous village monastery.
In addition to serving as a hostel, the monastery offered pilgrims a ‘healing service’. They have a wide selection of essential drugs: ointments, plasters, and medicines made from the plants in their garden. Since the 17th century, these homemade remedies have been available at chemists and primitive pharmacies, serving the local population.

The highlight of the 17 km walk today was strolling across a mind-provoking 12th-century bridge, named the Aspera Bridge (it crosses the Celeivo River).
Over the course of almost a millennium, how many people have trodden its weathered surface? Humbling thought.

Before reaching my destination, I arrived in Sarria, a charming city nestled in the heart of Galicia. It is known for serving traditional Galician food, such as pulpo a la gallega (octopus), empanadas (savoury pies), and hearty local wines.
The imposing Benedictine monastery of Magdalena, a relic of Roman architecture dating to the 13th century, commands the skies above the city.

The serene atmosphere was conducive to moments of reflection and contemplation.

Due to the high number of pilgrims, I decided to leave Sarria and walk another few km to Barbadelo.

As I cuddled up in bed, my thoughts wandered over the last 26 days.
It seems surreal.
I will have the opportunity to sit with Annie in Santiago de Compostela and relive the experience and reality of my journey.Read more