Day 25: Astorga

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Up earlier today to catch a cab to the train station to catch the 8:14 to Astorga. We stopped in for some kefir alongside coffee. The train ran as far as Ourense, then we ALL got on busses as far as Monforte, and then ALL boarded the train again.

Waiting for the train in SdC, I saw something I'd never seen before: a young man sprawled out on the platform with his backpack and guitar case, sleeping. 5 min before the train arrived, he came to and shook himself awake. 😯🤣😯🤣

Lovely mountainous and forested area of Spain, a large part alongside a river.

Got to Astorga 5 hrs later, just as the rain was clearing. Checked in to our hotel and went across the plaza for the main meal of the day.

Joe got the combo meal: 2 plates (a BIG mixta ensalada and a big bowl of bacalau (cod) stew), drink & dessert (flan 😋) - all for €16! Then this happened:

Waitress: With your menu, you get wine or water. Which would you like?

Joe: Water.

Waitress: (confused) wha . . . ???

Joe shrugs. She smiles and makes a note on her pad.

We showered and are now in the lavandería, watching the clothes go round and round. Talked with a Brit walking the Camino ("It's not a holiday, is it."). He was pretty beat and having trouble getting the machine to take his coins - to the point where he had to call the posted number and hash out something in Spanglish. Before the manager came, some 4 other people came in with THEIR laundry. We felt really lucky with our timing.

A&E are stopping in at the supermarket; we're watching the ropas. Easy-peasy day (actually, kind of boring without walking 😅).

Tomorrow, we're thinking about checking out the Romana Museum and the Museum of Chocolate (yes!).Read more