The Parador

If you've watched the Martin Sheen movie 'The Way', there's a scene where he shouts his pilgrim family to a night at a fancy hotel. That's a Parador Hotel and it's a Camino tradition to stay in one.

Last night I stayed in the Parador de Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda. Paradors are state owned hotels built in significant historical buildings such as hospitals, monasteries and this one is built in a convent. There is also a museum and chapel as part of the convent complex.

While my room is not like Martin Sheens, l clearly didn't spend enough for that, it is definitely the most comfortable bed I've had, and has some nice comfy chairs which have been lacking almost everywhere. And the photos show how beautifully the old buildings are restored and decorated. I think it's a great way to preserve and use some of the many historic buildings along the Camino. Apparently there are nearly 100 Paradors in Spain.

The rest of this post was supposed to be about my walk today but instead I tested positive to Covid and have squirreled myself away in an apartment in Santo Domingo to see what happens. I technically don't have to isolate here but I don't want to spread it, stay in hostels or make myself sicker. The Parador didn't have room service or even a fridge so I have moved around the corner, shopped and got some more Spanish drugs. Today I don't feel too bad. Fingers crossed 4 vaccinations was enough to make it short. I'll start posting again when I'm back on the road.Read more