Monasterio San Zoilo

THIS is why we walked 30+ miles in two days instead of three. To get a room here, at an old monastery converted to a hotel.

Beautifully restored and lovely, quiet atmosphere. The music in the lobby is some Gregorian chant on a loop that either soothes the people who work here or drives them crazy.

Today's 13-mile walk seemed easy by comparison to the past two days. We stopped twice for a "wee" snack, meaning we bought something small at a bar or albergue so we could feel entitled to their bathrooms 😉.

Arrived with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the setting. Currently sitting in a hall with rooms on the outside perimeter and windows overlooking the interior courtyard.

I'd say the place feels hallowed but I'm aware of the high politics and other non-spiritual shenanigans that must have taken place here. There is, after all, a preserved prison cell in the museum on the first floor where a misbehaving monk, who may have done nothing more than try to chat with a lay person, would serve his punishment.

We were big girls and stayed up for an 8 pm meal in the hotel's restaurant in the *attic*. Really hard to eat this late but when in Spain...Read more