Day 6: Grandas de Salime

I don’t normally write in the evening, but tonight felt so special that I thought I should. It has been a wonderful evening full of stories and laughter with a newly found pilgrim family.

After relaxing in my room, I went downstairs for a beer, to find Pavel sat writing his diary. I spent some time talking with him and watching the locals play a card game. Pavel told me that one of the other pilgrims we know, Jerry from Canada, was staying in an Albergue close by. It was nice to hear that he had made it over the mountain. We shared photos and regaled stories of our individual pilgrimages so far. Whilst we were sat there two other pilgrims that we know, Georgio and Alesandro from Italy, invited us for dinner at the other Albergue in the town.

I wandered down there later on and was met by Laura from Slovenia, Maria from Holland, Georgio and Alessandro from Italy, Aude from France and another guy from Germany. We drank wine and ate yummy food whilst trying to converse in broken English. It was a wonderful carefree evening of shared moments and common journeys.

Just as the day was ending, I wandered back to my hotel, watching the sky darken and listening to locals laugh with one another. It was a peaceful walk and I had a beaming smile on my face as I tipsily made my way back to my room.

Now I’m snuggled up and looking forward to my journey tomorrow, either alone or with friends.Read more