Castrojeriz to Frómista

235 miles done. 265 to go. 47%…almost half way!

8 hours of walking today, but had great company with my audiobook, Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett. Bugs were very active today and it was annoying, but nothing to really do about it. Just blow your nose with like a dozen bug visitors in it, and do it again, and again.,. (Also, I found one in my teeth once I finally got to a mirror in a proper bathroom). Fiber.

Got to my destination of Fromista and had drinks with two gals from Australia and a guy from Canada. Then off to my hotel which, and not an exaggeration, is an oasis. It is appointed nicely, and I took advantage of it. The Camino knows when you need a break. A real break. Like a shower with good water pressure. A little (very cold) dipping pool to put your sore feet in for a bit. A bottle of wine all to yourself for the afternoon with good WiFi to reconnect with your husband and life. And several hours where you have no expectations on yourself other than to just be. The entire place is encompassed by a soothing spa fragrance that is clean, inviting, and soothing. That was today. I needed it. And the Camino provided.

In Spain, they don’t ask you how you like your meat cooked. And even if you have the foresight to try to tell them, it doesn’t actually matter. It will come from the kitchen as done as they like. Always rare at the top end, very rare often, and mooing if they are really busy. It is what it is, and you sometimes hope your beef tartare is of the quality that you won’t be heaving 4 hours later. (So far so good here)Read more