A glimpse into the journal I kept for all 38 days on the Camino Frances, including up to 10 photos (not necessarily the best pictures but more that they represent that day in some particular way). Today is day 25 – May 15th.Villar de Mazarife to Hospital de Órbigo
So I think there was fresh pork or lard in something I had for dinner last night – got sick. Annoying but still pretty impressed that I’d gone so long in pork-happy Spain and only now encountered something that made me ill. Felt a little iffy still in the morning but as the day wore on, it got better. Yay for my med kit, too. Good thing, though, that it was a short day today – only 14km.
Met Polish Aleksandra and English Mark. In one of the villages, we all stopped at a panaderia and bought fresh bread and a chunk of hard cheese for an early lunch. We found a church and sat outside it while we ate. …
Upon reaching Hospital de Órbigo, we crossed the Puente de Orbigo which dates to 13th century and is one of the landmarks of the Camino Frances. Jousting happened here! Let the imagination go wild!…
Met a lady who, when we were introduced, said, “Oh! So you’re the dark lady!” I didn’t even know what to say…
I decided to try out a private albergue that was recommended to me – and I’m so glad I did. It was awesome yet hilarious. Idyllic setting (it was by a non-noisy major road, though). The people that own it are the “ashram/yoga” type folks. Organic and vegetarian. Wholesome living. Incense. Textiles and cushions galore. Items from India, statue of Buddha, photos with a swami. Tea of all sorts whenever we want. Chill music in the background. …
I had dinner for the first time at an albergue, instead of eating out. It started off kind of hokey as they sang/played guitar to bless the food (in a “the universe loves us all” fashion) and then they did another song, just because. Dinner was the healthiest I’ve eaten in a while – giant salad, vegetarian moussaka, whole rice, and zucchini cake (surprisingly enough, the cake was fabulous) . …
The folks I met yesterday are also staying here but they went out for dinner. Johny, one of the Irish guys, apparently fell in love with their waitress where he had dinner tonight – I’m invited to the wedding. …
I remember that woman who called you the ‘dark lady’! Ugh. How could she say that with a straight face?!
The albergue sounds hilarious, it’s funny that that’s the one you chose to eat at, knowing you it doesn’t seem like your kind of place!
Nope. it was recommended to me and I was curious about it – broaden my horizons!
Your bread and cheese photo is killing me! It looks so good. That is all I would eat if I were there.
Thanks! Nothing like fresh bread and cheese!!
Amen!