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 26 – May 16th. Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga
The albergue folks offer a yoga session in the morning and I would have stayed for it if it didn’t start so late in the morning AND if it weren’t 90mins long! It was another lesson on why doing the Camino with a schedule isn’t the best way to do this thing. Yes, it is the most practical but it does mean that there are so so many things along the Way that one must miss when walking with a deadline. …
In an area where the path was made up of mostly loose rock, I came across a lady being treated for a badly sprained ankle. Another reminder to take one’s time – not only should you not rush the experience, but rushing taxed bodies carrying heavy packs along varied terrain is also not a good idea. …
Had a second breakfast, picnic-style (bread, peach preserve, cheese), sitting in the grass and watching pilgrims go by. My second break came when I came across La Casa de los Dioses – it’s a little area run by a few people who provide free organic fruits, juices, teas/coffee, and biscuits. They say, “Welcome to Paradise!” when you arrive and ring a loud bell when you leave. The place runs on donations and pilgrim volunteers. When I arrived, I saw two young Eastern European women there – I last saw then at Orisson, my first day on the Camino! They had been working at La Casa for the past four days. …
There was a hill as I entered Astorga and that took the last of my energy so I chose the first albergue I came across. But even though I was tired, I couldn’t not explore Astorga. However, my exploration of the town was delayed by rain. So what did I do? I found a bar and had a snack of hot chocolate and tortilla, of course! …
After being refreshed by a nap, I headed back out into the cold (at least it stopped raining). It took a while, but I found the chocolate museum where I learned about the history of chocolate and got a few free delicious samples (Astorga is known for its chocolate). I also visited the Gaudi building which also housed the interesting Camino museum. I was especially excited to see the inside of this Gaudi building since I didn’t see inside any in Barcelona (horribly expensive); this one was reasonably priced. I really enjoyed it, especially all the stained glass. …
Chose a restaurant at random for dinner – it claimed to serve local specialties and it had a Trip Advisor sticker in the window. Turned out to be a good choice! I even got a full bottle of wine with my pilgrim’s menu (no, I didn’t finish it all…*hic* really).
So…question for the weather gods – y’all know it is supposed to be spring, right?
Second breakfast? That’s a good little hobbit.
The Gaudi building is beautiful. It’s wonderful you were able to do so much sight seeing in addition to your Camino walking!
That was one of my goals for the Camino – yes the walk, but also to see as much as I could!
The entrance to the Gaudi building is gorgeous!
It is pretty neat, isn’t it!