I typically do not write about specific days. I find that type of Camino writing trite and pedantic. Instead I write about little nuggets that peak my interest like Miles’ love of vending machines.
However, a lot of people don’t know what the Camino is like. Here’s a brief synopsis of a typical day— wake up, brush teeth, pack bag, eat breakfast and then walk. Hopefully you have a place to stop for a break. Sometimes not (like yesterday when our first stop was at 20 km; or today when it was at 11km). Pilgrims usually stay in hostels called Albergues. They range in price and amenities. I’ve been adamant about staying in nice Albergues (clean, good facilities) or in private rooms (hotels, pensions). We’re a little spoiled right now. We’ve stayed in more hotels and pensions than Albergues. There are times you come to an Albergue and everyone is quiet or talking amongst themselves. You’ll find people taking a nap, doing laundry, writing, reading, or just scanning their phone (this is Miles most days). But then there are times when the Albergue is alive. Yesterday, due to weather perhaps, electricity was out for most of the day. This meant that people had to entertain themselves without electronics (!). Early in the day, a group of Spanish men on horseback passed us on the trail. We met up again at the Albergue with their horses grazing in the pasture next door. The power was out but they drank many beers and pulled out a guitar. All afternoon the Albergue was filled with sounds of Spanish folk songs. The power came back on but the singing continued. This is one day of many. On the Salvador, we stopped at a pension that also had a bar. It was a Sunday. When we and the other pilgrims sat down to eat dinner, we were not alone. The whole town filled the space, playing cards and gossiping. It was a apparent that this is something they do every Sunday. We just happened to be in the most popular place in town. Who knew? Days like this remind you of the intimate nature of the Camino. We are entering a town for a night. On the Primitivo (and Salvador), it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone. Except you. Most of the time you are treated well and you are welcome. Then there are times when you feel like an outsider looking in, trying to understand the culture around you. Tomorrow, we’ll be gone from this small town and another group of pilgrims will stop by. Onward and upward. Have I mentioned I miss my bed? No? That’s a whole other story.
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About Marcy I wear many hats. First, I'm a wife to an amazing husband, Joe. Second, I'm a mom to 2 incredible kids, Caitlynn and Miles. Professionally speaking, I am a chef, dietitian, and writer working as an instructor in Hospitality Management at Montana State University in Bozeman. Photos: See InstagramMarcy's other Site |