Day 32

Firstly today I walked to Astorga, an interesting, pretty and small city. It was started as a Roman settlement in the 1st Century BC.

Most things were still closed, but I did see the Roman Bath ruins, the “Ayuntamianto” an automatic clock built in 1683 with the original mechanism still in use to make two figures dong a big bell at the top. The Cathedral built in the 15th century and the Palace of Gaudi built in 1913.

I had a break at the Gaudi Hotel, they had Santiago Tart, since this is the first time I have seen it in Spain, it was a must and it was delicious!

I loved looking in the shop windows and seeing the city coming to life.

Chocolate seems to be a big thing here, there is even a museum dedicated to it.

It was wonderful today to be walking without the buzz and roar of traffic, the path is a nicely made one with just enough gravel to give the right crunch. There is a bit of elevation as we are getting closer to the mountains.

About 20mins out of one town I spot what looks like a display of walking sticks in the middle of the Way, then I spot a gentleman off to the side sitting in the shade under a blackberry bush. There are multiple Camino inspired items for sale. I offer a coin for a shell I don’t really need but, he had gone to so much trouble, I complement his craftsmanship, he proudly shows me how he has carved each of the sticks by hand. I asked if a photo was ok he removed his Balaclava and posed for this photo. I have since found out his name is Bienvenido and he has been selling Camino wares to pilgrims for 40 years. Bienvenido means welcome in Spanish.

I finally arrived at my Albergue for the night, a young Spanish guy greets me with lots of cool Spanish style. He helps me to my cama for this evening I must look bad! It’s an amazing dorm with 6 single beds decorated a bit like a Mirimekko showroom. There is a communal table for pilgrims to gather, kitchen and snacks and breakfast supplies for a donation. I spotted an older gentleman with a Black Caps hat and a younger man so I had to say Hi, I was a bit confused because he is Korean, Black Caps is the New Zealand cricket team, turns out they are a father and son from Christchurch New Zealand. We have a lovely conversation about Camino and our lives in NZ and Australia.

There is one bar in the town and one shop. The shop is owned by the sister of my host at the Alburgue it has so many lovely Camino things, hand made knitted items and fresh food. I am inspired to eat in the Alburgue something I have not done yet, I buy some bread, cheese which is a local one and a blend of sheep and cows milk, a tomato an avocado and little sachet of olive oil and of course some Vino Tinto, a picnic dinner made in Spain!

Distance walked 17.4km

Elevation 1020m

Not a lot of pilgrims on the Way, spotted some in bars and cafes in the towns.

Total Distance walked so far 527.4km

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