We stayed at the Hospederia Santa Terestia, which is a 700 bed hostel run by the Cisterian nuns. An interesting welcome was had. An older nun was on duty and she went out of her way to indicate that she didn't, or wouldn't, understand a word of English. She finally got another nun to come out and help when presented with a piece of paper that had "wifi" printed on it. But, an ok place to lay one's head.
We found a place that had a perigrino special. The entire German walking club seemed to be there, occupying two tables. They appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely. One of the group had an ankle taped up and from the way he was limping, it was unclear whether he would be able to walk next day.
We tried to get into the Cathedral, this morning, to see the 2 chickens that were part of a miracle story, but it was still locked, and we couldn't take the time to wait for it to open. A perigrinos task is to walk, so we walked on.
The day was cloudy and cool again. We have been so lucky with the weather. The ground looks like it would become treacherous going down hill where there is rock, and would become sticky gumbo where clay.
The walk was pleasant, without the hills of previous days. The fields became more grain and vegetables, and the olives and grapes disappeared.
On the way out of town we were greeted by a flock of sheep heading the other way. We decided the wisest course was to wait and let them pass. They were in the very capable hands, err paws, of a dog that stopped them as close to the cross road as one could get.
For the most part, today was just walking, something that will become the daily routine when we reach the mesa.
Until you read the guide books you might get the impression that the Camino is a pilgrim's path, separate and unconnected to the real world, In many cases, the path is along roads like this.
We stopped in Villamajor del Rio for lunch, and ran into the priest we had met earlier, setting up in the park for a mass. The mass, all in latin, was interesting, but totally Greek to us. He is looking for an order to join and is walking the Camino for guidance. We bid him good luck and left him with a few chocolate bars.
Then 5km more and we were in Belorado. A beautiful hotel, unfortunately still no bath tub. Today is the first day of their town festival so there was plenty of noise and excitement in the city. Luckily at our hotel you can't hear the noise so hopefully we can leave the windows open to dry our laundry and stay cool.
Tomorrow is 30km so we are planning for an early start and we have been provided with a lovely picnic breakfast since we hope to leave long before the hotel breakfast is served.
Distance today - 23km
Distance total - 243.5km
Maybe the older nun was hoping for some of the chocolate! Whether Spanish, English, Latin (or Greek!) - everyone likely speaks "chocolate"!
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