Walked about 30 minutes from my albergue that was on the outskirts of a slightly bigger town called Pedrouzo Arca, or Arca, and found a cafe where I could order a real breakfast and do some journalling. Not in a hurry, and it feels nice to take this time, especiallly as I get closer and closer to the “main destination” of Santiago.
I ordered my usual cafe con leche, and also a Spanish “tortilla” which is kind of like an omlette made in a saute pan so it comes out in a round, thick shape. There is always egg and potato, and variations include adding cheese, ham, olives, tuna, peppers. But it’s not like the made-to-order omlette in the US. I don’t think you “can” ask for all those items in it; you order from a menu or from what you see already out on the counter and that’s what you get and you enjoy. Mine was made on the spot, nice and fresh, though it took a while! Was so nice to not feel that anxious, rushed feeling I almost constantly feel when I’m at home because I always have “so much to do”. Now, I do keep in mind that I’m on a vacation and this can’t be real life, but again I remind myself that I can and intend to take some of the slowed-down mindset home with me. I do not want to live with an always-rushed feeling and tightness in my chest!
Very lovely, sunny day with just a slight breeze. Perfect for an afternoon walk. Got on the road about 11:30. Walked in silence for a while, greeting people if they happened to be around me. I mostly walk alone, every day. I really like to. I have had some great stretches of time of walking and conversing with others, but I see that I tend to get in my own groove and want to be in my own thoughts.
Today I also put on my iPod and listened to an audiobook by an author named Brené Brown. She was recommended to me by a friend, and then quoted in a church sermon I heard months ago. I was surprised to hear that, but the quote was fantastic and spurred me on to listen and read some of her work. This audiobook is called “Men, Women, and Worthiness“.
I did feel a little irritation again with the more crowded route, and folks with day-packs and not big backpacks meaning they are having their belonging delivered to their lodging. It’s totally up to them how they want, and how they are able (sometimes there is a physical issue involved), experience their Camino. It’s up to me to practice patience and non-judgment. So today was another good opportunity.
I arrived in Arca around 3:30 and checked in to a small albergue, getting the last bed (14 bed here). It was clean, nice, and the reception women/owner was very friendly. We spoke all in Spanish. Later that evening I even got the opportunity to translate some things for the owner who only spoke Spanish, and another client who only spoke English. That felt REALLY good to me – that I could use my growing skill to be helpful to someone else!
I wandered around town, it wasn’t big but not tiny either so there were some neighborhood areas and shops to explore. I tried to see if maybe I could get a massage at a place I walked by, but no one answered the bell out front, and the door was locked. I tried two different times….I would really like a massage at this point in the trip!!
I came upon a “Casa Rural” – I think this is sort of like a bed and breakfast, or a more casual hotel, not really sure. Many of them that I’ve seen seem to have a nice bar/cafe attached and a garden. I walked in and asked if I could order a drink and sit in the garden if I wasn’t staying there and they said sure. I had one glass of refreshing white wine and they gave me a little bowl of some mixed nuts, and I sat in the sun and enjoyed it. So peaceful! I really love having the time and opportunity to do things like this – I really never take time to “wander” and “happen upon” little peaceful treasures like this in my real life.
I decided to eat food I had with me and bought a couple additional items at a grocery store for dinner. I love food, as you well know by now!, and eating out is fun but I like to have a simpler meal every once in a while. There was a common area/lounge area at the albergue. Most have something like this; some have kitchens you can use, and some don’t. Most at least have a fridge and a microwave.
I ate my dinner and blogged. Another woman from Canada came in and ate her meal at another table, but we chatted some.
It was a peaceful evening, nothing huge or fancy to report, but a very nice day.
Thank you for reading my blog! I love sharing with you.
