To get a compostela, the certificate to say you have walked the Camino, you need to walk at least 100km, and have your pilgrim passport stamped every day in that 100km.
Sarria, at 111km from Santiago, is the town where most people wanting to do the 100km join the Camino.
For some unknown reason, as I was walking to Sarria I had a vision of a town with kebab, pizza and Chinese cafés, all lit up with neon lights. I can’t recall that I have even seen a neon light on this trip so I have no idea where this vision came from!!
As I said my first impression of Sarria was of a sad, dreary town. Thank goodness I managed to drag myself across the river to a bar for our afternoon beer, because it turned out to be a lively and social town.
After our beer we went for a stroll along the river. We laughed to see a kebab and a pizza cafe side by side, admittedly without a neon light, and not a Chinese to be seen
It was Saturday afternoon and families were out eating on long tables, with kids amusing themselves as they do all over the world.
As we looked for somewhere to eat we were overjoyed to see our Canadian friend who shared my medical experience in Astorga and had a meal with us in Ponteferrada.
Lots of squeals and hugs followed, and happy chatter as we caught up on what we had all been doing. Her leg had not healed as easily as my foot, and when we left her she had not known whether she would be able to continue. Amazingly she had, doing 10-15kms a day, and taking a bus when it got too bad. Now that she is in Sarria she can’t take public transport, and will try to do the 110kms one short day at a time. I have no doubt she will, she has the Camino spirit!
It was lovely to share another meal with her and couple of other ladies, one of whom was starting the next day. She listened to our tales, and when we talked about taking the bus, she made the comment “But isn’t that cheating?” The rest of us looked at each and smiled, gently. There is every possibility that she will do the 111kms without really realising that everyone’s Camino is their own, and we all do what we have to do, to get to Santiago.
Hey Trish, you look radiant!!! Absolutely glowing with good health and youth and spirit. Is that because this is good for soul? I have a friend from the Bendigo flying club who is about to walk the Camino from London to Rome and he wants to hook into your blog. It is his wife really that needs reassuring that he will be ok. He says that she will love your blog and she will stop worrying about him after she reads all that you have written. It is a wonderful story you are telling and we are excited for you now that it is getting closer but we will also miss our daily read. Love to D2, she is looking fabulous too. XXXX Margaret and Tony
I think it’s because I don’t have anything to worry about except getting from one place to the next!
I hope your friend’s wife is reassured. The Camino is really a very caring community. Xxxx
Trish, you look vibrant and so happy…
Well worth the pain!
Thanks Reto. I think of you often, there are a lot of your country folk on the Camino. You would love it!!
Love your tale of travel…even by foot!
Thanks Stan, glad you are enjoying it
Trisha keep it up think how far you have travelled, how proud you will feel when you walk into Santiago also it can be sad your adventure is coming to a close it happens., to quickly
Plus I’m loving this blog
What a great book you will havexx
50kms to go, not sure whether we will do it in two or three days. Rain and thunderstorms forecast!
TRish, this is such a beautiful photo of you. I love it! 🙂 Lorraine
Thank you Lorraine. I have enjoyed comments from others from the Writer’s group.
Hi from yandi, this is such a fabulous pic of you. Thanks for hanging on to my email address and including me in your baguettes and vegemite adventures. Hope to see you when you get back.
Yes, lots to catch up on x