ON THE ROAD WITH ANN – C-Day (Camino) Minus Two (Oct 14 2012)

A  quick and scattered report from Leon, two days before 14 rag tag pilgrims from across Canada and the US start walking. We will walk 160 km, through the province of Galicia to Santiago de Compostela. If you know nothing about the Camino de Santiago, you may want to Google it.

Folks are arriving from here and there to get settled and adjusted to the time change. I flew to Barcelona and had a wonderful afternoon walking, walking and walking, being wowed by the architecture and perplexed by the absence of traffic and people. By evening, the city came to life. Had a wonderful meal with Sally from Vancouver at appropriately named Botafumiero restaurant (the name of the legendary and gigantic censor in the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the destination of our pilgrimage).

On plane to Leon this morning, met Janet and Bill from Mississauga ON and Tom and Michael from Atlanta. A marathon in Leon prevented the taxi from getting anywhere close to our hotel. We  hoofed it and enjoyed the runners. Lunch with Olivia and Michael from NJ. Seven of us walked to a Benedictine convent for vespers at 7pm. About 20 nuns, mostly aged, but several young ones, sang a short but very peaceful service.

Leon is a beautiful city with many streets closed to traffic and full of strolling families. No visible evidence, so far, of Spain’s serious economic woes.

While sitting in the lobby typing this, two more of my fellow pilgrims came by, sisters, one from Ottawa and the other from San Diego. The CA sister never got her luggage in Madrid. Thankfully, she had all the essentials for the walk in her carryon luggage and there is a good outfitter store around the corner to replace a few lost items. I decided years ago, after several lost luggage experiences, NEVER TO CHECK ANOTHER BAG. I would rather wear the same thing day after day and wash things out at night than lose a bag or have to hang around the airport with a broken carousel or work-to-rule baggage handlers. Edith is of good spirit and not bothered.

Tomorrow, Monday, we are on our own until 5pm. I will meet with Jason, our local guide, in the afternoon. Jason is a native English speaker, an art and architectural historian and has walked the Camino many times. Tuesday, we hit the road. I am eager to get out in the countryside, away from city sounds and distractions.

Camera is acting up; otherwise would have send a picture.

I hope you enjoy these notes from the road, which will be dashed off when and where I find time.