Here we are sitting on a street lined with restaurants and bars for our farewell dinner with Isobel and Marc. We had Sangria with our meal which was really yummy.
This morning we said goodbye to our Aussie Angels which was sad. They have a tough road ahead of them, but I am glad they don't have their packs, and they don't t have to worry about a couple of slower moving American companions.
We are now in our albergue in Puenta la Reina. Each one is different. This one has rooms divided by participants and an open wall for the entrance. Two sets of bunk beds in each section. It is quite n it ce and good outside atmosphere. Happily, we have a sweet young New Zealand girl who is doing the Camino by herself. Pretty funny, as Marc was originally from New Zealand. It is so nice to continue to hear English. Ahh... our 4th roomate just arrived. These girls really make Gretchen and me feel old. We will learn more after she unpacks and has a chance for a shower.
As expected, there are a ton more pilgrims here and way more markers. We are pleased to be where we can now use our Camino book maps and info. What a difference!
Oh...one more thing. The taxi cab trip here was beyond scary. It was supposed to be a 45 min drive, it barely took us a half hour. And that was with a big bike race that was occurring on the same road. Our driver simply drove around the cyclists on the wrong side of the road, regardless of hill, curves, or ambulances. So, we are here and happy with our decision to take the cab albeit, terrifying.
Your Aussie walking companions will never be forgotten I'm sure - they have been super helpful haven't they! Glad you took a taxi to get where you are now - smart move....
ReplyDeletePam
Buenos dias Donna and Gretchen, so glad you continue to do well and enjoying your journey, and the new friends your are meeting. I will continue to pray for you. Take care. Love and prayers, Monsie
ReplyDeleteThanks Monsie!Your prayers are greatly appreciated. We went to a really beautiful church for Mass this morning and I thought of all your hard work in helping us with our Spanish. We have a long way to go but we ate trying.
DeleteFrom Bev B: Donna and Gretchen - your adventures are inspiring, and at times terrifying. I listened to the proper pronunciation on-line of "albergue" - but I still can't roll my r's! Your description of your taxi ride reminded me of 1985 when Benay and I flew to Seoul to meet Jerry. Oh, my gosh, the taxi ride from the air port to Osan Air Base in rush hour traffic involved driving on the sidewalk, or whatever it took to get around traffic!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely exciting! We did experience wild taxi driving in Turkey, but this added a new dimension of the bike race...of the Tour de France level to the mix. Although...we didn't drive in the sidewalk.
DeleteAll up to date. What an adventure you two young ladies are on.
ReplyDeleteYes, our albergue today has just been invaded by at 20 30-someting French girls. This particular albergue accommodates about 70 people. That's the biggest we've been in so far. It is really nice though. It actually had soap in the shower!
DeleteThat sounds terrible😉
DeleteYou guys are doing it the right way!! Why take a journey like this and not fill it with memorable adventures.
ReplyDeleteWe have definitely had our share of that. Each day is totally new and totally different.
DeleteGreat picture today! AL-BEAR-GAY ?? Mike
ReplyDeleteCorrect on the phonetic pronunciation.😊
ReplyDeleteYou both look happy & healthy....love your posts. Having difficulty replying...may have to revert to e-mail again. Only 3 of us at 9a.m. yesterday (Mimi & Kathy), 7:30 was packed for Fr. Ben. Miss you...blessings, hugs, & prayers....Judy
ReplyDeleteWe got this post Judy, so hopefully it is working for you. We so appreciate your support and prayers.
DeleteWow! Over 170 miles already! That is wonderful. I love hearing all about it. I hope we can also do the whole Camino one day. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can keep in touch with some of the wonderful people you are meeting. How are your feet doing?
ReplyDeleteSharon
We have the business cards for Isobel and Marc, and also Lucy, the B&B chicken lady.
DeleteI did have some trouble with a few blisters originally, but doctored them and they never interfered.
Enjoying your posts so much. Looks like you are becoming pros at doing “The Way”. Congrats on your progress so far.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Thanks Diane
Delete