“Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, never had a dog.” – The Minds Journal
I woke up in the middle of the night, looked out my window, and saw this gorgeous view of the monastery all lit up with a lovely yellow glow.
I loved the town of Oai and Tanya’s Albergue so much that I stayed a second night! It was a split-second decision. It’s the first time ever, I’ve made a choice like this on the Camino. The Way has always been about the destination, but today, I decided to do something for myself just for fun…not because I needed to or had to.
I had a really enjoyable day today. It was unplanned and totally spontaneous – which are sometimes the best days! I think I’m going to focus less on getting to the final destination of Santiago and more on the day-to-day journey. I mean, we all have to go somewhere after Santiago so it’s never really the end but a new beginning. So why rush it?
The day started with fresh delivered butter and chocolate croissants to the front window of the Albergue and hot, deliciously smooth espresso. Heaven! If I was one of the seven deadly sins in human form, I’d definitely choose gluttony. This is why I have to exercise daily…penance.
I said goodbye to, almost all the pilgrims. Dolores decided to stay another day as well so we spent the day enjoying ourselves. And if there is one thing I’ve learned about the Italians, it’s that they know how to enjoy life. Dolce far niente = the sweetness of doing nothing. So that’s exactly what we did. We sipped another espresso at a cafe at the top of the village that had amazing views.
We visited the monastery and went inside the church – the monastery is private so, no looking. Boo. We admired the artwork and I lit another candle for the pilgrims.
….But hands down, the highlight of the day was…SWIMMING IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN….and playing with all the dogs. The water was freezing 🥶 but it felt so refreshing.
Tanya, the owner of the hostel has the most adorable and smart dog named Mia. She was Dolores and my tour guide down to the natural pools where the locals swim. Just look at her, doesn’t she just bring you so much joy even from a photo? 🐾 Oh, I would love to have a dog! But since I can’t at the moment, I’ll borrow other people’s pups.
After the swim we went to one of the local restaurant for some wine and a healthy lunch…grilled octopus and a quinoa and veggie salad. It’s a balance, people. Chocolate croissants and broccoli. I’m doing my best here.
I know not everyone enjoys the taste or texture of octopus but after eating it so much in Spain I’ve come to love it.
I spent the evening talking with Tanya, and I have to say, I have so much my respect for her. She shared her story about her dream to one day buy a place on the Camino and to open an Albergue in Spain to host pilgrims and she has done it. The courage and bravery it requires to take such a risk! I’m in awe. She left her corporate job in America, packed up all her stuff, bought the house, processed all the paperwork, renovated the house with the help of the locals, and in turn has a highly functioning business here on the Camino. Amazing! She had some help from a few local people but all in all, she did it. She financed it and not only put physical sweat into the place but emotional, mental, and a great deal of love. This is no easy task to relocate to a foreign country away from family and friends all on your own to make such a big dream come true. Brava, Tanya! We pilgrims are lucky to have your home, La Cala, as a place of refuge on the Camino. Thank you! 🙏❤️
Goodnight and much love from Spain! 🇪🇸
PS: if you are a pilgrim, don’t forget to take a day just to have some fun! And stay at La Cala if you find yourself in Oia on the Camino.
Scenes from Day 29
Mia made her debut in the traffic mirror selfie! 🐾
This is not Mia but another very cute and smart doggy. He or she loved to play fetch in the water. 🐾❤️🥾
My buddy Bobert got in on the traffic mirror selfie game again today at the gym back in KC.
