“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.” – Robert Holden
I am so grateful to be on the Camino again. Despite the issues with the blisters, I’ve really enjoyed this particular walk. Maybe it’s all the walking in solitude and reflecting on my life but I think it’s also the people. The locals have been so kind and I’ve appreciated the company of the pilgrims. Today I’ve had some lovely and unique experiences on the Camino.
I didn’t plan on walking a far distance today so I took my time getting started. I laid in bed until about 8 am and waited for all the pilgrims to leave. I packed up and stopped at a local coffee shop, Art Cafe, for breakfast. They had a pilgrim special for €5. Coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice and toast.
After breakfast I stopped off at the pharmacy to reload my medical kit for these darn blisters and then headed off on the trail. It is literally getting more and more gorgeous by the day. I took my time. I sat on the rocks to enjoy the sounds of the ocean. I took a ton of photos and videos. I love being able to go back and rewatch the videos and remember the feelings I had in a place that felt special.
The trail started out of A Guarda by winding around the coast but then it cut up into the hills and onto the road. It was on this little path that I literally almost bumped into Jose and his dog Spunky! Jose had been fishing and wanted to show me some things along the trail so he turned around to lead the way. He didn’t speak much English and my Spanish is limited but somehow we always seem to figure it out. The locals (including the dogs) appear to love being part of the pilgrimage.
I made it up the hill and began hiking on the road. I briefly met a woman from Firenze, Italy and we exchanged hellos…or ciao in this case. Thankfully there wasn’t a ton of road walking today, and what portion of the path was on the road was pretty.
There was only one cafe along the way and since I couldn’t check in until 2 pm, I hung out and enjoyed the view. The remainder of the walk was very nice as well. The hydrangeas are huge here! The flowers seem to love the climate on this particular section. I walked past so many beautiful homes, most of them had a pool.
I’m staying in a little village called Oia. It’s stunning. On the way into town, I passed a little church so I stepped inside and lit a candle, and said a prayer for a safe and healthy journey for all the pilgrims.
I arrived at my Albergue just a little after 2 pm. Let me tell you, this place is AMAZING! If you come to Oia, definitely stay at La Cala. You won’t regret it. It is owned and operated by an American, Tanya, (who is from Pella, Iowa! among a few other places in the US – so we were practically neighbors in the States) who has walked the Camino many times. She has customized this building to make you feel like you are at home. She knows exactly what every pilgrim needs and wants…plug-ins and a lamp next to the bed, a hairdryer (my favorite item) washing machine AND dryer, a fully stocked kitchen, extra blankets, the works! She has really put thought and effort into all the little details. She even offers you a beverage (beer, coke, or Aquarius – the Gatorade of Spain) upon arrival. She lives above the pilgrim’s quarters so she is available and more than helpful. I mean come on, just look at this place! The views are amazing and there is coffee, and fresh croissants delivered to the kitchen window every morning by 7 am. I want to move in permanently. Oh! And she has the sweetest dog, Mia, who I can’t wait to play with.
After I checked in, we (Dolores, Terry, and I) went to the restaurant below to have some wine and cheese and chat with the other pilgrims.
After we were good and tipsy, we came back, I showered (they had already been here awhile and accomplished this task), started the laundry, and THEN…and THEN!!! a German man who is a physiotherapist and masseur came to the hostel and for €25 you could get a private massage. Well, sign me up and take all my money! STATA! Matthias was wonderful and his hands were like magic to my sore body. The massage felt amazing after being on the Camino for twenty-plus days. Definitely, hire him if you stop in this town. His main clientele is the pilgrims at the local hostels but if you’re a traveler, he’ll help you out as well. He just moved here a few months ago so I wish him much success with his venture!
Now that I was really relaxed (wine, cheese, and a massage – what more can a woman ask for?), I came out of the room to discover that Dolores had made pasta for the whole group (Czech, German, Canadian, Italian, and American)! You can’t beat a pasta dinner made by an authentic Italian woman. Mamma Mia!
Let me just say, I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight! If every day was like this, I’d think I’d died and gone to heaven. My cup of gratitude is overflowing.
Here is the sunset looking out of our bedroom window.
Goodnight and much love from Spain! 🇪🇸
Scenes from Day 28
