today we met Jacob from Germany. We spent quite a bit if time talking together during the day and then at dinner. He smokes which is becoming more and more unusual in Europe. His plan is to stop smoking when he reaches the Cross at the top of the mountain where peoplw typically leave a stone as they affirm their intention to let go of something in their lives. Jacob makes childrens' animated films but has left work and family to walk the Camino.
Today we also met the group of 3 from Denmark. 30 years ago, the mother was an exchange student in Kansas!! She and her daughter and her mother are walking tigether.
We were advised by our guidebook as well as from others to take the bus out of Leon to this next town, avoiding traffic hazards and uninspiring industrial scenes.
We are both ready to be back on the Camino! It became apparent to us that we welcomed back the comfort of being with other peregrinos. As humans, we tend to group ourselves with others of like purpose and though we come and go, something's draw us closer. Yes?
We had a long discussion with Jacob about the EU in its present situation. Like the US, it is a grand experiment in embracing diversity - culturally, ethnically, historically, economically and is fraught with so many problems.
We noticed that none of us have a big need to talk about politics or our work at home. In fact, it is part of the Camino code NOT to talk of divisive politics, work, etc. The Camino has its own culture, rules if you will and understandings.
Helen, the woman from Toronto shared this with us early on. She choose not to talk about her work as a probation officer. Rather, this was her renewal time with no No multi-tasking. We talk of the next stop, the mountain ahead , our feet, why we are walking....something like that.
I love it. Lots of time to walk in silence, listen for the cuckoo, unwind, all punctuated with meeting and chatting with people, and then moving on with surprise encounters awaiting!
The question then becomes: which is reality- the Camino or our "life?"
Today was a day of laughing between us. No elaboration needed. Just the way we goof around together. Many of you know.
We stopped in the local bar and watched the men gathered to play cards. School children coming in for after school snacks and guitar lessons.
Sleeping tonight. We do have a private room but not a private bath. This albuergue is coming close to the real deal. We use our sleep sacks. It's ok. and now we appreciate the simple luxuries even more.
But the walls are paper thin and as we were preparing for bed, some really loud snoring started up from behind the walls. I burst out laughing and had one of those uncontrollable laughing sessions where I had to bury my head in pillows and every time I came up I started in again, Craig had to remain sober faced and in control because anything would set me off and it was "lights out/silence observed" in the albuergue . I still start laughing when I think of this. One of the highlights of the trip. Everyone creates his/her own Camino they say!!
Our routine- so so soothing. Now. We can walk 9-10 miles and it's an easy day.
Bike trips have prepared us well.
The Florida docs we met that first night in Hornillos del Campo have resurfaced here! That's the Camino.
Cuckoo bird: looked it up. Endangered in GB. Best place to see/hear is in northern Spain!
Exchange rate: 1euro=1.30$
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