I took a right as I left the albergue this morning (once again in the dark).  I’d cleverly asked directions back to the Camino last night. “Take a right at the church.”

But somehow I’d neglected to notice last night that there were three churches within a couple of blocks. Which was mine?

 As I wandered in circles looking for the path I heard footsteps coming up behind me and then heard a man saying something urgent in Spanish. Oh dear. I grabbed my hiking poles tighter and turned around to look.

A man was holding out something dark to me.  As my eyes adjusted I could make out… my glove! which I’d managed drop while I circled. He then softly wished me a Buen Camino and went on his way. [insert slice of humble pie here.]

Now that I am well out of the Pyrenees I keep expecting the scenery to diminish. Happily not so!

 

 

   

 

  

My Lonely Planet phrase book lacks anything really useful. I wish I had known to have Jennifer, Julio or Nicole prepare some translations that would have come in handy today.

For instance, “señor, he is indeed a beautiful rooster, but he is blocking my path and scaring me.”

  

Or,  “señora, your village church bells are the loudest I have heard yet, how lucky I was to have heard them all night.”

  

My Spanish is improving however, and I was able to understand Señor Caballo when he said happy birthday Mason!!

  

I am staying tonight at my first donativo hostel. (No cost, just donation). I have been warned about these — bedbugs! stinky young men!  We shall see.

 Albergue Parroquial San Miguel Archangel