Day 11 - And in the Eleventh Day, the Pilgrims Rested

Sept 22

Destination - Santo Domingo (aka to Mike - San Diago)

Distance - 7 km

Hours of walking - under an hour

Terrain - simple, shale road

Weather - cool 

Nature - PEI like land, complete with potatoes

Misadventure - Tired pilgrims sometimes put their bras on backwards

Lovely road and landscape

It was decided. Time to reset the batteries. Time to add fuel to the tank. Do some shopping for bandaids and hit an ATM. Find a nice hotel and soak the feet. 

Last night, we knew that it was time to rest the pilgrim bodies. We had a schedule that was aggressive and as we met more and more pilgrims, it became apparent that 'rest days' needed to be added to the vocabulary. San Domingo was only seven kilometres away, but had all the amenities we were looking for. So, I booked a hotel room online at the Parador - we were going from bunk beds and bed bugs to a four star historical hotel. 

The Parador that we stayed in was originally built by the Saint for whom Santo Domingo is named as a hospital for pilgrims. This amazing architectural building felt like a hospital to our weary bodies. We arrived in at 10:00am and as we were storing our bags they announced that we were able to get in one of our rooms then! When does that happen? 

The pilgrims arrive

Exhausted pilgrims in real beds

An amazing hotel to recharge in

We travelled around town doing our errands. It is so interesting how Spainsh open their stores, do a little business and then close up around 2:00pm for their siesta. The town becomes deserted. 

Locally grown produce

After hot baths, banking, shopping and naps, we regrouped for a picnic snack. 

The staples - bread, meat, cheese, fruit and wine

Edith and I decided it was time for some culture so we toured the Cathedral. 

Do I look cultured? Or like a minion pilgrim?

And then we climbed the 70m bell tower and enjoyed the beautiful views of the city. 

While wondering around town we met up with some old friends and made some new. We arranged to meet Tracy for dinner. 

Patio outside our hotel

For most evenings, we have enjoyed what is called the 'pilgrim meal' designed to give pilgrims the calories they need in a fast efficient manner. It is a three course meal, and we have had some great ones. Tonight, for 10 Euro, I had a huge salad, chicken breast served with fries and then the most wonderful melt in your mouth, tiramisu dessert. And of course it comes with red wine. 

Then we walked home, fuelled by good food and great company. 

With the Camino, like the terrain, there are highs and lows. Today was a great day. As we ate our lunch, I read the blog to my fellow travellers. We had the amazing opportunity to laugh, cry and reflect on all the has taken place inour journey   so far. You can forget the small joys, and it was a great moment for us to share our success. We have a long way to go, but we have come so far. I read all the amazing comments and Facebook  messages out loud. We are so fortunate to have such a caring support group behind us. Your wishes are giving us strength. Tomorrow is another day on the trail - but today we enjoyed the moment and the little things in life that we often take for granted. 

Cheer of the day from Wendy - for the first time in two weeks I have not been in the same room as Wendy as I write. Maybe that will be her cheer?!? 

I think it may be that she got to rest her weary feet and visit with an understanding pharmacist who gave her some great foot advice. Or that she got to visit with some old friends and make some more... 

Wendy and the waitress