Arzua

Today's 14 kilometer walk was difficult for me.

 I didn't get much sleep again last night. There were about 5 people in the dorm competing for 'Loudest Snoring in the World' Award!!  I had my super duper  earplugs in and it sounded like a bunch of chainsaws were in the room. This was around midnight. I realize people snore. I've been told I snore. But that doesn't change the fact that I can't sleep when people are loudly snoring. 

So, I spent 4 hours on the short leather couch in the sala. Then I was awakened at 4:45 am by the notorious night-walking zombie-pilgrims turning on the overhead lights. It's difficult for me to be cheerful at 4:45 am.  I may have even growled at them. 

My primary caretaker was my grandfather. He loved loved tent camping and I grew up tent camping a lot!  But a day came when he decided the only way he would camp was in an RV with His 'own room.'

I think I'm at that point in life where I need my own room. I need quiet, dark, and cold to sleep and that's just a fact I'm facing this Camino. 

I got a private room again tonight and have one booked tomorrow as well as in Santiago. I will make it to Santiago, but on my own terms. And that's ok with me. 

I had one reader tell me I was whining and being negative. But you know what?  People need honesty about the Camino. 

This is not a cake walk!  Sure, it is spiritual, wonderful, and life changing. But it is also as bad as the worst day you can imagine. It's dirty, and cold, and hot, and wet, and often painful physically and emotionally, and it is one of most difficult  things you will ever do in your life. 

So no sugar coating here. 

Sorry. 

It is what it is. 

And each person has their own personal experience. 

My budget is screeching. I didn't factor in all these private rooms. But hey, you only live once. I will try to make it up when I take care of Little Fox House while Tracy takes a well-deserved break. 

Below are a few photos. Today's walk had some hill climbing but I think they felt more steep due to my weariness. 

The stained glass window is in the little church in Boente. Be sure to stop there for a sello. 

The fuzzy thing is a seed from a eucalyptus tree. I've never seen one with the flower it was really interesting. 

One photo is of my dinner here at the Casa Teodora. It was spareribs and potatoes and it was so good, I almost cried. 

Father Jeff, remember the meal you and Lottie and Pam and I had in Arco?  It was that good!  It was followed by cheeeeeesecake. So much for walking off today's calories!  I ate the cake before I thought to take a photo. But it was as pretty as it was delicious!

Now for a :::drumroll::: B.A.T.H.!

With all the hot water I need to fill it up!

Tomorrow, Arco and Pension Maribel. 

After a good night's rest ...

Ciao!