People started leaving the albergue incredibly early this morning. The person in the bunk above me had an alarm that went off at 5.15am and at 5.45am he was out of the dorm. I surfaced a little later and at 6.35am was walking down the stairs - a new record for me - and I was alarmed to note that most people had gone already. What was I missing? In any case I plodded along and soon warmed up in the morning chill. Today´s walk was 26km to Ribadiso. Some people were walking further, but 26km is enough for me. I had more energy today - just as well because there were a LOT of ups and EVEN MORE downs to contend with. So a strenuous walk all in all.
It gives me great pleasure to count off the kilometres now. In Galicia along the Way (camino) there are markers counting down every 500m to Santiago. I passed the 40km marked today - hooray. (The markers are not that accurate because the routes have changed, but they are still fun to note.)
I reached Ribadiso at 1.30pm today and found a bed. I don´t think there is much more to this hamlet than 2 albergues, and a restaurent. As least I have´nt seen any evidence to the contrary yet. I settled in and discovered that the person in bunk next to me was Huri from Vienna and he was in the bunk next to me in Villafranca many moons ago- okay- a few days ago. So we had a good chat to catch up (in broken english as I dont speak german). I had lunch outside in this lovely restaurant and bumped into Owen an Aussie and H the Hungarian. Our paths keep on crossing. THey were walking on to Aruz, and Owen said that his older sister was staying here - look out for her. They go off, and while I was enjoying a glass of wine after eating, when 2 ladies arrive, and talk in English. So I went accross and said - are you Owen´s sister. She said yes and soon we were chatting and sharing experiences. That is what the community of the camino is like - a lot of friends sharing common and special experiences.
After that profundity, it is time to sign off - I need a snooze!
Ultreya! Suseya! God be with us! and may I be in Santiago on Friday!
Adios.
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