From Arzua to Amenal

Another 23 kilometres today.  It wasn't very busy and I suspect the people I had encountered the last couple of days were quickly doing the mileage (40k today rather than my 23k) to get to Santiago for tonight's large fireworks display. It is supposed to rival France's last fireworks display for the Tour de France, complete with a laser display. Plus  the royal family will be there. Hmmm.  I didn't even know tomorrow was the fiesta in Santiago until a week ago, so obviously couldn't plan for it. Pity.

So there were longer stretches when I was completely on my own

Still,  you bump into people you've encountered in the last few days.  I chatted to a typical born and bred New Yorker who reminded me a little bit of a Woody Allen movie. Then a German girl who has been doing the Camino for years, a little bit at a time. She started in Cologne (where the Camino trail to Santiago exists) and is finally arriving in Santiago tomorrow!

And best of all, I had a good seafood meal (barbecued and fresh) followed by a massage!  Bliss!

I can see why people write books about the Camino tales, people's stories and journeys.It can be interesting (specially the travellers tales) and moving (mourning for a teenage child hit by a car). But, it's not for everyone.  If you don't like speaking to strangers, and don't have the curiosity or patience, it can be very trying and incredibly irritating. As one Texan woman said to me today, "Why can't they just get their act together?!", which really made me laugh.

I also learned something new.  Apparently Jesus Christ was born in the summer but his birthday was moved to the winter so as not to upset the pagans and their winter solstice practice.  I must have been asleep in religious studies when they taught this. And many theories lie about who is actually buried in Santiago.  But it doesn't matter, am excited to see the city during its birthday!