30-07-2011 Casanova Mato – Arca O Pino

Yesterday I had some luck, The alberge had a price of 5 euro. They had a laundry machine (4.40) and wash drying machine (1 euro). I helped a Spanish guy who was busy before me with putting the laundry from the one machine to the other. Not everything was dry. My laundry took 29 minutes indicated the machine. Automatically adds soap. When the machine was finished I put my laundry in the drying machine and that should also take around 30 minutes. Mine was actually dry. I think because I had less clothes. I was happy I could pack my laundry right away without the need for waiting to dry more.

I went with a Spanish couple (Florentino and his wife) to a restaurant. They arranged it and I heard it and asked if I maybe could join them because there was no restaurant in the alberge. They said they would llike that. My Spanish was really helpful now. He thought I had 33 or 34 years of age. They had 2 kids. A son and a daughter. With a lot of pride they showed the photo of their pretty daughter. She is studying languages in London. She was able to speak English, German, Portugese and French beside her mothertongue Spanish. We enjoyed the conversations during the diner. I wanted to ask for a photo to remember this nice couple but the correct moment wasn’t there yet. After the diner they went outside to smoke a cigaret. Then Florentino asked it to me. Was nice! I gave my email address.

There was also a Scotsman in the restaurant who didn’t speak a word Spanish. The waiter asked me a lot to translate. I knew it all. Strange… me a translator.

The morning was hard. 6.13 I woke up. I already woke up before (around 5) but it was too dark to start walking. Unfortunately I had no flashlight. I would like to buy one soon. Walking went difficult but I arrived in 2 hours Melide which is around 9 km. I took a short time for a coffee and toast with jam. Writing in my journal. Charge my phone and a toilet break. Then we continue again… today a strange day… one day before the last day… I can’t believe it.

It’s now 12.45 and I arrived in Arzua. I have to do 18.8 km today. The bar is named Manala on the road Cima du Lugar 9 in Arzua. I took a break to eat something because it’s getting hotter and hotter and 19 km is still walking 4-5 hours. Happy for me I don’t have to do any laundry. I saw a waiting queue in front of a alberge. I prefer to walk more. I estimate that I will arrive at my goal for today around 18-19.00. Good enough. Arca O Pino which is around 42 km.

I think I arrived at 18.45. Really good. From here it’s 18 km to Santiago! A German speaking Belgian named Gregor walked with me. He is 20 and studies for construction manager. Intelligent and modern thinking guy. We enjoyed talking. Nice pace walked. My blister is hurting my foot. But ok 18 km! I just received a SMS from Huib. He arrived in Santiago… 24 days. I’m sure if he didn’t injure his knee he had probably arrived in Santiago 1-2 days earlier.

I’m curious what tomorrow is going to happen. I don’t have to do my laundry. The alberge is good. I have blankets. I’m going to try to get up at 04.00. Then I would arrive Santiago de Compostela around 09.00.

Diner in the evening joined with Gregor and Thale… a nice spontaneous 17 year old girl from North Germany. She walks with her 56 year old dad the camino. Her father has stomach ache and she is worried. He did walk in 1 day 100 km! Respect. Was nice.

Photo and video gallery :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrival province La Coruña

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the day before the last one

Unreal how nearby Santiago now is

After my break I’m aware how near Santiago really is

Arrived at 18.45 and the last day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eating day before arrival

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramond, Thale and Gregor evening dinner!