IT’S A LONG WAY FROM TIPPERARY TO SANTIAGO. Day 122.
A wonderfully quiet walk today. Had an interesting discussion with Tomas from Czech Republic at tea break. He still has anger towards his parents. Hope he can sort that out. I need to call my kids.
Arrived in Güermes and had bocadillo before walking to Albergue La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto and meeting hospitaleros Barbara and Thierry on the way.
Wonderful lunch at Albergue sitting with Sharon and Canadian woman. Salad and beans with good vino tinto. Shared clothes wash with Sharon and then relaxed to Beethoven and Puccini.
Had a wonderful moment with 3 Camino Solo buddies. Merle is from Estonia, Inese from Latvia, and Tomas from Lithuania. I had the 3 of them together and said, “How cool to have 3 people here from each of the Balkan Countries. How often have you 3 been with people from each of the Balkan’s?” They looked at each other and laughed and all said, “Never!”
Feeling strength and energy returning. Polish arrived Camille and Isabella and then Julio arrived with Inese. Guillermo as well. Nice dinner sitting with Inese but wonderful music by German couple on their last night as hospitaleros. They sang Wild Mountain Thyme on last song calling it a Scottish ballad. I said it was Irish song so then they did Fields of Athenry.
La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto is one of the finest albergues on this or any Camino. Unfortunately the owner, Father Ernesto was away. A friend of his, a doctor, told his story and desire to serve others and pilgrims. His journey around the world, which he called, “The University of Life” is mentioned in this history of the Albergue.