We had a really good paella for dinner but a pre-packaged flan was way below Galician standards. We did share some excellent croquetas as an appetizer, the quest continues.
STAGE 30
Portomarín to Palas de Rei
26.1 km/16.2 miles
Time Walked, 5:47
Total Distance Walked, 729.4 km/453.2 miles
Total Time Walked, 176:16
30 Nights in Albergues, 182 Euros
Distance to Santiago de Compostela
69.2 km/43.0 miles
After a poor night's sleep due mostly to unrest and moaning by the newbies, we shoved off at 7:03 full of energy and good spirits since we only had four more days of walking the Camino. I did have a small scare when I thought someone had taken my walking shoes but I found that somehow they had ended up on the other side of a very large room.
A big concern for us is a scheduled General Strike, HUELGA!, scheduled for next Wednesday, the day after we enter Santiago de Compostela. It may or may not paralyze the city's transportation systems. If worse comes to worse, I'll just walk the mere seven miles to the airport to fly back to Copenhagen. We'll see. . .
We had nice cloud cover, low temperatures and no rain today for our walk to Palas de Rei, population 4,500. We did get to enjoy more tree canopied paths and farm landscapes to make the stroll interesting.
I walked most of the day with Ste. Jillian. She is tough and can walk at a very brisk pace for long distances. She is funny and light hearted thus a good walking companion. As usual, at the 12 km mark, we started talking about the food we miss from home. Today's topic "Mexican Chain Restaurants." Ste. Jillian opted for Chipotles while I countered with Baja Fresh. What do you think?
Today on the Camino, the newbies did their best impression of "Night of the Living Dead." My alberque room has ten beds and smells like an Atomic Balm factory. Hee, hee, hee. . .
In Spanish, the United States translates into Estados Unidos. Instead of abbreviating it to E.U., in Spanish it is shortened to EE.UU. Why?
We went out for a light lunch and shared raciones that included a Galician favorite, pulpo. That is octopus to you and in an excellent garlic sauce really hit the spot!
Overall, I sense an overwhelming feeling of inner peace and strength as the Camino winds down. I love my new friends, miss my old ones but mostly can't wait to get home to be with my family again.
Home soon!
Vamos Bien y Con Animos!!
BUEN CAMINO!!!
5 comments:
Just a guess, but could the EE.UU. abbreviation be to avoid confusion with the European Union?
Darned newbies.
I guess the spanish abbreviations take the same rule as the italian ones. When the abbreviation refers to "plural" words, the abbreviation is doubled.
Examples are (in italian):
VV.FF. = Vigili del Fuoco
The European Union in spanish is U.E. (Union Europea).
Chipotle.
Baja Fresh....but BEFORE they were bought out. If Bobbies were actually a chain, they would have my vote hands down. Though, Corrales does a pretty mean breakfast burrito. And Olas, oh baby.....
George, congratulations! Camino Buddies has enjoyed your posts. Buen Camino!
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