A day of rest, exploration and the perfect breakfast.
Today was a much-needed rest day, and we celebrated it with a leisurely, late breakfast. Let me just say this: hands down, the best breakfast I’ve had on the Camino so far. It was nothing short of AMAZING! Freshly made toast, local cheeses, bacon and scrambled eggs, perfectly brewed tea in a pot—every bite felt like a reward for the miles we’ve walked. If the Camino is a journey for the soul, this breakfast was a feast for the heart.
That said, I are still battling the flu, which has decided to overstay its welcome. Breathing has become an Olympic sport, especially when tackling the endless hills. And let me tell you, there are so many hills. I’ve lost count, but my trusty Ventolin puffer certainly hasn’t—it’s been working overtime. Kim’s been in the same boat, her puffer always at the ready. Honestly, if these hills had a fan club, we’d probably be the reluctant presidents.
So, what does a rest day look like for me? Simple: sleep. Glorious, uninterrupted sleep. I plan to drift off and wake up just in time for lunch. Recovery mode: activated.
Meanwhile, Alison and Kim are off exploring the city. They've got that adventurous spirit I admire—always ready to discover something new. Speaking of which, I’ve decided I need to come back someday to properly explore all the cities we’ve rushed through. There’s so much more to see beyond the Camino trail.
Alison’s also on a mission to upgrade her poncho game. The ones she brought from Dubbo Zoo and Aldi have served her well, but they’ve officially retired from duty. She’s picking up a new one for herself—and, being the gem she is, she’s getting one for me too. Camino fashion, here we come!
So, while today is all about rest and recovery, it’s also a reminder that even on the toughest days, there’s always something to smile about—whether it’s an incredible breakfast, a thoughtful friend, or the promise of a cozy nap.
So here's Alison's diary entry (again).
Alison:
Rest
day before the final seven days straight.
Sleep-in,
breakfast at 9am. The best breakfast yet. They just kept on bringing food.
Started with fresh squeezed orange juice.
Then toast with Jamón Serrano ham, turkey avocado and tomato. That was great give me a cup of tea to
finish. He brought the tea in a tea pot
with milk separate. Then he brought out
scrambled eggs and more toast. No not
finished yet, yogurt granola and blueberries and raspberries.
Well
after that breakfast we had to go and rest again because we couldn’t move.
Finally
11.15 we got motivated to look around. First down the Spanish Steps. For real,
in Spain not Italy. Straight to the farmacia. Then back across the road the
Camino shop for a poncho. The only ones
they had were one use ponchos. What is the point of that in this weather. We
did buy badges. Australian flag and the Camino scallop shell.
Back
up the Spanish steps and a Quick Look at the church Iglesia de Santa Marina. It
is only open at 7pm for pilgrim mass. We will have to go back then. Back past our hotel and Louise goes in to
rest. Kim and I head down to the other
end of the old town up on the hill. As we climb the hill towards the castle we
find church No 2 Iglesia de San Salvador. Then to the castle. Well what’s left
of the castle.
At breakfast we were told the story of the castle. A riot from the villagers ended the ownership of Foraleza de Sarria. All is left is the Campanario (bell tower). The house that we are staying in was built with stones from the castle. I am staying in the staff quarters and Kim and Louise are staying in the old stables. All renovated and look beautiful. We couldn’t find the monastery. Oh well.
Kim is ready for a rest so back
to the hotel. I found a couple of sport stores and asked the young guy on
reception to ring for me and see if they had ponchos. All good, google maps
ready, I walk to find the sports store.
Yes they have them. My arms got wet yesterday. So not just one for
Louise. I bought two. Next stop the
money exchange. 2 western union store.
The first one on the list is 10 minutes away. Google maps again on my
way. And the rain came tumbling down. I get there and it’s a tobacconist. They
only do money transfer. Ok the next one
is open to 2.30pm. On my way in the pouring rain. Get there and it’s 1.55pm. It’s closed. So
head back to the hotel and a hot shower.
Hang up my jeans to dry. Go down to give Louise her poncho look in the
glass door. Two bodies asleep in bed.
The first I hear from them is 5.47pm. We are ready for dinner. Pizza.
And back to bed. Very lazy day.
Steps 3,591
Accommodation: Casa Solance
Kim, Louise & Alison
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