This is a pretty village/city perched on a mountain side and the views across the valleys to the snow capped mountains are stunning.
After a long welcome soak in a hot bath yesterday, we went looking for a beer (it really is an inconvenience that supper is only available so late …). Derrick had decided that the hotel bar lacked ‘atmosphere’ and we needed to explore. On weary legs the Centro Bar across the street was an obvious first stop….. no shortage of atmosphere here; dark, dingy, cigarette machine with jukebox lights, door to the gents hanging at a fascinating angle and 3 old soaks loadly celebrating the end of the day (or breakfast). One of these fellows, perhaps trying to get our attention, bellowed a few melodious notes at random intervals. We had a beer and I felt luck to have escaped without further notice. Our next stop was also close by and we enjoyed the beer on tap. We returned to the hotel for the Pilgrim menu; large bowl of pasta, fish&chips and an orange.
Our hotel overlooks the green City Hall ……. yup, it also has a bell tower visible from my room that tolls on the hour; twas a long night.
After a full English breakfast this morning we walked to Iglesia San Pedro hoping to find a Mass. The church dates back very many centuries but doesn’t look as if it’s been used in the last two; one Mass a week on a Thursday (so much for their Catholic tradition).
After a delicious hot chocolate (only 4 degrees outside) and a little later a toasted cheese and ham sandwich we retired to rest till supper.
The next three stages of our journey are the toughest. Tomorrow is 31kms through the mountains and rain has been forecast. Looks like muddy bog is going to be the biggest challenge…… no beer or wine for the pilgrims tonight.
Till next time, God bless.
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