I finally got a good nights sleep last night. I am writing this from a delightful cafe in Logrono, 
waiting a few hours to check in to the Pensione. I took a taxi today to give my feet time to heal.
I enjoy my current “pack”. Jayne, a phd cybersecurity expert from Oklahoma, her son Justin, an engineer and Lea, a German kindergarten teacher. Michele from Florida is part of the pack, but she has separate lodging she pre booked.
Jayne has taken Lea (29) under her wing. The Camino provides. Lea has had a hard life. She lost both parents, family couldn’t care for her and she had to go to boarding school. Jayne is a mother figure for her. Lea often tears up in Jayne’s presence.
The Camino provides caring people and a serene environment to open up about your life. I walked for a long time with Michele yesterday. We both shared information about our lives and struggles. Very helpful for me.
There is a Norah Jones song playing in the cafe. I am at peace.
Back to last night at the Albergue: There is a creepy guy from Wisconsin on the Camino. Lea keeps running into him. Last night he tried to sit next to her at dinner. We quickly changed seats to avoid that. I think he is mentally challenged. Jayne and Lea think he is a deviant-a fake pilgrim. I asked Justin what he thought. He said, “Of Mice and Men”. I understood.
[For anyone who has not read the Steinbeck novel - look up “Of Mice and Men”on Wikipedia with reference to the character Lennie].Of Mice And Men
During dinner, I talked to Lea about the Camino. I told her that Jayne is good for her. Tears welled up in her eyes. We discussed Michele. Lea told me about how she and Michele walked together and cried in silence.
I am struck by the awesome beauty of the women in Spain. Well dressed.
Logrono is a bigger city. In Rioja. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to explore. With Logrono, I continue to be impressed by Spain.
Lea and I agreed last night that it is preferable to walk the Camino alone. You have much more freedom: to branch out or not; to choose your own pace; to develop your own personal experience.
Love,
the bear
Still here for lunch:
No comments:
Post a Comment