After settling into the albergue yesterday, a German woman in her 40's arrived, a Polack in his 30's and a Spanard in his 60's. To only have 7 guests total in an albergue is unusual, but we were in a small town that is in between the main stages in the most populat guidebooks.
As we sat outside talking with the German, she showed us a terrible rash she had developed prior to even starting the Camino. From experience anf talking with the woman, Gisela was able to diagnose that it was related to a mosquito bit. We offered to take her to the pharmacy to get some medicine.
One common practice in Spain is that many shops have odd hours. The pharmacy in Espinal was only open from 8 to 3, and it was already 5pm. Not to be deterred, Gisela called "112" which is Spain's emergency number for all medical conditions. She was able to book an appointment for 5:45 in the next town. The owner of the Albergue drove them to the doctor.
Gisela was able to translate and get her the proper medicine, doing all the translation and reassurance. They returned to the albergue, and we all shared dinner together...sandwiches, olives, peanuts, cheese and chocolate. It was a lot of fun getting to know our new friend. She was disappointed that the doctor told her to rest for 2 days. We will probably meet up with her in Pamplona.
We woke up early this morning and were on the trail by 6 : 30. After 10 miles and 5 hours we arrived at Zubiri. We had planned on walking another 3 miles, but the village was beautiful and has a stream running by the edge of town. Concerned about pushing ourselves too much, we decided to call it a day. After all, it's my birthday, and I wanted to relax a bit.
We found a small albergue (24 beds), checked in, showered, did the laundry, and went out to lunch. After a "pilgrims menu," which consists of three courses, salad or paella, chicken or other meat, and dessert or fruit, we walked down to the stream and cooled our feet down. It was nice to sit back, relax, and ice down our tired feet.
Zubiri is a main stopping location in the guidebook, and the small town is filled with pilgrims. It is quite a different feel from the last two days. More pilgrims to meet and stories to share. Off for Pamplona in the morning. The running of the bulls is not for another two weeks, so it shouldn't be too crazy, but it is Saturday night.
Love your pictures today...the cool river looks so inviting and must have felt wonderful. Poor little lamb...what a dinner she would make!! Glad Gisela
ReplyDeletewas able to help the German lady. Such fun meeting people from other countries...Happy Birthday again, Joey. love to all and especially you on your
special day. Mom