Yesterday took a toll on our bodies. We therefore decided to make today a rest day. We took the metro to the outside of the city center. This cut a number of km's which meant we only had to walk roughly 13, but with detours and taking the wrong route we ended up with 15.
The guide book is sometimes not as clear, which is a blessing in disguise. We were too early to get into the monastery, so we continued on our way. It was at this stage where an angel stopped and asked (in Portugues) if we are going to Santiago. Yes! "But you are on the wrong way!" He phones his wife, who can speak English and she directs us. He makes sure that we get onto the right road. We are stil looking for the pilgrams albergue, which is just mentioned in the guide book. We walk into the little village. The guide book mentions that the pharmacist at the end of the village is friendly. We stop there and ask for directions. It turns out that the key of the albergue is at the coffee shop across the street. It is free of charge. We get the key and directions. "Just bring the key back here tomorrow when you leave".
So, backtrack again to find a room with two bunk beds and a shower. It is quiet, we should get a good night's sleep. Then back into the village to get something to eat. At the first restaurant we stop for the pilgrims menue. The owner is more than friendly. The wine is on the house, if we want more please ask. He gives us his card with contact details. "If you need help anywhere on the route, even in Spain, please call me."
What can we say. God is good! He is merciful and full of grace. He still reveals himself through normal, everyday people!
We stop at the chemist again. I buy some flu medicine and ask directions to the mini-market for bread and cheese. We then walked to a coffee shop where the owners lived in SA some twenty years ago. We will have coffee there later and do the wifi-thing.
Tomorrow we will, hopefully set off early to cover the next stage of the journey.
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