What a beautiful morning

We are getting used to the Camino rhythm now. Around 5:30-6 am pilgrims start rustling around in their packs in the dark. We join in; rolling our sleep sheets, finding our toothbrush and deodorant and day clothes, filling water bottles and attempting to shove everything into our packs. Eventually someone decides it is time to turn on the lights and it all gets a bit easier. I hadn't thought about how challenging it is to try to organize your things while they are on a bunk bed that is usually so low you can't even sit up. There is a lot of bending over at awkward angles for your back. Our boots/ hiking shoes are usually kept downstairs ( oh yes, there are always lots of stairs to climb to your room) which we gently try to put on over our blistered or swollen feet. The first few steps outside feel precarious, especially since it is often dark and the streets or paths wet. 

Sometimes we opt for coffee right away; other times we walk a few km to the next village. Today there wasn't supposed to be any villages for 12.5km, but a guy had set up a stand about halfway with coffee and sandwiches. Unfortunately he didn't also provide a toilet. But when nature calls, you find a way😉

Eventually we make it into town to check into our albergue or to have lunch depending on the length of the walk.  We shower, wash clothes, eat and then hang out in the main square or park until dinner. After dinner it is pretty much just going to bed. Some try to go to sleep as early as 8, but standard lights out is 10. 

Last night I went to a Jesus Meditation after dinner. About a dozen of us sat around in the small stone walled meditation room while the albergue director played some relaxing music for about 20 minutes before reading some verses from scripture. It was nice and calming and centering. I fell asleep very quickly afterwards.

We had such a wonderful day yesterday with the fellow pilgrims staying at our albergue. We pretty much screamed with laughter while sharing stories during our happy hour and then continued on with the good humor during dinner. Today has been more mellow and uneventful, but nice in its own way.