Down.
If yesterday’s word was “up,” then today’s must be “down” because most of our walk was a long and gradual descent. But, it did start in the mountains with some spectacular views.
As we headed downward, we went through several small medieval towns. It seems to me that many of these villages are practically uninhabited these days both by the condition of the buildings and just the general lack of people and activity in them. However, they have a certain charm and appeal about them, and it’s fun to imagine what they were like in the 14th or 15th century.
One town even has an 800-year-old Chestnut tree.
The Camino offered us another option today, and we had already decided to go in the direction of Samos where we would spend the night.
It is home to the Benedictine monastery of Saint Julian which is still an active monastery with 12 monks in residence. The foundation of the monastery dates to the sixth century and over time grew to be quite large. I took a tour of the monastery but unfortunately did not understand much as it was all in Spanish, but it was still fun to walk around the grounds. I also went to mass in the monastery church and at the end received the pilgrims blessing from the Prior.
I did, however, understand that the sacristy houses Saint Benedict’s femur!
Tonight‘s dinner was a beautiful board of meats and cheeses from the region. It was muy delicioso!
Buen Camino!
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