The morning was gorgeous. We had about 10 minutes of rain yesterday in Itero de la Vega...with some excellent booms of thunder. But it was short-lived because we woke up to beautiful blue skies and a waxing moon that was still putting on a show.
I had something special happen. I had walked nearly 2 hours and my right foot was reminding me I needed to take a break. I started looking for anything resembling a bench and soon a nice piece of cement invited me over. There was an Italian man who stopped to ask if I was okay...so sweet. And of course, I was fine...just a quick rest and adjustment of the socks and I was back on the road. I took a picture of the Italian man and when I was pleasantly surprised by an open coffee shop in Boadilla del Camino, I saw him. The coffee was the best I have had on the Camino. It didn't hurt that the owner/barrista was charming and good looking. His mother makes the wonderful Tarte de Santiago for his shop...almond cake...that was quickly disappearing from a glass case. He shook his finger "no, no..." when I tried to take Francine her cappuccino. "I bring it."
Meanwhile...I went over to the Italian's table to show him the picture. At first, I think he thought I was a nut job who was trying to impress people with the pictures on my phone. But as we zoomed in, he could see that it was him and he was excited. Then ensued a conversation where both of us were talking louder and faster trying to make the other understand. I made a note of his phone number and told him I would send it later.
Fromista was a bit disappointing to me. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but the town was full of tourists. Mass had just gotten out, so I didn't feel right about going into the church...and I wasn't hungry because I had had coffee and that wonderful almond cake. I did take a picture of the church and the plaza, but did not stick around.
The walk then took me through the small towns of Población de Campos, Revenga de Campos, and Villavieco along a canal that even has its own ferry.
I arrived in Villalcázar de Sirga around 1 and found Polly in the square with pizza and an Aquarius (Spain's version of Gatorade). When Francine arrived we checked into our room with Camilla's help. Camilla is here in Spain working for her uncle who owns the hotel and restaurant. She is adorable.
This is the picture I took of the Italian man and his reply.
It sounds like you are meeting some great people and my so many names of places it's lu KY you're writing them down. Almond cake and an Italian....sounds just right. I can't remember the time difference but perhaps I am the first to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Enjoy !
ReplyDeleteI so loved the man’s beautiful note to you!
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