Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Day 6 - part two - Estella to Los Arcos

After visiting the free wine font early this morning (however good wine is, especially if it is free, it doesn't seem right to drink it when you can still taste the toothpaste in your mouth) maybe I am getting fussy. Well it was about 07:30.
I walked alone all day today knowing that Paul was somewhere behind me but we lost Gina yesterday. Her feet are causing her a lot of trouble. (and for many others - strapped and bandaged feet are quite common for some.) We believe she is ok somewhere on the Camino and hope to see her soon My own are in great shape- "listen to your feet; then listen to the birds"
Wonderful scenery again. Now entering olive and grape country. We are still in Navarra region but tomorrow we enter Rioja country and the capital; LogroƱo.
I eventually decided where I would stop walking for the day. Los Arcos is a small town with an incredible church.
About 70% of the inside is covered in gold. A couple of photos below; how did they do this 600 years ago?
Stefan the German has caught up today and seems to be a bit calmer. We also met Mary the Croatian singer and ukulele player (she is travelling with a chap who is her manager but calls himself her pimp)
There were 14 of us sat around the table in the square (from 12 different nations; Dutch, English, German, Croatian, Spanish, French, Irish, Canadian, American, Swiss, Italian and Belgian. (Mary was originally from Australia.) I am still the only Brit I have met.
As we sat in the square having a coffee, beer or sangria she played and sang for us. Everyone in the town stopped to listen and applauded when she stopped. I will try and upload some video soon. It was very special, even when Stefan accompanied to Louis Armstrong's "what a wonderful world"

Some photos of walking, my lunch, my pilgrims dinner, the church, a grocery delivery though a tight space, some goats and even St James who Santiago is named after.

3 comments:

  1. retrospective comment......
    could not believ there were no comments for this great day, some memorable experiences, especially unlimited free red wine at 8am.....no wonder spain needs the bail out... Steve n

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  2. That was such a memorable evening. Hello from Davor and Mary :)

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  3. Hey Ian, have just read your blog and really enjoyed hearing about your fabulous trip and looking at your photo's - thanks for sharing and making me laugh! You're missing some truly shite weather here :-) - I'm going to Isle of Wight festival next weekend and REALLY hope it bucks up!
    Anyway - keep writing the blog please - it's an absolute pleasure and a priveledge to read it - I'm in awe! Jax x

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