Day 13: Tardajos

We were awoken by echoing church hymns likely recorded in a cathedral. A few minutes later the lights came on. More minutes later Mari-Noel came to wish us a good morning.

Coffee, fruit, jam and toast was waiting for us on the dining table. The young andaluz had already eaten and left, so just us girls ate and chatted. Mari-Noel reminded us of the time. We had to be out by 8am. We cleaned up the table and dishes, took chocolate for the road and a sweet reminder message of God's pressence, left donations for the meal, and finished getting ready. I felt inclined to take Mari-Noel aside and offer her money for tending to me so sweetly with my ankle. She rejected the offer but seemed very appreciative at the thought. "You'll need it."

I helped her clean up our room, said goodbye and thanks, and grabbed the bag of trash to take it out on my way.

Sometimes pilgrims leave behind things. There were some walking poles in a bin that pilgrims had left. I considered taking one. Twice. But didn't. What if it makes no difference?

I took the trash to the dumpster, and was on my way. I headed for the cathedral across the river once more to see if Camille might be there. On my way an old post office and telegraph building. There should be a picture attached.

At the cathedral, Camille wasn't there. I did, however, see Alya again, and Olya and David. Also another new guy from Ecuador (who was very enthusiastic about all he'd seen in Burgos) and an Irish guy. They planned to sight-see today in Burgos. I asked Olya to tell Camille of my plans if she saw her.

I started my walk. My mood has been so somber and indifferent today. Maybe I'm grieving missing Camille's company? I need to get over that. We each have our own Camino to walk.

I picked up some spandex pants out of a pile of clothes by a dumpster (no Goodwills here I guess) I can maybe use since my pants I'm using are 3+ sizes too big now.

I also stopped and talked to an elderly local about politics for several minutes. Because, why not?

Several cyclist passed me by. No other walking pilgrims on the trail with me today that I saw.

I peed behind a bridge pillar. Couldn't hold it.

Arrived in Tardajos (only 12km walk for me today) at around 12:30pm. Got to the municipal albergue 4.5 hours before check-in, so I just stayed at a trashy bar across the street and wrote typed these three blogs. This town isn't the best one. I'm getting a crystal meth vibe. The bar was playing a Spanish version of Jerry Springer on the TV. Not a translated one, but their own version. Ugh. And I ordered a hot dog because it seemed cheap and filling, but it was deep-fried and not filling. I feel very negative about today.

Made it unto the albergue. The hospitalero is really nice. Not creepy at all. My roommates are all older. A couple from Slovenia, a guy from Germany, a lady from New Jersey, a Asian guy from the U.S.

After I showered and did laundry, I just napped and blogged. I'll go post these at the bar. Maybe go to the grocery store. Hopefully talk to my mom or someone. I'm just feeling down. You've gotta feel down sometimes to recognize how nice it is to be up.

My legs look so much better. My blisters are healing. Prayer and care. Things to be grateful for.

P.s. Olya just came in with an Irish guy. I had gone to the bakery to get chorizo, dried fruit, and a baguette. I came back to the albergue and shared food and conversation with them both. I'm learninh to freely share my faith here, even with people who claim to have none. It's making me bolder. It's making me shameless.