2030 hrs 2/12/11

Today was my first day to walk alone since St. Jean. I walked 29K today. I stopped when I wanted to, turned the directions I wanted to, and said "Hola" to at least 100 people today.  I also talked to myself for a little bit-- ya know i can be a pretty smart gal?

Physically, my feet are sore and still nursing blisters. I arrived in Najera at about 3:30 pm and tried to locate a private albergue (because they seem to be nicer), but no luck. I am staying at the municipal Albergue De Peregrinos for which I paid 5 Euro for a bed, hot shower, full kitchen (less the food), and several other room mates. The good thing is that I arrived much earlier than most of the others, so I got my choice of beds. There are nine pilgrims here tonight, a sharp contrast to what I've been experiencing so far at the Albergues.

There is one other female here tonight- Francesca from Germany. She speaks English and is also doing the Camino solo. We talked about walking with each other tomorrow, until maybe Burgos, since she will be taking the Camino slower than I will have to due to time constraints. She is a medical student in her last year before her residency begins, so said she had the time to do the walk now.  But, other than time she, too, does not yet know why she was called here.

Francesca seemed puzzled when I asked if anyone had seemed concerned or discouraging regarding her doing the Camino on her own, as a woman. She said that is just not the case for her-- we decided that maybe it is the cultural differences in that Germany has gotten past the gender inequalities more so than the US. I don't know the answer, but the issue continues to come up through conversation, etc.

I am posting photos of some of the common signs, objects, and symbols that guide me along the way. Sometimes my daily trek feels a bit like a really long treasure hunt game where I am readily aware of evidence of a seashell, a Camino sign, or a rustic yellow arrow sloppily painted on a rock or curbing. These are the common symbols that guide the pilgrims through the countryside and cities and villiages.

At times, there are mementos, artwork, and memorials left on display by pilgrims who have passed before me. I've seen some amazing graffiti artwork in tunnels, some touching memorials of Pilgrims who've parished on the Camino, as well as unique items like shoes hanging as if they, themselves, have given up. Today, there was about 200 meters of crosses made out of sticks lying along the ground which were hung in the openings of the chain link fence. I'm sure they'll be many more interesting items to see as I go along.

As for the secret to weight loss that I promised in yesterday's blog-- I have not weighed myself, however in just one week I am quite certain I am at least one pant size smaller. Soooo-- eat cheese, breads, chocolate, lots of red Spanish vino, and walk at least 17 miles each day to get those results.  Good luck!