2145 hrs 2/10/11

I am sleeping with three Spanish men!

Well, not exactly, but I thought I'd get your attention. I am staying in a Los Arcos albergue tonight and there happens to be two college-age guys from Pamplona who are walking with a donkey to Santiago (Donkey is carrying their packs). I got to pet the donkey, which for those who really know me, was so cool. As well, I got to hold and pet a little dog running through a Spanish village yesterday-- totally rewarding for me and reminds me of how much I miss my four-legged babies!

I advised Guillermo that I will be continuing the Camino, solo, as of tomorrow. He has continued to try to convince me otherwise tonight through promise of various sightseeing opportunities, but I just feel that I came here as a solo "peregrina" and I need to continue as a solo.  He has taught me a lot in terms culture and language, but I feel there is a bit too much "protection" occurring from him and not allowing me to navigate and experience the Camino for myself. So, most gracious adios goes out to Mr. Guillermo starting tomorrow. (Not to mention he is walking 41 km tomorrow-- no way!).

•••Special note:  I was blessed as a Camino Pilgrim by an honest-to-goodness Roman Catholic Priest tonight.  After leaving the local bar (like a cafe in US), Guillermo just had to open the doors of a medieval church here in Los Arcos, and lo and behold, there was a Thursday night Mass beginning. I walked in, took a pew, and commenced to take part in the entire mass. Afterward, Guillermo walked to the back chambers, introduced himself and told the Priest that we were Pilgrims to Santiago-- he spoke English to me and asked me to a separate area from the front of the church and then proceeded to bless myself and Guillermo for our travels.  It was wonderful!

Another 30K adventure tomorrow...