Staying at the convent Casa de Beneficienia was an interesting experience. The convent is locked between 2 and 3;30 pm. After we had hung out our washing and got caught in a massive downpour my enthusiasm for exploring the town evaporated and I preferred to retreat to my sleeping bag and get warm and rest. Andy discovered he was locked in so spent the time reading while Peter and I snoozed. He eventually went exploring after the doors were unlocked. The town was closed due to Easter Monday. We found the church for Mass which was not in the building we were in but a hostel for disabled and old people across the courtyard. In my search I stumbled on a very lavish chapel with an amazing Virgin Mary set in an elaborate silver throne. I took the sacrament and we later were called up by the priest after the usual comgregation had gone. He blessed us and prayed for our journey on the Camino. Actually it was very poignant and he gave us all a sheet In our language. We then went to the communal dinner. It was a simple meal. The soup looked like it had worms but it was actually bread in a tomato based soup. The next course was pork and salad which was pleasant followed by the most delicious pears. The best part was that we had to help with the washing up and it was total chaos with 20 pilgrims all fighting to wipe a plate. I ended up,as the smallest person, passing plates and cups to the waiting group. It was hilarious and everyone thought it was a huge joke trying to get a plate or spoon before someone else. Then we retired but felt too awake so we played cards for a while. The guys taught me a game called knock out whist where if you get knocked out you have to bark for a card. The other pilgrims thought we were rather odd. The hostelaria reminded us that we needed to be up and ready to leave soon after 7:00 am.
Sure enough he was in the room turning on the lights in the morning and we were gone by 7:30 am. We trundled across the road to a bar and had cafe con leche and chocolate croissants. I started to feel a bit odd in the tummy. Last night's soup?
As we walked out of town we were rushed by these two dogs, one of which was almost as big as me. A St Bernard cross with a mastiff or a horse! I held up my sticks and the guys yelled at them. It is the first time I have been bothered by dogs in Spain. Mostly they are benign or super friendly.
After that it was plain sailing to the next small town where we hoped to get a drink. Not a thing open and it was 9:30 am. As we walked out of town we saw a night club of all things- a dubious looking place . We decided they must have all partied the night before. The next town was 16 kms and Peter and I said we needed to stop for juice and lunch even though it was only 11:00 am . We walked off the Camino route to this little place and went to Los Vegas restaurant, excellent fresh made tortilla bocadilla and fresh juice. Eventually we came to Valdesalor. 27 .5 km but feeling pretty good. Municipal Albergue right on edge of town. Clean un fussy. Shower window opens to the world! We used the washing machine, what luxury. Town pretty sparse. Andy and I played cards all afternoon on delicious olives and a rough red then went to dinner feeling a bit light headed. A nice restful day . Only issue is that I am down to three euros and we haven't gone past a bank or hole in the wall for three towns. I am now dependent on my Camino friends after paying for my bed at the albergue. Next town is Caceres and there will be a bank as it is large.
Roman milestone
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