First day done!

Left Seville at 8 am in the company of Guy the Frenchman who speaks no English, then soon met up with a group of English pilgrims. Nice to speak freely for a change.  Peter, Andrew and Karen have walked from Herefordshire to Rome in 2012. 

This is not a particularly pretty exit but it wasn't long before we had left this part and  entered the fields of Barley bordered with wild daisies and what we call paterson's curse.

The way is quite flat, my backpack is  not too heavy but I need to adjust to it.

Soon I meet Marian from Germany and we hit our stride and seem to leave everyone else behind. 

We pass a shepherd with a herd of goats. In one hand he has a mobile phone and in the other a stick which he holds out and the goats all move to one side to let us I pass! Well trained goats indeed. They are a red and red and white variety.  Quite handsome.

Marian and I talk about goat curry and goats cheese.

The 22 Kim's pass quickly and we arrive at Guillena at 1:00 pm. My feet are feeling the weight of the pack and it seems like I must have had a ridge in my sock as I have tender spot on my heel. We opt for the private albergue Luz del Camino where for 12€ we get bed and breakfast and a very welcoming hospitalara. This lady greets us like long lost friends with a hug and kiss on both cheeks. She is very proud of her small albergue and it is very clean and comfortable but only 12 beds. Marian and I get the back room but she then suggests the front room lower bunks. Then Peter and co walk in and she asks us to move out so they can all be together. We have a laugh when we realise it is for them. I think we have the better room as it is at the back of the house far from the  our gorgeous hostess puts all the washing in the machine and hangs it out for us. What a gem.

I take a stroll around town and find the bar Rigon de Sardiia with jamon hanging above the bar. I order a beer and small tapas of butter beans and fresh cut Jamon. The bartender gives me a sardine with garlic and olive oil. All delicious. Now I am replete I think I need a rest.

It is reassuring and satisfying to be on the Way  again. My legs feel tired now. What happened to my training? I must not walk so fast.

Marian has just come across a booklet about diarrhoea in which she and her husband were models for poses to asst recover and she is horrified that it is a huge booklet not a little brochure. We have a good laugh and say by the time she finishes the Camino she will look different but perhaps she could wear her glasses so she isn't recognised. We have a good laugh. Another pilgrim from the Trana Hostal walks in and greets me warmly.  The Camino magic begins.