It´s the end of the world as we know it...

...and I feel (super extra special) fine!

Okay, so just like I am a horrible phone caller, e-mailer, etc., I am a horrible blogger. Jonah arrived at El Cebreiro to meet me at the top of the mountain. I couldn´t imagine a better place to meet. Imagine fog drifting in off of the mountains, stunning sunsets, little round thatch roofed huts, celtic bagpipes playing in the background, and overall elation from everyone for having just completed the monsterous climb to the top of the mountain. The morning was equally stunning as you look down and see the clouds are actually below you in the valley. This is not my mental picture of Spain, but it is absolutely gorgeous. We continued through Galicia and ate the speciality of the region, pulpo, which is essentially octopus that has been beaten for hours while alive (so I´ve been told), boiled in a big vat, cut up with scissors, and sprinkled with paprika. It was actually quite good. Did I mention that being a vegetarian has gone completely out of the window? The hike through Galicia has been lovely, and cool, and even involved a little bit of rain, which I had almost forgotten existed on this trek. We ended at Santiago on Tuesday, and it is the most stunning city of all time. The cathedral is amazing, there are musicians playing guitar, singing opera, playing violin in the streets. Then when I thought things couldn´t get any better, we took the bus to Finisterre, which is absolutely stunning. Today, we plan to walk to the end of the world and watch the sun set over the ocean with a bottle of wine and a picnic. I love Spain!

lesson # 732 and 733

Today, I walked the 33 km from Leon to Hospital de O...... It was mostly flat, and I am told is a very impressive accomplishment for a ´chica.´Walked into the parossial albergue to the sound of Gregorian chants and took one look at the lovely, tranquil garden and decided I was staying here, even if that meant I wouldn´t know anyone at all. Well, I got to know someone really quickly as I forgot to lock the door to the shower (which also happens to open onto the courtyard) and was in the midst of towelling off my sweat when a young Spanish man opened the door. I screamed, he apologized 32 times, everyone got a good laugh. I came out of the stall a few moments later, curtsied to my adoring fans, and continued on my merry way (lesson 732 = always lock the door). I walked to the back yard and preceded to wash my clothes, by hand, again. I cursed my mother for never teaching me how to hand wash my clothing, and was taught how to use the washboard by an old Spaniard who pretty much laughed at me for about five minutes because of my poor laundering abilities (lesson 733 - wash clothes in private).

too tired to be creative

I reached Burgos today. They are having their annual festival and the streets are full of people and loud music, performers, people selling balloons, etc. I went to a bull fight which was...interesting. A true test of my decision not to judge other cultures. Afterwards, we decided we´ve had enough of Spanish culture and ate cheap Chinese food. I catch the bus in the morning to Leon which is awesome as I have sun poisoning, a bum left knee, and a new blister on my heel. I definitely need a break. Still having fun, but very tired. Too much to process. The walking has been lovely the last two days except for the last hour into Burgos. I am also quite nervous about skipping ahead because that means I´m leaving all the people I´ve been seeing for the past twelve days. Miss you all,