Day 15: Belorada -Villa Franca, 13 km
(June 13, 2023)
The morning started off cool when I started my walk around 7:45am. I wore a sweater to keep warm. The sun was shining with a gentle breeze. This morning I get to walk through Beloreda, admiring many beautiful murals and it was clear that they all show stories of the Camino and the Pilgrams walking on it. It was early morning, the town was still sleeping and quiet.
Soon, I walked out of the town, passing few small bridges into the countryside with nature again!
After walking the past two days in the company of Elena and Rick, I found myself alone again. While I missed their company, felt more relaxed knowing that I could now take my time, walking at a slower pace to appreciate the beautiful countryside open fields and abundant wildflowers, taking more photos and enjoy the quiet and peaceful time.
As I passed a large coffee shop with its name painted on a pink wall, I decided to stop for a coffee. To my surprise, I spotted Rita leaving the café as I entered. With no one else around, I enjoyed my coffee in solitude. Later, I made a brief detour to another coffee place for a restroom break but refrained from ordering more coffee.
The path remained tranquil, although certain sections were muddied, and I encountered an impolite cyclist along the way.
During my journey, I crossed paths with an Irish couple named Iren and Peter, both retirees in their late 60s. They were traveling in style, opting for hotels and using a bus to transport their backpacks to each stopping point. They engaged me in conversation, and we even took some photographs together. Their curiosity about my journey hinted at a desire for entertainment.
Today brought forth a diverse landscape, featuring charming villages, captivating murals, churches with distinct architectural styles, bubbling water fountains, and an abundance of wildflowers, all set against colorful landscapes.
Around 12:45 pm, I arrived at the San Anton Abad pilgrim's hostel, a recommendation from Rita. The establishment was impressive, offering both hotel rooms and Albergue-style accommodations.
This hostel once served as a hospital for pilgrims. Unlike other places, it boasted beds partitioned for privacy, eschewing the typical bunk beds. Rita, true to form, had secured the best bed in the front row, close to the window. I settled for a bed in the second row. The room housed a total of 16 beds.
The Albergue/Hotel was well-appointed, featuring a spacious garden and backyard. Iren couldn't help but extol the beauty of the hotel, leading me on a tour to their room. I felt as though I had stepped into a luxurious 5-star hotel indeed!
Just like yesterday, it started raining after I had arrived at the Albergue. Later, I made a quick trip to the store to grab some snacks.
For dinner, I joined Rita, Iren, and Peter, along with other pilgrims, in the Albergue's fancy dining room.
Today is a typical Camino day: the day's routine consisted of walking, stopping for coffee along the way, checking into the Albergue, heading out for a small treat or a glass of wine, taking a shower, doing some laundry, taking a nap, going out again, having dinner, and finally going to bed!
