Day 7: from Cirauqui to Estella 13.6 km
(June 2, 2023)
Leaving Cirauqui was a breeze as the Camino was right outside our Albergue. Today proved to be the easiest day of all my walks so far. The route was flat and offered breathtaking scenery. Each passing day, my body grew accustomed to the routine, and my backpack felt lighter. I enjoyed the company of fellow walkers throughout the day.
Upon reaching the first village, I was delighted to find Stephen waiting for me at a charming street-side cafe. We shared a cup of coffee, and Stephen informed me of his decision to stay there instead of continuing to Estella as planned. He mentioned having plenty of time and opting for a slower pace. After bidding him farewell and expressing gratitude for the invaluable advice he had given me on the Camino, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. As I write this account of my journey, that sentiment lingers. It dawned on me that on the Camino, you share fleeting moments with fellow travelers, though the memories endure forever.
Leaving Stephen behind, I continued walking and soon encountered a Korean couple named Luci and her husband. I engaged in a brief conversation with Luci before we went our separate ways. Shortly after, I met Beth from New Orleans and Alex from Canada, who were walking together. We took a rest together and took some photos together, capturing snapshots of each other before I resumed my journey.
At one point, the scenery was so captivating that I couldn't resist stopping and asked a fellow walker to take more photos for me. Although I never learned his name due to the language barrier, he eagerly complied with my request. Originally intending to ask for a few snapshots but he gestured with his hands, directing me to walk in certain directions and adjust my position for better photos. Later, as I crossed a bridge, I spotted him resting under a tree, his shoes off. I decided to join him, and he offered me some Spanish sausages—a common delicacy in Spain. He then suggested that I walk back to the bridge, so he could capture more photos of me on the Camino. Then he pulls out of his smart phone and start to type in Google translate. After a while, he gave me his phone to read, and I saw the translation is from Korean to Japanese. I couldn't help but chuckle and told him that I am not Japanese, I am Chinese, causing both of us burst into laughter. With a warm smile, I bid him farewell and resumed my journey, grateful for the lighthearted encounter.
Soon, I finally arrived Estella, another ancient and picturesque town of moderate size. I checked into an official municipal Albergue, ready to rest and recharge for the next leg of my adventure.
