Day 9 - Najera to Santo Domingo de Calzada

We leave our hostel in Najera, a real case of don't judge a book by its cover. It was run by a mother, father & daughter and had a bar and rooms around the back. The rooms were pretty basic but when we asked for a nice place to eat we were shown to the back room restaurant. A beautiful curved ceiling room with white linen table cloths. The food was delicious, fresh caught trout from the river outside and local veg.

We were both very tired after the long slog, but no aches and pains. Still not fed up with each other (at least I don't think so).

We walk well together at the same pace and enjoy talking about the same things.

I was asked if it is as I had expected and to be honest I wasn't sure what to expect, but it is a great thing for me to do and am loving every step of the way.

Not a lot more to say about this shot other than we have done 207km to this point.

We will soon leave behind the vine yards of Rioja and wind our way to Azofa. It's a tranquil village with a small population of 500 which owes its continuing existence to the Camino.

I was fascinated to see the complex irrigation system to bring spring water to the vines.

We didn't take the detour of the “monasteries route” rata de Los monasteries and the birth place of the Spanish language la Cuna del Castellano in Yuso.

This French lady was coming the opposite way to all the other pilgrims. I stopped to say Bonjour and ask why she was walking the other way. I am on my way back she replied. Not sure if I understood what she meant I asked her to further explain. She had already walked from St Jean to Santiago and was walking back, a round trip of 1600km and she was at least 70 years old. Now that's a pilgrimage.

 


Tony was looking a bit smarter today with his new habit, but I wish he wouldn't wear that hat!

We descend into Santo Domingo de Calzada. The winding streets of this ancient town evoke a sense of history that is immediately linked to the Camino. It owes its inspiration to St Dominic of the road, so called because he effectively dedicated his life to improving the physical route for pilgrims and was responsible for building many of the roads and bridges that we pass along. This was in the 11th century so they have been rebuilt several times since then, but you feel his spirit lives on as you admire the many beautiful buildings and spaces.
This is a typical example of what I mean, the pristine condition and feeling of respect I have for what was achieved 800 years ago is very thought provoking.











We stay tonight in a 16th century converted convent, Convento de San Francisco. Now wouldn't that be interesting if we had walked to there !!!!

It's pretty posh in comparison to our usual, but we have earned it.

My room (one of the original Nuns dormitories) is over looking the cloisters. It is very quite peaceful and tranquil.







Tomorrow we have another relatively moderate day to Belorado, a climb of 300m over a distance of 23 km rather similar to today.


Lets see which way the weather turns.