29. Day 26 to Sergude

Briefly about yesterday: I ate a little something at the accommodation. There were 3 other people in the kitchen, but they weren't pilgrims. Overall, the atmosphere in the accommodation felt a bit unwelcoming. The owner came by and was very friendly, though. And for €10, you can't complain. Especially since I had a single room and central heating. However, because it was a boarding school, everything felt somewhat cold. So I went to bed early yesterday.

At 5am I could no longer sleep and got up. I packed my things and went to the kitchen. I had a thick slice of the bread I had bought in Cea for breakfast. Next time, I won't get such a big loaf. On one hand, it was annoying to carry it around, but on the other hand, I never had to worry about bread or baguette. I set off, and it was surprisingly warm. I didn't even wear my long sweatshirt underneath, and I didn’t use the rain poncho at all today. I started off and was able to enjoy the tranquility. I walked mostly along the road, sometimes right in the lane because there was no shoulder. I passed through a few smaller places and wasn't particularly fast today, but I have time. In the next town, there were a few bars where I considered ordering a coffee, but I continued on. Then in the woods, there were also a few damp spots, but I've gotten used to that by now. It wasn't cold, but it was very windy. Some branches were broken off, and I made sure to look around in the woods so nothing would fall on my head. In the next larger town, there was a supermarket where I bought something to drink and a protein drink. I actually wanted to stop for coffee at a bar in this town, but all 3 bars were closed. So I took a half-hour break on a big rock. Then I took off my hiking jacket. It was a bit cold without the sun, but I had draped the jacket around my neck. Some descents had warmed me up. Then I met a pilgrim from England, and we chatted briefly. He was taking a break, and I moved on afterwards. I kept thinking about just going straight to Santiago today, but I decided to pace myself because I have time. Besides, it would be too hectic in Santiago on a Saturday. So I walked through the woods and still had 2 options for accommodation: either a public hostel 5 kilometers away that is supposed to be nice, but the owner is said not to be friendly, and the town has no bar, supermarket, or restaurant. The price is €10. Or I could go another 6 kilometers from there and pay €18, where it’s supposed to be a friendly atmosphere. I decided to continue. My shoes do not hurt, but they definitely need to be broken in further. The path felt a bit long, and finally, I arrived in the town. I went straight to the accommodation. There’s a bar attached. The woman seemed a bit unfriendly, but I think that's just her way. But for €18, there's a bed with an adjoining wardrobe, real bedding, a blanket, and a towel. I'm alone for now, but I have a bed in a double room. There are 14 beds, but the room looks very clean, and I find the price justified. She also gave me some tips on where to eat. After the shower, I will take a short rest, and then I’ll set off to finally find a coffee.

Tomorrow I have 10 kilometers ahead of me. I'm so glad I took the bus back for a bit. Sure, if I hadn't had time, it would have been okay, but this way, I will arrive tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to it.