9th stage to Sahagun

I slept very well and woke up at 6am. That's early for some people, but I went to bed early and did almost nothing other than lie around yesterday. I packed my things and left shortly before 7. The owner was already awake. I actually just wanted to hand over the key, but she offered me coffee, cake and bread and I couldn't say no. After strengthening myself, I started the journey in a good mood. The first route was strenuous because it was almost 18km through the countryside. It was challenging and demanded a lot from you, but I enjoyed the journey to the fullest. The sun also came through and yet I was surprisingly cold today. In the next town I took a short break on a bench and then continued on. So far I haven't met anyone, although sometimes I had the feeling that I could see someone in the distance. On the further way we went through the pampas again. The good thing was that there is no or almost no incline compared to the start of the trail. Otherwise I didn't think that much today. My right leg started hurting a little on the way. But I didn't let myself be deterred and kept going. There was a bar in Moratinos and I spent my break there with a coffee. After that I still had 10km to go, which dragged on a bit. The path led past a country road and was again very quiet. I saw some pilgrims in the distance, but I didn't catch up with them. When I arrived at my destination, Sahagún, I looked for and found my accommodation, Santa Cruz. It is run by English priests and seems cozy. For €7 you get a bed in a 6-bed room and free breakfast. There is nothing more to expect. After I showered, a pilgrim café would be offered at 5 p.m. I took part in it, as did four others besides the priest. There were hot drinks and cookies and everyone was asked to choose a symbol from the table. Then everyone introduced themselves and explained why they were doing the walk and why they chose the symbol. I chose the time symbol because on the Camino I don't have to worry about whether I still have time for this or that. In my everyday life everything is very scheduled and when I meet up with friends it usually becomes difficult because everyone has their appointments and obligations. But on the Camino I have enough time and only have to worry about where I sleep at night and what I eat. It's really a luxury and I try to integrate it into my everyday life afterwards. In general, I find it difficult to relax. I really enjoyed the exchange and I think it's great when hostels offer something like that. Afterwards the pilgrim mass with blessing takes place.

The mass was held in English and Spanish and was already large with 7 people. We sang different songs and were involved. Then everyone read the pilgrim blessing in their own language and everyone was allowed to take a quote from the Bible for the next day. I found the trade fair very nice and am generally enthusiastic about the accommodation. Normally there is a shared meal afterwards, which unfortunately isn't happening today because the hostel is going on winter break next week. After mass, I ate my leftovers from yesterday (toast, tomato sauce, strawberry-kiwi drink, chocolate) and then went to bed early. They were still cooking in the hostel and I was also invited, but I decided to stay in my bed because I was already exhausted from the day. I don't have a place to stay for tomorrow yet and the problem is that where I want to go tomorrow there is a hostel where you can't make a reservation. But I trust that I will find something there tomorrow. If necessary, I have to take slightly more expensive accommodation. But I looked at the weather and it should be a little warmer in the next few days and the rain should also be limited. Although I had read on the internet that it was supposed to be very cold here, there was heating and a thick blanket. So I made myself comfortable in bed and went to sleep.