Day 18 - Mind Your Manners

We left Triacastela and began walking down the trail once again. After not too long, we began to hear a loud ruckus behind us. Then, for the next hour and a half, we were passed by group after group after group of Spanish teenagers. There were at least 150 of them that passed us in droves. A few were polite. Most just barreled past us hollering or blaring music.

Now, we are getting closer to “the finish line,” and we’ve heard it will get louder and more crowded. Pilgrims who have gotten used to the peace and tranquility really have to work to not resent the newcomers. We have to remind ourselves that everyone is experiencing their own Camino, and we have to give people permission to do that their own way.

However, there are some “Camino Manners” that people should follow to be courteous to other pilgrims. Here are some examples:
In albergues:
Don't pack things in plastic bags. The rustling is annoying to others who are resting.
Don't talk loudly.
Don't hog outlets.
Take quick showers.
Give bottom bunks to the injured and the elderly.
Make phone calls in public spaces.
On the trail:
Move to single file if someone needs to pass.
Use headphones if you want to listen to music.
Do NOT leave trash on the trail. This includes Kleenex and TP.

We found respite from the hoardes of students at a cafe that was about 50 meters off the trail. After being surrounded by bunches of really loud kids, it was nice to retreat back to a quiet, uncrowded space. After ordering coffee and coffee cake, Dad realized that he’d left his wallet in the laundry room of our last albergue. The lady at the cafe called our albergue for us, and the hospitalero at the albergue offered to drive Dad’s wallet to our destination that day. It is simply amazing how hard people work to support pilgrims on their Camino!

The weather was overcast and 60 degrees. We were comfortable if walking, but cold when we stopped. Also, our 18 mile hike from two days ago combined with two 13 mile days afterwards meant we were really fatigued. We were hitting the wall.
We found our way to Albergue Casa Peltre in Sarria. The albergue was this cool old building, and we had an upstairs room. There was also a common room upstairs with exposed beams and antiques - very neat!
Even though there was a huge festival going on in Sarria (concerts, parades, food trucks, and cannon fire?) we showered, napped, ate, and then went to bed. Just too tired to do anything other than take care of basic needs.
Six days to Santiago.