It's a bit before 8pm and I'm tired and more than a little hungry. In Medellin tonight the few bars and restaurants are observing local time so we can't eat before 8.30, which is still a concession on the Spanish dinner time of 10pm onwards.
Some funny things happened today. The most unusual was me hitchhiking for the first time in my life - and successfully - to get a ride 200 metres across a narrow, busy bridge, both a car and truck thoroughfare, that had not a millimetre of 'space' for pedestrians, let alone hikers with backpacks.
Poor Domi. He would have gone across without flinching (despite the 'danger' warnings of our friend Pierre who suggested getting transport if possible). But those who know Domi and his background will know that his danger threshold is a long way above mine. He was sympathetic about my refusal to move towards the bridge but dubious about my suggestion that I try to get someone to drive us across. I said just let me try for 5 or 10 minutes and if no-one stops I'll walk across the bridge. Thankfully before my time was up Immy, a 30 something Spanish lady, pulled up. We are pretty sure she passed us once, realised our situation and turned back to help us.
With tortuous Spanglish between us, we explained my 'fear' and where we needed to go - she understood immediately. Putting her cigarette out in a small tin box which she placed on the dashboard, she went on to apologise for the state of her car - it was 'alive' she said (not exaggerating) - and quickly moved the two child seats and various toys and articles of clothing into the boot to make way for Domi in the back and I took the front passenger seat. Domi told me later he found a fork, among other things, as he buckled up his seat belt.
Within a few minutes Immy deposited us safely on the other side of the bridge. I told her she was an angel - I don't know if she understood but she knew I was very grateful. I wish I'd thought to take a picture.
There were some other funny things that happened today - including how we came to be enjoying two enormous bowls of ice cream which cost us the price of a typical pilgrim's menu - but it's almost dinner time ..
We will make an earlier than usual start tomorrow for our last day walking in Spain for the time being. The Mozarabe finishes in Merida where The French has booked a room at The Parador to celebrate the end of this Camino which we began almost two years ago in Granada.
More on El Parador tomorrow. What a treat! Merci Domi.
J xx
Some funny things happened today. The most unusual was me hitchhiking for the first time in my life - and successfully - to get a ride 200 metres across a narrow, busy bridge, both a car and truck thoroughfare, that had not a millimetre of 'space' for pedestrians, let alone hikers with backpacks.
Poor Domi. He would have gone across without flinching (despite the 'danger' warnings of our friend Pierre who suggested getting transport if possible). But those who know Domi and his background will know that his danger threshold is a long way above mine. He was sympathetic about my refusal to move towards the bridge but dubious about my suggestion that I try to get someone to drive us across. I said just let me try for 5 or 10 minutes and if no-one stops I'll walk across the bridge. Thankfully before my time was up Immy, a 30 something Spanish lady, pulled up. We are pretty sure she passed us once, realised our situation and turned back to help us.
With tortuous Spanglish between us, we explained my 'fear' and where we needed to go - she understood immediately. Putting her cigarette out in a small tin box which she placed on the dashboard, she went on to apologise for the state of her car - it was 'alive' she said (not exaggerating) - and quickly moved the two child seats and various toys and articles of clothing into the boot to make way for Domi in the back and I took the front passenger seat. Domi told me later he found a fork, among other things, as he buckled up his seat belt.
Within a few minutes Immy deposited us safely on the other side of the bridge. I told her she was an angel - I don't know if she understood but she knew I was very grateful. I wish I'd thought to take a picture.
There were some other funny things that happened today - including how we came to be enjoying two enormous bowls of ice cream which cost us the price of a typical pilgrim's menu - but it's almost dinner time ..
We will make an earlier than usual start tomorrow for our last day walking in Spain for the time being. The Mozarabe finishes in Merida where The French has booked a room at The Parador to celebrate the end of this Camino which we began almost two years ago in Granada.
More on El Parador tomorrow. What a treat! Merci Domi.
J xx
