On to Monesterio

Once rested at the albergue in El Real de la Jara, Geert and I decided to walk to the castle. Before we started off, another pilgrim arrived....at 6pm. A young man from Madrid (although originally from Santiago), he had walked 45km that day, aiming to be in Mérida by Monday so he could return to work in Madrid. Up at the castle we met Sarah and agreed we’d all had a nice short day. Geert has blisters and I have one starting on my little toe but all in all we’re all fine. 

We found out why Fabio carries a laptop with him. As well as being a juggler, street performer, he earns his living with online gambling. So we are a diverse four, not only in nationality. 

Yesterday’s walk to Monesterio was through more park land, with olive trees, oak trees surrounded by the fallen chestnuts, and pigs snuffling around, eating the acorns. 

I went to the parochial albergue, supported in past years by the London chapter of the CCoP, but it was closed. The museum dedicated to Iberian Ham was open so I had a tour. 

I’m now on the bus to Sevilla....3€, 90 minutes, 5 days walking, to meet Noëlle and return to Monesterio to continue walking to Mérida.