After eleven days of walking here are some things we've learned (in no particular order)...
An omelette sandwich (eggs, onion, peppers on a baguette) made in the morning turns out to be a great, filling, protein packed lunch! Cold eggs on bread - who knew?
A determined cow can jump over a cattle guard with aplomb - we watched one sassy girl outrun her owner & a cow dog in the process.
In the mountains there exists the tiniest daffodil/narcissus you ever did see. The flower head was smaller than a dime.
Tiny towns in Spain have the coolest playgrounds with equipment for kids and parents. Some of them are to help you work out, others massage your back or shoulders. Some are made of ropes and some are just for jumping.
When you don't really know what your dinner choices are (beyond knowing basic words like pork, chicken, beef, fish, vegetable, etc.) ask the server/cook which one is best or more typical of the region. They are so glad to show off the house or regional specialty to a pilgrim who wants more than "nuggets of chicken." Ask for the "mas tipico" and you end up with delicious surprises like ribs cooked over an open fire, pork slow roasted with red peppers and garlic or a plate full of yummy artichokes.
Discovering that a dessert of sheep milk curd and honey (cuajada) is not only good and refreshing, but becomes your first choice!
It turns out that with proper bandages, Tylenol, Advil & Stop Pain you can walk 20k with a dozen blisters on your feet.
Ear plugs are an indispensable item when sleeping in a bunk room with a lot of strangers. Assuming you actually want to sleep. You might think you are dead tired, but a room full of humans can be NOISY...
A little kid giving you directions because they are afraid you are about to miss a turn in their town is pretty awesome. Especially when he is directing you to the wine fountain. "It is free. Go there and drink it in." Well, okay.
You are not so picky about wine when it's a free gift.
Walking from snowy mountains into blooming springtime is gorgeous.
We knew ham (aka: jamon) was a big deal here, and it is everywhere, but there are even jamon flavored potato chips! Haven't tried those yet.
The oranges here are SO very good. Plus, fresh squeezed juice-YUM!
The variety of pilgrim bathroom set-ups seems to be infinite. We have learned the importance of being able to shower in the dark in case the 2&1/2 minute long light on a timer goes off while you are soapy and wet. Also, it is possible to get pretty clean in a shower that is smaller than 2 square feet! Who really needs a shelf, a hook, or even a curtain? If you are hot & sweaty & exhausted, you can surely work it out with ease, right?
The number of people who welcome us into their town, home, etc. also pretty amazing. Fun delivery drivers tooting their horns, commuters who have practically slammed on their brakes for you in a crosswalk wishing you a 'buen viaje,' two old men on a park bench working out where we should go for the best dinner in town....
An 8:30 bedtime can be SUCH a great thing!
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