Free wine and artists

After posting my daily update yesterday, I decided to make something simple for dinner in the albergue canteen.  In there I found a very enthusiastic group of Asian youth who were cooking an elaborate meal, each contributing from their own countries.  As is my usual experience with Asian youth, they welcomed me into their festivities. 

They were amazed when I showed them my video from a trip to Taiwan in 1986.  Needless to say, that was well before they were born!  I just saw one of them again as I sit writing this and, of course, she remembered my name.

Speaking of impressive young people, today’s walk was with two guys from Canada.  We had a wonderful time discussing a wide range of topics.

What impressed me the most was their deliberate efforts to focus on their families.  Christian was in law enforcement and Shawn didn’t say what he did.  I could just tell that work didn’t define him.  Rather, what his kids would say about him did.

Both of these encounters with the “next generation” remind me that they will do better than we did.  The future is in great hands.  We walked together until the official stop (where I am staying) and then they went on.  Seems they are “doing the Camino” in about half the time I am doing it.  Again, very impressive men! 

Today offered two other surprises.  First was a random artist workshop with a blacksmith working in the middle of nowhere.  His art was amazing, but heavy!  

I purchased a small Camino shell, but would have loved to take home some larger art as well.  However, as a pilgrim, one must always consider the size and weight of such worldly items. 

The next surprise was just down the road at the monastery.  They had a set of taps in a fancy fountain.  I have become used to filling my water bottles when I get the chance, but I was surprised when red wine flowed from one of the taps.  

Later some other folks arrived who could read the Spanish signage explaining that it was free wine for us pilgrims.  The instructions were to fill your shell and sample the wine.  I chose to sample using a water bottle instead of my shell, as it is tied to my backpack. 

This day few by, so I am enjoying a bit of a rest for my feet.  Tonight’s dinner will be my first pilgrim group dinner at my albergue. 

31,842 steps

 15.53 miles

Location: Los Arcos, Spain @ 42.569153, -2.192512