53 km to Santiago
This morning surprised us in the best way. We woke up well-rested, took our gear to the albergue kitchen, made one of our last Barcaffe coffees, and had a proper breakfast to start the day right.
Despite yesterday’s forecast, there was no rain outside – hooray! We didn’t have big plans for distance today. Getting to Melide would be enough.
The nature remains beautifully Galician – stone, moss, forests, pastures, and some wonderfully fragrant eucalyptus trees. We passed charming homes and quirky bars. One had a garden decorated with sculpted boxwood figures. On another house facade, we saw a Camino arrow made from scallop shells.
We stopped for coffee in San Xulián do Camino and even walked through a tiny village called Casanova. Before reaching Melide, we treated ourselves to a beer at a bar just before the bridge into town.
We had no reservation, but luckily found a bed right away at Albergue O Cruceiro – despite the crowds. First, we put in a load of laundry. While waiting, we went for lunch at Pulpería Ezequiel, where you have to wait for a table. I watched the chef multitask – cooking, plating, and preparing deliveries all at once.
The octopus was excellent. We ordered it with potatoes, both lightly dusted with spicy red paprika. Finger-licking good.
Then it was straight to our room for a well-earned nap.
Now we’re enjoying a relaxed afternoon and evening ahead.
Warm greetings to Slovenia,
Martina & Ive
