Day 11: Belrado to Ages (Auna)

Day 11: Belrado to Ages
16.4 miles
Total: 164.4 miles

     I had such a great day yesterday, it must have wore me out because I was really tired when I woke up today. I snapped out of it quickly because we had such a long day. I, personally, was really excited for the small but noticable extra mileage. I was ready for this challenge. Today's first hill wasn't more than a bump in the road, you could barely notice it. Second hill? Oh yes, there was a second hill. It was there, but nothing that could get in my way. I feel much more stronger and confident already. 
      Bree and I come along a parked van on the side of the trail. It had shade, a stand with fruits and drinks. We weren't sure to approach it because the man standing there seemed to be wearing a mask.. As we get closer we notice that his face is just painted, he's a mime! (: a sketchy mime but a mime indeed. He stamps our pilgrim credentials and gave Bree some tea. My feet weren't feeling so nice but after I got in a conversation with the 'Pole Draggers' my feet soon became numb. They are from the Canary Islands and their island is an active volcano! One lady just joined in on the trip, very out going, they are both Catholics and they were so fascinated by my age and that I'm walking the Camino. I'm glad I got to talk to them before they leave tomorrow in Burgos. 
     We depart in a small town and I meet up with March and Bree, we look around in the churches and wait for Deija. Bree and I take off as March waits for Deija, the town we are staying at isn't more than 3 kilometers away, it's a quick walk. I see Bree as I enter the town and she explains our hostel choices, we end up staying at the 8€ Albergue. It's very nice and new. The town is small and cute, I think most of the businesses in these small towns run on pilgrims. I visit and have small talk with my fellow pilgrims and I see my best Korean friend, Min, again. 
      As I say once again, I love the atmosphere here. I walk outside to sit in the sun and I hear a Spanish guitar start to play, then claps following the rhythm. The Spanish singing voices get carried in the big gusts of wind, everyone is having such a wonderful time, whether you understand the language or not. The other night a wise retired teacher from Quebec told me that we all speak the same language, the language of the Camino. I can't explain it but it makes sense. We all communicate no matter what language you speak. 
      We ordered the pilgrim dinner and of course we were the first people there. (: one of the ladies in the kitchen comes out with this LOUD, obnoxious, ear grabbing dinner bell and rings it in our ears. We go and sit down and the first course is Spanish rice with a bunch of vegetables and chicken, it was delicious. Second round was a small salad with a small slice of some potato quiche called 'tortilla'. My stomach was already growing by this point. They then bring out small serving sized cups of flan and chocolate pudding. It was the perfect way to end the meal.
    Over all today was a good day. Maybe as the trip goes on I will feel more comfortable to share my own personal thoughts more thoroughly so stay tuned and thank you all for following. Your support is greatly appreciated. (: 
                                                 By Auna