Walking through pre-Roman and Medieval Villages

It has been a few days since the last entry, as time and a lack of internet access prevented me from updating this blog.

 

Our group of women adventurers are now actively trekking along the Camino de Santiago (The Spanish Pilgrims Trail).  Castrillo de los Polvazares was our starting point for day 3. This is a small Medieval stone village that has been declared a National Monument. Though every village we have walked through is actually a walk through history from as far back as pre-Roman times.  Some villages have restored buildings and others have been left abandoned and with few people.  We walked to Rabanal and stayed in an Albergue overnight where we shared the accommodation with pilgrims from all over the world. Everyone was happy to rest weary legs and attend to blistered feet. That evening we attended the village church and were treated to beautiful singing by the priests as well as a message delivered in many languages for all the pilgrims to hear. The pilgrims are many, with some on bicycle and others walking, though at times we don't meet anyone on the Camino for quite a few kilometers then at other times that pilgrim greeting "Buen Camino" is exchanged over and over again. Most of the pilgrims carry a shell as a symbol. In fact, the symbol of the shell marks the way.

 

At any moment now, the Knights of the Templar should greet us on galloping horses along these Medieval trails; that is the image in my mind. On the road to Villafranca we each carry a stone which we place onto a massive conical pile of stones at the Cruz de Ferro. Adding a stone to the pile is an important ritual  and many pilgrims bring stones from home to place here.

The beautiful green countryside is  dotted with windmills and snow capped mountains as a backdrop for our days of walking.

 

This past day, walking uphill into Cebreiro we have passed by the most beautiful views, with rolling hills covered in multi-coloured wild flowers. Then to arrive at the top of the hill to this pre-Roman village boasting 360 degree views over all the valleys was simply stunning. Josefina, our local guide had a beautiful lunch of Spanish tortilla, salad and fresh bread waiting for us at the top of the hill and it was a very well deserved meal. We then enjoyed a warm bed overnight in this village. Some of the girls have also discovered Tinto Verano, a light red wine and lemon drink which helps cure the sore feet. All the meals we are experiencing are sensational.

- signing off from Marika, Women's Own Adventure.