Monasterio (Rest Day)

So this day is about flexibility.  This was not in my plans to spend a rest day in Monasterio.

But now that I am here, it reminds me of an old Navy (military) joke.

• The key to victory in battle is flexibility.
• The key to flexibility is having several options. 
• The key to having options is not to decide on one. 
• Therefore the key to victory is indecision. 

So today I will not make any decisions. Instead I started my day by crossing the street and having 'churros' (like waffle cakes but tubular), Cafe con leche and pineapple juice.

Given that I was remaining here for the day, I had hoped to see some peregrinos pass by my breakfast location, leaving for Fuente de Cantos (20kms), but no such luck. Obviously the pilgrims had already left, given the hour.

Clothes are washed and hanging on the line to dry.

Reflections on goals and accomplishments:

Goals	Accomplished
challenge long-term fortitude	hiking preps, Spanish practice, physical training
handle the unknown w/o help	committing to the plan, making the reservation, getting on the plane, completing each preparation
survive on my own in a foreign country	ordering food, drinks, room, directions, health concerns, casual conversion
preparation match reality	success
cultural experience	good food, drinks and friendly people, but no time for music or dance
met interesting people	done
meditate	learning
cancer survivor	hiked 60 miles in 80+ temperatures over 5 days

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I was taking a practice walk around the town of about 2 km. This little ditty, to the tune of 'Leaving On A Jet Plane' came into my head. Kind of sums up the tug of war going on in my head right now.


I'm a hiking El Camino.
Leaving Monasterio.
Santiago, I have to go.

One more stage is all I need,
One more stop is all I want.
When I go back, I'll do my usual things.


Final Report: feeling better. Aiming for Fuente de Cantos.


A Day in Monasterio