Top Chef International

At the end of yesterday's walk we were way off the beaten path. Most of the peregrinos took the easy route along the road. Therese and I took the path less traveled to the very small village of Cazadilla de Los Hermanillos. There was nothing in town with the exception of two small albergues and one bar. 

We stayed in the municipal albergue which had a small kitchen.  This was great because we could fix ourselves dinner rather than eating the tiresome Menu Peregrino at the local bar. 

The village actually had a small tienda where we could buy groceries. The place  was quite a trip.  It was in an ancient building, very right and cramped space and the proprietor was a very short, very old Spanish gentleman. Three local women were in the store before us and it took over 30 minutes for them to buy their groceries before our turn. It was not like a quick trip to Kroger. 

The shopkeeper was very helpful and we bought food for lunch and dinner as well as a liter bottle of San Miguel (to rehydrate, of course). He took great pains to let us know that he would reopen at 5:00 pm after siesta. (We did go back for another liter of San Miguel.)

Everyone had the same idea to cool their own dinner. First, Lauren, an American girl from Northern Virginia, made a massive cheese and vegetable omelet. Then, the Italians took over the kitchen to make pasta and marinara sauce. Then, the French were up and they started in on an elaborate mix of sautéed onions and other vegetables, rice, something with a tomato stock, bread and many bottles of wine. Therese and I were up next and made a mixed vegetable hash and fried eggs (which is a popular dinner item in Spain). 

It was amazing the various and scrumptious dinners that could be made with a few local ingredients and minimal kitchen facilities. The French won the Top Chef award for the night for their elaborate dinner prepared under minimalistic conditions. 

The Frenchman, Oliver, has taken a liking to Therese. We are in the same albergue tonight, so we decided to all fix dinner together. It will be something to look forward to. 

Today's walk was 25K to Mansilla over ancient Roman roadways nearly 2,000 years old. We were still off the beaten path, with no intermediate villages and only four other peregrinos today. It was almost like being a medieval pilgrim. 

For the past several days, we have been walking parallel to a mountain range to the north. It is very much like Colorado and Wyoming -- rolling plains to rough snow capped peaks. 

We arrived in Mansilla before noon and checked into the albergue. We ran into many of our friends we haven't seen for a couple of days because they took the busy road route. It will be a great evening tonight. Here's a picture of the courtyard patio. 

I took a tour of town and found a barbershop/hairdresser to get a haircut. Gotta keep looking fresh on the Camino. 

Today's good intentions are for our good friends, Som and Steve. We have had many, many good times together and greatly value our close friendship.