For most of the Albergues I am staying in I made reservations from the States before leaving. However, there were a couple spots where I didn't connect. So, while in Hontanas yesterday, I ask the inn keeper the "hospitalera" if she would call ahead to the next town for my next reservation. I was heading to the town of Boadillo. At that moment I mistakenly asked her if she would make a reservation for me at Bocadillo. Translation: I asked her if she would call ahead and reserve a sandwich for me. After giving me a strange smile, she asked what kind of sandwich I would like in the next town. It was worth a good laugh once I realized my mistake.
Both strong winds and rain battered everyone as we arrived in Boadilla. Although the 17 mile walk was more flat than anything else, one nice hill to climb, the elements made it one of the harder days on the Camino. Everyone is currently trying to dry out clothes before it rains again.
My Camino friends Sunjung (South Korea) and Claude (France) are just two of the many pilgrims here at the albergue tonight.
Boadilla, like many of the small towns on the Camino only exits because so many pilgrims pass through it looking for food or accommodations.
However, without these hamlets, the Camino would be much more difficult. Typically, one comes to a village every five miles or so. Many have at least a café/bar and often an albergue. When the destination town is in sight, I take on the "barn door" mentality and can't seem to get there quickly enough for food, drink, and a good night's sleep.
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