Day 20: San Martin Del Camino to Astorga

Lovely 15-mile walk to Astorga today.

Look, no fields! The scenery changed gradually throughout the day. And brief, mild rain brought out all the freshness. It smelled so good!

More Camino angels set up a donativo (donation-based) cafe in the middle of the forest. Bountiful fruits, cookies, drinks, and other goodies.

I met another Juliana today!

Toured both the Astorga cathedral and Episcopal Palace this afternoon. Both are amazing!

In front of the cathedral with my friend Hee Kim.

Inside the cathedral

Episcopal Palace, designed by Antoni Gaudí. I saw another of his buildings in León.

Inside the palace.

Finally drank an authentic chocolate a la taza (thick and rich Spanish hot chocolate) today. It would be more authentic with churros for dipping, but I didn’t want to totally ruin my appetite for pilgrim dinner. Next time.

Back to the albergue for dinner. Albergue MyWay is lovely, with a modern sleeping area, laundry service, and beautiful gardens.

Just three of us for dinner at the albergue. I spoke English with Henry from Hong Kong and Spanish with Ander from Spain. My Spanish is still wretched, but we managed.

Lovely day.