Day 10, Laredo to Guemes
All you need is love - The Beatles
We got up a little later than usual, 7am, because we knew we had to take a short ferry ride to Santoña. The ferry doesn’t start running until 9am and is only 5k from the convent.
The ferry ride was fun since everyone had to begin the day together. And once in Santoña many stopped for breakfast. I walked the entire day with Susan, we followed the coastal route, shorter/steeper. Along the way we heard about this alburgue that is supposed to be the most unique and cool experience along the route, so of course we had to head there. We wound around a few kilometers outside of our official Camino route, and started to worry that we were lost. Then we’d see a sign and an arrow…walk until we thought we were definitely lost, another sign…. On and on. We were tired and not sure we were ever going to get there, but eventually we made it. It turned out to be well worth it!
Guemes pilgrims hostel is definitely unique. Father Ernesto and his friend Berna run the place with the help of volunteers who all give me hippie/cult vibes. “Father” Ernesto gives a lecture in the evening in a chapel that isn’t really a chapel just like I don’t think he’s really a priest.
Some volunteers greeted us with water and cookies, the check in process was very nice, we got our Camino stamps, showed our passports and were told we could make an anonymous “responsible payment” when we leave - not a donation. Okay, whatever you say Padre Ernesto.
The accommodations were by far the best we have seen. There was a huge laundry line with enough space for everyone’s wash to dry, big yards to sit and soak up the sun and company of fellow walkers, and an area to set up tents if that’s what you prefer.
They served us a beautiful, home cooked meal too, but first everyone is asked to come to a lecture from Father Ernesto. We entered a big circular room with chairs around the perimeter and lots of cushions on the floor. The lecture was given in Spanish and translated to English. I’m sure the hour felt quite long to those who didn’t speak either. It felt long to me and I understood it. That might have a little to do with sitting on a cushion on the floor after walking all day though. The lecture was a bit rambling about all Ernesto’s travels and the education of travel and meeting other travelers and sharing cultures, beliefs and experiences. Then he showed us a lot of his souvenirs. He’s 86, he has A LOT of souvenirs.
All kidding aside, I was able to wash my clothes, enjoy sitting in the sunshine chatting with the others and they served us a great meal, glorious.
There were 70 Camino guests that night from 22 different countries. It was pretty cool.
Or maybe I should say groovy.
Buen Camino
XOXO,
Bon