Cantabrian Tales, Pilgrims' Porridge ....

Asturias begins just along the coast, but this stay in San Vicente postpones a visit ... depending on the route after SantoToribio, maybe for quite a while ... let's see ... meanwhile Pilgrims' Porridge is prepared, proving very popular ... catering for twelve, with only Norbert passing ... at the end of breakfast, with Alina raving about it and taking seconds, Andres, tasting for the first time and coming back for more, there is just enough ... added apple, banana and cinammon the secret ingredients .... enjoying the role of serving the pilgrims ...

Last evening's conversation with Anne was wonderful ... beautiful energy and common ground ... a connection made maybe  for Portugal project sometime ...

As the pilgrims set off, it became clear that one had gone without the rucksack ... quite unusual behaviour ... Rolf returned 40 minutes later claiming distraction from walking partners ... he and partner Giselle have teamed up with Alina ... Brigitte, Carlo and Andres also a group ... the human urge to be social ...

This morning's beach walk was to include Uma, who is usually keen ... seeing the rucksack she seemed to think she was going to Santiago like the others ... and adamantly declined ... the feet happy with the soaking and recovering ready for these Picos in the distance ....

Diego from Cordoba first arrival ... impecunious and offered free bed by compassionate Luis and Lola ... next Veronique from France ... Juan, Encasua and their son Alejandro ... all waiters from Murcia and keen Barcelona fans seeking late pass to watch the match tonight ... Gerhard from Germany, heading up to Santo Toribio, having arrived from Muxia, Finisterre, by bus, after completing the Seville route, the Via del Plata  ... Montserrat from Mexico ... a late rush ... Comillas still closed ... Germany, Italy, Canada, Korea ... Alfonso from Pamplona ... 13 so far ... plus a dog ...to the bar for WiFi ... and a glass of wine ...

The Camino is seen as a parallel universe, where humans practise being the best they can be ... living simply ... differences of status, wealth not projected (though there are pickier pilgrims staying in hotels ... gaining in comfort, losing in conviviality) ... compassion the norm, sharing food, information, stories ... the whole thing a meditation, Anne suggested ...