Sarria Day Off

This is Henry, Allison (in the center) and Susan.  Henry and Susan are from Canada and Allison is from England.  Allison and I have been Camino friends from almost the beginning.  She is great fun and happy because on hiatus as a teacher while she finishes her masters degree.  Her husband is in China.  She is always laughing.  What a wonderful trait and she teases me about my pace being "brilliant."  It was nice to have such good company for dinner.  We sat outside and I thought I was going to freeze to death.  It has been in the thirties.  With the exception of a few days in the eighties, it has been cold, rainy and windy.  

The A Escaleira da Fuente was built in the nineteenth century and is more commonly known as the Escaleira Major or Main Staircase. It is directly on the Camino and I got the biggest kick out of watching the newbies climb up these stairs.  This is the beginning for the hordes who come to just walk the last 100 kilometers.  I never saw so many bright shiny boots and new gear.  In fact, right beside the bottom of the stairs is a hiking store and there was practically a line to buy shoes.  WOW!  They will be limping big time.

I went to El Salvedor de Sarria to get my credentials stamped.  The woman was quite knowledgeable about the Camino and added the words "continuar" to my second book for stamps.  She seemed to know that I was not starting here.  Hopefully, it is not due to the Camino stench.  Hopefully it is because my boots are a little muddy and worn.  

The main altar.  

A statue of King Alphonso IX of León died in Sarria in 1230 while making a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.  Even kings were required to do one religious pilgrimage in their lifetimes.

These walls are right beside the premier church of Sarria.

I think normally, stamps are provide at the Iglesia Santa Mariña de Sarria (above) but there was a sign directing me to the El Salvador Church.  

There was a mass and I listened to the very first part and was able to sneak a photo of the altar.  I knew there was some sort of special ceremony or happening.  Turns out it might have been connected with a wedding.

This was outside the church and it wasn't there yesterday.

And then farmer showed up with these oxen (?) or cows with animal skins on their heads.  What????

Once I got back to my hotel..I heard lots of fireworks (in the day?) and couldn't stand it any more so I went down to the desk and ask.  Turns out it was a wedding!  I thought normally, fireworks are saved for the honeymoon.

What do you think?  There is no cap on nerdy on the Camino.  Found these sandals and they were so comfortable.  Not to hike in but for everyday when I am done with all the miles.  It is the only thing that I have purchased aside from food and wine on the whole trip.