I am in Santiago de Compostela. The train ride from Madrid took nearly 8 hours, but I loved it. The tracks seem to run along the mountain tops. I really got to see the country. Eddie noticed that a guy in blue shirt spoke English so later I did go to the next car to talk with him and his female companion. They were from Indiana and touring Spain for three weeks. It was nice talking them. Eddie´s mom also made sure that a young teenager boy let me know when I should get off the train.
I really having a great time. The train arrived a little late so athough I took the taxi from the station I didn´t make it in time to get into the monastary. They close at 9:45pm and I didn´t get there until 10pm. These monastaries were built in 1200 and have huge doors and no way can you be heard. We did phone earlier,but no way could we get in. I thought I might have to sleep in the streets for one night. After going around looking for anyone who spoke English I finally found two girls. They were from Barcelona and had done the Camino or trek to Santiago and learned to speak English in school. I was thrilled to say the least. They were so nice. They said that this is what the camino is all about...helping each other. They were so nice. After trying to get me into the monastery, they walked the streets to find me a very nice pension. Since this was Saturday night they were at an outdoor rock concert,but was willing to leave the concert to help me. I feel that they were angels sent to me by God. Next morning there was a Lady at the desk at the pension who spoke a little English. I asked her to call the monastery and see if now I could stay there. I had to write everything down for her.
Anyway on my way to the monastary I bumped into the same girls again and they were kind enough to accompany me to the monastary and explain everything since the nuns don´t speak English. It has been great. Next day two from Belgium arrived who spoke English. The following morning the priest who does services at the Cathedral came for breakfast. He speaks English.
It is so nice to have company at meals and what meals!!! The cost is 30 Eur per day which includes breakfast and dinner. The first night I thought the noodle soup and bread was it this being a monastary. That was the first course. It was followed by a big serving of fried chicken,french fries and lettuce salad. And for dessert a variety of fruit. Breakfast was big,too.

I love walking the streets. They are narrow and winding. It is easy to get lost. The Cathedral is in the center and the monastery is across it so eventually I find my way back.

When the guide said that the train station is very near. You soon realize the word is relevant to who ever is speaking. She said you don´t need to buy the tickets ahead of time. However I am glad I walked to the station today and bought the roundtrip ticket to Pontevedra to get to the next monastery on Wednesday. Not being able to speak the language does present some problems. However I did it and am very proud of myself. I did do some preplanning and it helped.
What´s also fascinating is that those two ladies who I met at the monastey,one is in her middle 40´s and the other just completed law school rode their bicycles from Belgium to Santiago.
I will have to ask them how long it took them. They did stop in various countries to rest.

Eddie told me about Tapas. Most people have Tapas between breakfast and dinner. Dinner is not until 9pm or after. When you buy a drink...Coco Cola is very popular...you get some pupus..Spanish kind. Beef and buns is very popular,but also finger food with seafood and rice.

I better quit now. The monastery is very strict about being on time for meals and the heavy doors are locked during specific times during the day. At night the doors are locked at 9pm.
I may have to sleep in the streets if I don´t get back on time.

Adios, Amigos. Joanne