We were up and finished breakfast by 7:30 am at the Alberge del peregrino at Villafranca del Bierzo. We had decided that if we wished to actually see the sights along the route and have enough time in Santiago, Finisterre and Barcelona, and to save Ada's foot for the compulsory 100 kilometres, we should move along. The Tourist Bureau booked us a taxi with Dositeo Number 8 for pickup at the office at 10:30 to take us directly to Sarria. The driver was wonderful and gave us a full commentary as we followed the Camino route by car. He stopped frequently to let us take photos.
First we saw the mountain with the original Camino France's steepest route. We saw a thatched roofed round palloza typical of Galicia.
The driver took us into O'Cebreiro a beautiful restored village with another Galician palloza which is used as an emergency shelter when pilgrims are totally stuck. There is also a brand new modern Alberge which has recently been renovated to accommodate 104 pilgrims.
We passed Triacastela on our way to Samos where we saw the enormous Benedictine monastery which absolutely fills the village. You enter via a small door next to a Petrol station which is built into the monastery walls.
We arrived in Sarria and it was Sunday, Corpus Christi Feast day. We were unaware that pilgrims had been recruited the previous evening to help with the floral decorations along the path of the main route through the city centre. After Mass at the church of Santa Marina a procession is local and church officials marched accompanied by the pealing church bells and a youth band.
Within two hours the Municipal workers with shovels and brooms had the street cleared and hosed down.
Our Alberge O'Durminento, proved convenient and offered a wonderful four course home cooked meal.
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