Walked today: 6.2 mi. Camino’26: 162 mi.
When we placed our order for breakfast, Jesus (an owner and manager of La Perala and Núria’s husband) recognized Jim and shook his hand immediately with a big welcoming smile. He chatted with us briefly before tending to other pilgrims.
When we finished eating, Jesus returned to our table and asked if we would like access to our room immediately and said checkin could be done later. We said sure and took possession of our “home” at 9:25!
With access to our room, we could more easily rest from our walk and begin getting settled in until our transported backpacks were delivered.
Shortly after our backpacks arrived at 11:20, we had access to Linda’s barber tools and so we slipped outside to a lesser traveled area of the La Perala jardin and Linda went to work.
By 12:30 we were settled into our room, Jim had been coiffed, we had delivered a basket of our dirty clothes for washing and drying to the afternoon/evening manager, Manohar and we were eating ham and cheese croissants we prepared and brought with us from the breakfast supplies in the guest kitchen, before leaving our Sahagun accommodation this morning.
Manohar was attentive to our needs for the rest of our stay, including checking us in. He speaks very good English. He is originally from India and joined the La Perala staff 4 years ago. Our friendship has grown over time since he joined the staff, as we have stayed at La Perala on each of our last 6 caminos.
We had a light supper in the La Perala restaurant at 6:00. We both had a stewed chicken quarter and fries, local vino tinto and yogurt for dessert.
We finally checked in and settled our expenses for the visit and said our goodbyes.
Today was especially meaningful to us as we continue to renew our friendship with this kind and supportive camino family.
Jimandi 