Algemesi to Xativa - Living history, oranges and friends

The anticipation of meeting a Camino friend at day’s end carried me through my walk today. Our evening catchup was fun and this tapas was the best!

Yesterday was a long stage, today was slightly shorter - but only just. As a stepped out, I sensed the living history of this country.

Breakfast started at the albergue with some dried fruit and nuts and continued with an orange- this one fell into my hand as a walked past.

Soon after I passed by the remnants of a Moorish fortress dating from 8-9th century and contested with Christian armies the 13th century.

The Christian reconquest is commemorated.

The walls and the descendants of those times surrounded me.

I stopped for coffee and cake at the first open bar.

I could not help but notice how my gear looked strangely like figures from the past.

I lit a candle for family members and hope they get well soon.

And then - oh no - I felt the first tingling in my feet. Blisters had appeared! My pilgrim suffering had begun.

After some bar-side surgery and Compeed application, I walked around the next corner to find this!

Civil engineers here have a talent for turning simple road and rail crossings into the Sydney Harbour Bridge- my feet quietly protested but they settled down as I was once more immersed in orange groves.

The beautiful green trees . . .

were a stark contrast to this act of environmental vandalism.

As my second day of walking was ending, I still had not come across any other pilgrims - not one - just this archeological evidence from an earlier time.

Reaching Xativa and checking into Casa Del  Cigroner was a joyful relief. 

The hospitalera at Algemesi had rung ahead, told them ‘Mike from Australia is walking the Camino’, and I was given this room at half price.

I had plenty of time to settle in, unpack, do laundry and shower before meeting my Camino friend Barbara and her boyfriend, Angel.

I practiced my Spanish under their patient guidance as we wandered through Xativa

We found a table near the main square and had a delicious meal together.

We walked back to my accommodation and said our goodbyes- they were driving home to Denia (an hour away) and had made the trip especially to see me. It meant a lot. Gracias. Buenos dias y noches.