Day Eight- Portas to Rabadeos

Last evening was an interesting stay in a rural casa. The family literally moved out of their rooms to accommodate us. They run a small ecological (organic) farm and raise all sorts of  fruit and some animals. The daughter was about 11 years old and studies English in school. She was quite willing to try and help translate the menu and our other needs to her mother and abuela. The mother kindly took us to see an 11th century church 2 km. up their road where the Irish had come to Spain to do the masonry. There were clover leafs embedded in the doors and lintel posts of the church. This stop was culturally rich and while a little on the poor side, a memorable experience.

After a breakfast of toast, fried on both sides, plus coffee, we were off early. Today the way is quite close to a highway as we are rapidly approaching Santiago. It is very hot here again, almost 30 degrees, and apparently unseasonable. I am finding it very hard by the afternoon as we are usually into the last 10-15 km and it is so hot. Today has been quite pretty and we are seeing far more wealth in this area. Instead of tramping through cow sh**, we have been traversing streams and wooded paths. Gone are the farms, the roosters, chickens and literally cows being herded on the path! Now we are seeing houses with real rather than thatched roofs, what might have been a mall, and many more cars. People continue to be very friendly and don´t mind if you try your limited Spanish. When we finally reached our destination, the little village of Boente, there was only one room with 4 beds, bunk bed style. Yecchh! The cafe owner kindly called a local casa touristica for us. The casa owner came and picked us up as their home was off the camino by 6 km. Driving in a car was positively delightful! It was lovely- clean, organized, with very friendly people who spoke both French and Spanish. We were able to make our dietary needs known in a kindly way and we had the most delicious supper! Nothing fried for a change! Tomorrow is our last long day before we reach Santiago. Wish me luck as so far no foot, knee or other problems. Buen camino!