Getting my tan on

     Why was yesterday an exciting day? Not only did I walk through one province and into the next (Burgos to Palencia), but the sun was shining and it was hot! Finally! I was so excited when I finished my walk yesterday because I was able to sit outside in a cafe (without my jacket) and bask in the sun. What a relaxing afternoon. And what better way to enjoy the sun than with a calimocho, otherwise know as red wine with coca-cola. After Gary (one of my Australian friends I made during the first week of the walk) introduced me to this drink, I have been hooked! It sounds strange and I was skeptical about it at first, but on a hot summer day, it is so refreshing. And I challenge you all to try it, I guarantee that you will probably like it. When I started walking yestreday I was not too impressed with the fact that the first kilometer was all uphill...not really something to help wake you up. But, when I reached the top of the hill, I had an amazing view over the province of Burgos on one side, and the province of Palencia on the other side. Afterwards, the walk was generally flat, but it was incredibly windy so it felt like I was taking one step forward and two steps back. I did however meet a family from the States who are walking to raise money for a charity supporting those with Parkinsons disease. I talked and walked with them for a majority of the day; it was nice to be in the company of others again. When I arrived in Fromista yesterday, I met up with a Canadian couple (Amanda and Dean) who I had seen freqently over the past week. They are from Banff. We sat in a cafe together for several hours talking aboout travel, the camino, and people who we got weird vibes from and could possibly be serial killers. They are such a nice couple and we have a lot in common. Amanda and Dean are travelling for eight months in Europe and then in Southeast Asia. Amanda, who is originally from Portugal reccomended some places that I should definately visit in Portugal if I have time after the camino. So, who knows, I may end up going to Portugal as well in the end of July; my plans are flexible. After an amzing evening of laughing, white mushroom risotto, and blood sausage (Which I have been eating every chance I get because it is so gosh darn delicious! Although I didn´t know what it was exactly until last night), it was time to call it a night. However, yesterday was byfar the worst sleep I have had this entire trip. There were three incredibly loud snorers in my room, one lady was up every half hour throwing up, and, to top it all off, four very drunk guys came stumbling into the room quite late and made the most noise that they could possibly make! Even my last sleeping pill didn´t help me fall asleep so I spent a good three hours watching reruns of FREINDS on my Ipod. Oh well, it´s all apart of the camino experience.
     Today was yet another lovely day. I was only walking along the highway for a few hours, but a majority of the walk was in a forested area right along a stream. One of the more intersting walks I have had this trip. I thought it was very strange though because I didn´t see anybody while I was walking today. There was one lady from England who I leapfrogged with, but other than that, not a single soul was walking in front of or behind me. So, the ¨Singing Canadian¨made another appearance and kept me entertained for  few hours. Now I don´t know if I am considered a good singer in Spain (or Europe in general) because the English lady overheard me singing while she was walking behind me and wanted to know if I was in a choir, or if I sang professionally, or if I had taken singing lessons. She was amazed with my voice, so I don´t know, maybe I do sing better than I think. Anyways, when I arrived in Carrion, I was amazed with the albergue I am staying in tonight. As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted with a glass of sweet tea. The people here are really friendly and I felt very welcomed. This albergue is run by a group of Augustinian nuns. Tonight they have a full evening of activities planned. Apparently they are unbelievable singers and will be singing for all of the pilgrims while we enjoy a communal dinner followed by a pilgrim blessing. I am really looking forward to this evening, it should be a lot of fun. Well, bye for now :)