Oviedo

The flight was ahead of schedule, the train was behind. A nearly lost Maria during the security screening, a frustrating technology connection, challenged my patience and left me wanting. We arrived in Oviedo, sleep deprived, to a lovely room, grateful, in the heart of the old centre, amidst a quaint downtown vibe.

The plan to spend a couple nights here turned out to be a prudent decision. We slept twelve hours, languishing in the morning, waking to a city doing the same.

The delayed start to walking the Primitivo provided Olga and myself an opportunity to explore Oviedo. It does not appear to be a  tourist town for international travelers yet there is much to be explored. The Catedral Metropolitana Basilica de San Salvador alone worth the visit. Ornate wood iconography, jeweled treasures and religious museum honour the Catholic history of the town. Smaller churches, such as Iglesia de San Juan El Real offer unusual depictions of Jesus upon the cross perhaps reflective of the region.

The town itself boasts public art in the form of fountains and statues in pedestrian courtyards scattered throughout. People gather to shop and socialize and enjoy the ambience of a busy community. It attracts locals and other Spanish citizens, the occasional European and seemingly few North Americans. English is seldom spoken or translated in the signs, making for a delightful adventure to order or ask directions. Google translate has been handy supporting hand gestures and pointing and help from friendly standersby.

A  practice walk to find the Camino markers that would take us out of the city lead us through the modern section and the working class district, while walking back found us amongst a party spilling out onto the streets in the pub district. In the meantime we purchased our Camino passport, the peregrino shell, a pair of scissors for the medical kit, and a pocket knife because I cannot manage to travel without one.

We have made further adjustments to our back packs. We are rested and psyched.

We are ready for tomorrow.

Buen Camino