Day 13 - Logroño

625 km to Santiago de Compostela

Many of our Camino friends, people we met yesterday or before were staying at the same albergue and we had breakfast with them this morning.  A couple from South Africa, a lady from California, a gentleman from Brazil, two young couples from the U.S.

We decided yesterday that today would be a rest day so we would take the bus to Logroño.  Jordyn, one of the young ladies, has injured her knee so she also took the bus while her boyfriend would walk.

Logroño is an old city. The Celts arrived around the III century, soon after it became a Roman settlement and the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela came toward the X century and brought progress to the city.  Being on the border of the kingdoms of Navarra and Castilla it was witness to many wars. Later on with the establishment of the wine industry the city continued to prosper. The old city still has that mediaeval flavour that have found in this 

We were in Logroño by 10 am, we walked to our albergue that is just on front of the cathedral of Santa Maria la Redonda and left there our backpacks. It really has been a day of rest, we had chocolate with churros.  The chocolate is so thick you have to eat it with spoon.

We spent the morning walking around with Jordyn, she is a very nice young lady and then we had a nice lunch of paella (me) and pintxos (her).  Indeed a rest day. 

Walking around one park we found about 8 very large drum bands.  The bands have little kids, lots of teenagers and grown ups, men and women.  They are church bands that got together to play for lent and in preparation for Easter (see photo).

Coming back to the hostel we found the German ladies we met and walked with a couple of days ago.  It was like meeting really old friends.  El Camino family.

Tonight, to end the day, we are going to Sunday mass at the cathedral of Santa Maria la Redonda.

Tomorrow we are planning another 20 km walk to the village of Ventosa.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us.