So much excitement felt at Roncesvalles but I felt as if people keep to themselves. People greeted each other with Buen Camino on the walk and moved on. Sure they were friendly, as in being not aggressive, distant or haughty. I just haven’t felt the Camino vibe yet.

Everyone was out of the dorm by 8, had breakfast, and continued our walk. It’s amazing to see a gathering of people from so many different parts of the world: Spanish, French, American, Canadian, Australian, Korean. We are all here with the intent to look inward, whether religious or personal grief.

I started to feel some tenderness on my left knee. Towards the middle of the walk, I was increasingly aware of it becoming a pain. My leg just wobbled and I couldn’t move the foot forward. I tried resting and stretching as much as I could. I should beat the pain going uphill but every step going downhill was poignant.

Casa Suseia is the first Albergue as one walks into town. It’s a simple, non-pretentious place; just like Sara, the owner. Sara made us feel welcomed and taken care of. She handles guests welcoming, made dinner, did laundry. There was 12 beds; hence 12 guests.

Before dinner, we all tried to wash our clothes and showered off the dirt of todays hiking. Some of us use this time to contact family, go through the photos taken, or just rest.

Sara’s dinner was memorable and worthy of mentioning. Everything of course was organic and homemade. We had the multicolored salad, mushroom velouté, some mix in tomato sauce, yogurt with condensed milk, and chocolate truffles. Dinner came with bread and unlimited wine. Since our group was not big drinkers, we barely finished 2 bottles.

We really don’t have much time in the evening. Lights out is 10pm and everyone wants to have a good night sleep to be ready for tomorrow.