13 September 2023, Camino 3, Day 14
Castrojeriz to Fromista
Fromista is one of my favorite stops on the camino. There’s not much to see except the church (which is beautiful) and the food is so-so. Even the Hotel Rural Oasibeth is a nice but not over the top outstanding place. Loli the owner of the hotel is the reason. She exudes hospitality like a freshly uncorked bottle of cava (Spanish sparkling wine).
Glen took this picture 4 years ago. Two years ago when I walked into her hotel I said, “Loli?” She looked at me quizzically and when I showed her the picture she hugged me and made a big fuss. She took me to my room personally and filled a basin with hot water and epsom salts, told me to sit and to soak my feet. It was such a kind gesture and I was humbled.
Today we walked in and again I said, “Loli?”. Again the querying look until I showed her the picture. “Carida!” She cried. She hugged me and kissed me multiple times. She speaks no English but was rattling off Spanish as if I understood every word.
We had gotten a stamp earlier in the day from a Pilgrim’s office on the way.
But before leaving Fromista I made sure to get a stamp from Loli.
The words I carry today from the camino are friendship and hospitality.
Buen Camino
One day I decided to go for a walk... 