Sunday afternoon in Casa Perin, Villafranca de los Barros

What a week we've had! We have walked 176.5 km in some of the hottest weather ever, slept in seven albergues/hostals, met loads of people of several nationalities, and managed to somehow make ourselves be understood in Spanish and French. Don't remember how often I've had to say 'losciento' (Spanish for I'm sorry), but needed to learn that quickly in case we offended anyone :-)

Up to now, walking the Via de la Plata has been humbling, amusing, enriching and sometimes very tiring. Humbling, because almost everyone has been exceptionally helpful despite our distinctly glaring lack of command of the most basic Spanish. Everywhere we go we hear the by now familiar "Hola! Buen Camino!"

Amusing on many levels, particularly the misunderstandings at every opportunity, amongst them being handed a beer when I was convinced that I had asked for a glass of red wine. Thankfully one of the Canadian ladies we met speaks Spanish quite well, so we are grateful when she is around to help.

Enriching because of the chance to meet truly amazing people who let me have a glimpse into their interesting, but at times trying lives. And because I have a chance to see and experience another culture at a level that is not possible as an ordinary tourist.

For anyone wanting to walk the Via de la Plata, the only advice I have is "do it", but come without expectations and let the Camino take you where you need to go.