Day 11 – Azofra to Santo Domingo

May 17th – Today started with great greetings with many fellow pilgrims before starting what will be another short day.  I learned I have a reputation on the Camino.  I learned that pilgrims are asking other pilgrims if they have “seen Susan” and that I have a reputation as the fastest walker.  I knew that I passed others each day but it never occurred to me that I was “fast”.  Then I remembered that a fellow pilgrim who I call “Romania” because I can only remember where he is from and not his name called me the running pilgrim a few days ago!  While I was training I pushed myself to walk harder and faster to build endurance.  Little did I know that would become my normal and easy pace.  The conversation continued with buzz that I was graceful and my walk was natural – which it is, to which we all smiled.  I do feel like I am floating along the path each day as if I am one with the Camino.  The time goes by so quickly as I absorb the scenery and aromas.

Today is a beautiful day, cool but with the sun beginning to break through the clouds.  The vineyards are active and the air smells of fresh toiled earth.

I am about to pass a group of four French men, one who is taking a picture of the other three and I offer to take a photo of all four.  They pose then motion for me to have my photo taken.  One man held his hands up to the sky and said, “The flowers are singing for you” to which I held up my arms and said, “For us all!”  It is a beautiful day indeed.

The swallows are flitting about when I notice one land on a stick.  Thinking I’ll never get my phone out fast enough to snap his photo I silently pray for him to linger.  I think he heard me because he posed long enough for me to capture the moment.

There are some Spanish pilgrims walking with their dog and he is a delight to watch.  He runs ahead the turns and runs back to them again, circles behind them and then does it all again. It’s obvious how happy he is though at this rate his Camino will be three times as long!

I arrive in Santo Domingo in only three hours and just under ten miles.  It feels once again like I should be taking a lunch break here, not stopping for the day; and, I remind myself once again it’s time to rest and stroll this lovely town sans backpack.

Santo Domingo dedicated his life to improving the Camino for pilgrims in the 11th century.  The cathedral was consecrated in the 12th century.  There is a very unusual legend about this place and the result has an unlikely exhibit at the rear of the church containing a live hen.