Evening of Day 15 at La Posada de Pinter

I don’t know what called to me that I chose to book a room in a bed and breakfast in a small town that was 2k off the Camino but I arrived at the La Posada de Pinter to warm greetings by my hosts that included hugs from Blanca and a rush by Jesus to carry my backpack to my room.  Blanca spoke a little English, Jesus more, but it didn’t take a language to understand the welcome I was receiving.

Delicious aromas waived out from the small kitchen and was delighted to discover I would have dinner there tonight.  This home and my room is filled with original art – large, magnificent paintings hung on old limestone walls.  Exposed 18th century beams in the ceiling and beautifully wood polished floors told me I had arrived at a very special place.

My afternoon was leisurely as I strolled around the town.  When I returned there was a large local gathering of maybe thirty people – adults and children – who were eating, drinking, laughing and celebrating something, I could tell.

I showered and changed clothes for dinner.  The dining room was elegant while welcoming – a room that holds the feeling of many good times.  Jesus brought me a plate of cheese, a bowl of country bread cut into large hunks and a decanter of La Roja wine, then let a candle at my table for one.  I asked him about the paintings, telling him how much I loved them, and he unpretentiously shrugged saying it was thirty years of paintings – they were all his!

With each course that arrived I conversed with Jesus a bit more.  First he brought an appetizer that I could tell was roasted rice with a garlic aoli but had to ask about the secret ingredient which turned out to be squid.  Next he brought a local specialty – garlic soup – that was served in a lovely piece of crockery and was rich in both aroma and taste.  Then came a simple but delicious salad of greens and tomatoes that had to be home grown from the flavors.  When Jesus brought a plate of mixed meats and sliced mushrooms that had been cooked over an open fire I was overwhelmed by the quality, presentation and overall experience of this meal, the hospitality and beautiful setting.  I expressed my gratitude to my host and new friend and simply told him how much this experience meant to me.  He returns a few minutes later and says he has a gift for me – it is a book of his latest art exhibit in Burgos.  I felt like the heavens had opened and angels were smiling down on me.  I asked him if he would autograph it and this is what he wrote – if anyone can translate it for me, please do!

When he brought dessert, a sweet cake covered in chocolate syrup, he continued over to the wine cabinet and with a flourish presented me with a small crystal glassed filled with Madeira.  Blanca came over and joined us and while it may sound silly, I was with my family.  Love and nourishment in all forms were present at this table and I am in heaven here on earth.

Tomorrow I return to the Camino richer in my heart than when I arrived.