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I wake up bright and early this morning. It is barely five o’clock when I’m

already ready to begin walking. Even so, I wrap myself in the sleeping bag

liner that Emma lent me. Thanks to her, I’ve once again avoided a large piece

of trash: disposable sheets. I get up at around 6:30 and I do some yoga. I gently

rouse Milan. “Good morning,” he says, diving back under his blanket. I finish my

yoga and get ready. I am ready for this long day of thirty kilometers through the

mountains. It is better to walk in the morning freshness, then take naps when the

heat is at its peak. Milan has barely woken up. He wants to buy the walking sticks

at the store, which opens at eight. He’s going to wait a bit before leaving.

“I will leave with the girls, I’ll meet up with you later. See you!”

We always bump into each other on the route, and we know where will

meet up tonight, anyway: at the Palacio! We heard someone say that there was a

Jacuzzi there. That sounds dreamy, but it’s better to concentrate on each of my

steps and not think about the luxuries of the destination.

It feels like my subconscious has already integrated the Afghan walk. I’m

very happy because I didn’t think it would be this fast.

It’s good to follow the girls this morning, like this I begin walking more

slowly than I’m used to. The girls, though, stop frequently to change their clothes,

take off a sweater or put on a coat, and I’m soon far ahead.

The route is charming today, mostly comprised of dirt paths in the forest.

This is what I prefer, and I work while I walk. I’m trying to organize a conference.

Some time ago, several friends and I planned some conferences that will take

place on September 24th, after my return. The date was set prior to my departure.

Eight of them accepted to prepare a twelve-minute speech. I propose coaching

them so they can hold the best conference possible. I set a deadline so their

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speeches can be ready in advance, and I suggest that we have rehearsals. In this

ways, the conferences will be of the highest quality. Today, September 10th, is the

last deadline for a first rehearsal by phone, so I will be listening to my friends

practice for twelve minutes each.

As I walk along the Camino primitivo, I can see more and more signs

announcing hostels. These are positively advertisements, with pictures and

everything. I think this should be forbidden, they’re visual pollution on the path.

We have managed to reach this point without all these signs, haven’t we? There

are plenty of ways to find these hostels, after all: websites, guides, word of mouth,

or even stumbling upon them on the route. We stop when we’re tired. It’s true

that the hostels aren’t full at the moment as there are few pilgrims. There’s no

need to make a reservation.

It is pleasant to walk in the cool morning. I feel like I’m on a stroll, that’s

how good I feel. I feel like I’ve passed a milestone. My body and my mind are

so used to this that all negative thoughts disappear. The only thing left it the

pleasure of walking.