Day 11 – We’re just getting in on the act, but not sure what part to play . . .

O.K. So it’s Spain. But not quite as we imagined it so far. No more jumping the guns just yet though as we’re only into our first week. 

Catalonia is hosting our first taste of Spain and all it holds. We have to try and not compare. Forget France. Forget Italy. It’s difficult though. We need to take is as it comes with fresh eyes and ears . . .

We’re on our way to a “rustic” one nighter at Fornells de la Selva. Halfway house on route to Barcelona. We stop off just north to sample what’s in store at Girona. We head for the medieval quarter and the Museum of Jewish History which has records of the life of the Jewish Communities in Catalonia during medieval times up to their expulsion from the city in 1492.

Entering the city we cross the River Onyar

After, we walk the labyrinth of ancients passageways and up onto parts of the old city wall to take in the views.

A local player adding atmospheric flamenco chords that echo off the medieval courtyard stone
Sitting pretty as usual . . . .
Another local entertains us as he prepares to take lunch

This “rustic” site we’re on – (In camping terms, the term rustic means any view is included as is any severe smell of horse manure. You must expect to receive no hot water and luke warm showers that would hardly wet your whistle) – is out in the middle of nowhere. Once people settle in for the night it becomes so dark that even a black hole could hide and never be found in here. We’re late birds and head off to the shower block in total camp silence. The block has movement sensitive light switches and they’re not on. It’s a total black-out.

I don’t have good night vision, so I’m thankful for a light shining my way as I return. It gets closer and I get dazzled and then hear Mary-Ann whisper “It’s only me. I’ve lost my knickers. I think I’ve dropped them somewhere on the way back” We both head towards the shower block, heads down. Suddenly Mary-Ann stops and says “Oh, it’s alright, here they are”  – “Where, I can’t see them” – “No, you won’t be able to. I’m wearing them” . . . nuff said, eh?!