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As in the old
fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, I felt like the princess on the pea…
only I did not sleep on 20 mattresses and 20 eiderdowns – but I felt I was
“black and blue” all over. The sleeping mat was not affording much protection…
I was cold, tossing and turning all night and with Carluccia talking in her
sleep I did not sleep much…. if at all… I was still tired. However, we had to
start the day – found our guide out of Itziar, the yellow arrow.
It was a
beautiful Sunday morning… very quiet, which was soon to be interrupted by some
drunken teenagers going home after a probably very wet night. We were walking
on a narrow asphalt road, just enough space for a car to pass… Carluccia and I
had to jump for dear life 3 times this morning, as the same car kept coming
back– I think to bother us… they came very fast and drove very close… with the
horn pressed down a loud noise broke the morning silence.
Safe at last….
we entered Deba, had our breakfast… café con leche… orange juice and a
croissant…. I think it is only in Spain they give you a knife and fork with
your croissant… However, this one was very good – must have been baked in
heaven as it tasted heavenly. And the coffee was wonderful….. but why do they
give you sugar with your orange juice??
We wanted to do
some shopping for lunch, but as it is Sunday everything is closed. Only sign
of life is in the town square… they are getting ready for bull-fighting
tonight. The bullring is ready
and they are
now covering the plaza with sand. I’m happy I’m not here to watch it… it seems
so barbaric, and very selfish. Just to keep a tradition alive!! So far every
city, town and village on our way have had a fiesta – will this continue?
Leaving Deba
our feet and legs were “invited” to do the hard work for the day. Up up up up
and up…. Makes me think of an old song from…. the 80’s?? (Or was it the
90’s??) “…… the only way is up…!” - Ohh… I feel it… I was getting tired, was
exhausted by the climbing. Almost 20 km of climbing today… some very steep,
and some “nice and easy” - however, the nature is absolutely fantastic.
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Arrived at
Markina. We needed a break. Something to eat. While taking a rest at the
café,we asked for directions… and while getting the directions Carluccia got
something in her eye. It seemed to be painful for her, and she couldn’t get
the “elephant” out. A sign for us to stay here for the night…? OK… We checked
in at "Hotel" Vega. The owner, an old lady, did everything in slow motion...
finding the keys, putting a stamp in our credential and signing us into the
hotel book.... it took forever. € 15 each…. Not too bad - could be worse.
Washed my dirty socks and T-shirts… how does it get sooo dirty… had a very
nice and very hot shower… found that the hot and cold water had “swapped”
colours… - I thought of it too late… didn’t get to inform Carluccia as she was
almost in the shower as I got out… when she returned she said….
Uhhh… COLD
shower…. No hot water… I laughed…. as my shower was very hot… and very nice…
Carluccia was still troubled by the “elephant” in her eye. We both took a nap
instead of checking out the city… it seemed to be quite “dead” anyway… maybe
because it is Sunday. Went out for dinner… I was hoping to get some food with
some energy in it… like pasta or…. chicken… dishes that have not been invented
here yet…. Went to bed…. still hungry.
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