Today we walked only 13k/8miles to Sahagun where our friend Keko (a former teacher at Mt. Carmel High School) picked us up and brought us to his house for the night. 
Here's Emily at the statue marking the geographical center of the camino (the center of the path in Spain, not including where we started in France).
It reminded me a bit of the Neverending Story.
Here's another pilgrim statue. I call him the "pouty pilgrim". It seems their statue-making skills could use a little work around here.
The archway to the town of Sahagun.
A friendly old guy in Sahagun asked us where we were going because we were in the town, not on the camino path. When we told him we were going to San Lorenzo church (where we were to meet Keko) he tried to discourage us, pointing out the main church in the town and telling us to go there. He only spoke Spanish and he spoke it very quickly. When we did not give in he personally took us across town weaving through streets and the market until we reached San Lorenzo. Not only was the church closed, it was also under construction, haha, no wonder he was discouraging us. But, before he left, he took out his keys and opened the side chapel room, a sort of museum where they keep the big floats they carry for Holy Week processions. He was very proud of the items kept in there, as he should be, they were very beautiful. I took one picture before I saw the "no photos" sign, oops.
I'm always impressed with the local people who go out of their way to help the pilgrims. He could have just pointed us in the right direction of San Lorenzo and the hostess at the other albergue could have just told me there is no pharmacy in their town, but they went the extra mile to help us, to make our journey easier, or to show us something we wouldn't have seen otherwise. And that brings me to Keko. I should've known our time with Keko would be wonderful because in one email he told me "it's your decision, what is best for you, you are the ones walking the camino so you are the important ones!"
Keko picked us up and drove us north to Gijon, the beautiful town on the northern coast of Spain where he lives. On the drive he asked if we like the beach... what?! Are you kidding me? I mean I knew Gijon was on the coast but I did not know Keko lives one block from the water! I was getting pretty excited.
We stopped on the way to Gijon at this amazing restaurant. The best meal I've had in Spain, hands down, and one of the best meals anywhere I'd say! We had salad, bread, wine, cooked vegetables, really good beef, lamb, and cheesecake for dessert. We all ate way too much, of course!
After lunch we drove into Asturia, the province where he lives. He said it's the most beautiful place in the world and I have to agree... It's at least in the top ten!
Are you kidding me?! The mountains and the beach? I couldn't have planned this better myself!
We walked along the beach and the marina at night. Keko's friend Tito told us some history of the town and we had drinks, including the famous Gijon cider.
I'm thankful for being somewhere where I know someone, for Keko's amazing hospitality, for good food, and for sleeping in a bed with sheets not a sleeping bag. OH AND THE BEACH! God is so good, He never ceases to surprise (and spoil) me... this time He's done it by bringing me to Gijon and giving Keko as a host!
I'm learning how great God is and He's making it an easy lesson! :)