Day 8 - 28.01 km from Biona to Vigo Sept 24

Hola - today started off right a 0800 hours as we headed out of Biona to Vigo - we selected the coastal route that was to be more direct to our Hotel Compstella in Vigo. We stumbled upon a rather large market that was being set up along our route. We bought some fresh produce (including tomatoes) and stopped for coffee. The croissants are so light and fluffy - they even sprinkle a bit of icing sugar on them (as though the butter inside is not enough), but all of us scoffed them down. We marvelled at the length of the beaches, the white sand and the beautiful blue water. We wound our way along the coast through villages and towns, up and down, on sand, boardwalks, paved roadways, slate and sidewalks. The scenery was like a painted picture - so pretty! We met two fine gentlemen from Kent, UK - and chatted with them as we walked along - interesting gentlemen. It was a hot day, made even hotter when walking in the open and in the cities!!! Finally we arrived in Vigo - thinking we were close to our hotel - wrong!!! It is like walking through Calgary - we were at the city limits and then walked about another 6-7 kms before we found our hotel - thank you Gerry for your GPS on your phone. We walked, talked and then walked in silence determined to get there quickly. We knew we had to get to the harbour where cruise ships dock to be near our hotel - finally got in close to 3:10 pm - and the temperature just kept going up (it was about 30 degrees C). We quickly checked in and the women waited for the men to shower before we headed out to find supper. We found out that we have to order by 4 pm or wait until 8-8:30 to have a meal. So we selected a quaint little outdoor restaurant and asked the waitress if we could order the menu Del dia, it was 4:04 - she said yes! We had two options for the first course and 2 for the second and it included one beverage and dessert. Craving a salad, a few of us order the ensalada de gulas - not sure what that was - but we had to order in a hurry. The others order calamari. Then it arrived - on my word! What did we order??? The lettuce was covered with a type of shredded something - it was silver and white and when mixed with the olive oil and lettuce - not too bad, we ate most of it. Then the calamari came out for the others - it was in a blackish sauce with rice and it was three huge lumps. It appeared that the rest of the calamari was neatly tucked into its butt - the tentacles and everything were inside of it. Well apparently the sauce was good. We went out on a limb and had the local delicacies without even knowing it. The main course - some had fish and others had meatballs - all were delicious. For dessert, some chose the Carmel custard, others had cheesecake and I chose the ice cream - which turned out to be the best selection. The two waitresses were happy to serve us and we were grateful that they did. We spent much of the evening going our separate ways and touring the area around our hotel. The cathedral was beautiful and quiet - it was a nice place to reflect. The streets were busy with tourists and locals. We returned to out hotel still curious about what the Gulas actually was, and Dave couldn't wait to tell us that we were eating young eels, on my gosh!!! We needed something to settle our stomachs and the gelato did just the trick. For a day that was to be rather a shorter one - it did not turn out to be short and the temperature even made it seem longer. Tomorrow is supposed to be 32 degrees C, but the journey should be the shortest distance we have to travel one on day on this Camino - we will see! Adios, buenas noches!