New boots in Oviedo

Well I really didn't want to have to change boots half way through the trip, but my beloved Scarpas had worn through to the plastic on one heel, and we're rapidly going that way on the other heel. 

So I took the plunge today and purchased a pair of new, shiny Scarpas. I tried to stay as similar as possible to my old boots, and wearing them all day today they've been fine. Fingers crossed, I'll know in the next day or two if it was the right decision !

Oviedo has been rather different compared to my expectations, I'd seen only the old areas in a couple of films, and it's a bustling, modern Spanish city of which the old centre is just one part. I've enjoyed being here, once I readjusted my viewpoint, and it's certainly supplied one of the most comfortable little hotels I've stayed in. I will miss this wonderful, comfortable bed, and lovely shower with rainshower head and side jets. 

A display of Asturian dancing, to the sound of bagpipes and drums

The cathedral, and narrow streets of the old town

This sculpture, in one of the main shopping streets, is "The Ballerina"

One of the main shopping streets. This is the side I had not anticipated, busy bustling modern streets. 

 A beautiful square in the old part of town, very easy to get lost in here. I had lunch close to here today, Asturian bean soup, which is more like a stew with some ham in it, goat schnitzel which was beautiful, and rice puddling with caramelised sauger on top - I could scarcely move after all that food and had to retire to my hotel for a siesta - good thing I'm heading back out on the Camino tomorrow. 

It's the real start to the Camino Primitivo tomorrow, as we start climbing into the hills. I've rationalised my backpack again, and posted yet more stuff to Santiago de Compostela. Another 1.25kg down, so I think I am at about 8kg total. There are a lot of ascents and descents in the next days, so I am happier knowing that my backpack is as light as possible. 

I'm looking forward to starting again, Oviedo has been lovely and very useful to get some practical stuff done, but it feels like time to start walking again. I think I am about 2/3 of the way through, I haven't checked the kilometres for a while but that's what it looks like on the map. I just keep hoping for good weather, so far I have been incredibly lucky. 

The next few days will be pretty isolated, from reading my guidebook, so no updates for a few days. 

The walking, and simple routines of the Camino, and continual opening up of new vistas, are strangely addictive. After a few days of luxury, it's almost a relief to get started packing the rucksack, and know that tomorrow it's off again following the yellow arrows. I guess the decisions are simple ones, the options are limited, and there's companionship along the way.