We also had one of the warmest welcomes - what a contrast to the owners of the Hostal VII Carreras - who were just interested in how much they could charge us for anything and everything! (Shortly afterwards\we found a sandal on the path which we assumed had been dropped by one of the pilgrims in front of us. I carried it in my rucksack and left it at the Albergue in Salamanca where I hope someone has claimed it!)
We later read that near this village Wellington in command of the 3rd Allied Division defeated the French Thomieres Division in the battle of Arapiles on 22nd July 1812.
The path wound its way along long plains where the bales of hay had just been gathered. Some 5 kms later on the brow of a small hill, stood the cross of Santiago and behind it, in the distance, the beautiful city of Salamanca. There we came across Ana, an Italian girl who has been travelling the same route as us and who we meet practically every night at one Albergue or another!
It took another 4 kms to reach the city centre and its Cathedral, where we arrived at 1.15p.m. having entered over the Roman bridge spanning the river Tormes. As soon as we checked in to our hotel the skies opened and Salamanca was drenched! Today we have been lucky with the weather!
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