Santiago de Compostela

Last night was amazing and miserable.

Paulette did her running around with her phone. She left her phone there, they will attempt to upgrade it and get it running again. 

When she returned, we went to find something to eat.  Three blocks from our hostel is a huge 4 story mega store, they sell everything you can imagine.  Restaurant on top floor, that's where we ate.

Then went back to hostel to bed.  Another horrible night, excruciating pain. About 4 hours sleep.

Made decision at 230am, I can not stay here another nine nights.  I need to go home.  Sent message to John and I started looking into things at 8 am.

When I told Paulette what I was planning, she was in shock, just a little. I started making calls.  Got vague answers and many more questions.

We went down for breakfast at bar which is run by hostel owner.  We developed a temporary plan. The owner didn't have room for us tonight, but does next night.  He also owns a home that has been converyed into a bed and breakfast. He offered us one of those rooms at the 20€ / person rate tonight and then move us back for tomorrow night.  Sympathy for my injuries.   Score!

Then we headed out to find a clinic. Went down to busy street and went to a running store.  Big score!   Employee connected us with a podiatrist, appointment in hour. We walked there, very slowly.   I have a bone spur issue in my heel.  Not nerve damage, not tendons or ligaments, just very painful bone spurs.  But I have to stop walking, which I already did.

The doctor spoke about as much English as I do Spanish so we used a laptop to translate back and forth, and it worked great. When his assistant (who spoke English) returned from lunch, we confirmed everything.

He would not prescribe pain meds, only the inflammatory meds I'm already taking.  I need to buy inserts or shoes with more cushion.  Then orthotics when I get home. 

He refused to take any money.  The generosity of so many people, warms my soul.

Made decision to stay in Spain and do some sightseeing, with minimal walking.

Paulette went to phone store while I had appointment, I'm waited at cafe for her.  We met up, ate and went back to hostel.  We then got ride to our new digs for the night.

The owner of the hostel renovated his father's home into a bed and breakfast 50km out if Santiago de Compostela.  We arrived to private room, wine, and breakfast in morning, all for 20€ each.  This family has a heart of gold.

I've washed everything I have, except pants. I am hoping most will dry by tomorrow, but if not, I'll hang in room tomorrow.

Breakfast is at 10 and then we go back to city.

It's been another amazing day.