Nigran

It was a super short trek to Nigrán, only about 4 miles. We were in no hurry to leave Baiona. Besides, we needed some rest from trekking. Had I known then what I know now, I’d have scheduled a full rest day within the first week!

We stashed our packs at the hotel desk and took a cab back to the sea glass beach. There’s a hip cafe at the restored lighthouse. The kitchen was closed so we settled for scrumptious olives and fresh croissant in view of the sea.

Returning to Baiona by cab, we set out on the seacoast. However, we failed to notice a key transition after Ponte (Bridge) de Ramallosa, which was clearly marked in the walking notes. Oops!

We hauled up, up, uphill on the outskirts of Nigrán, wound our way through nondescript residential areas, before landing at the Hotel Holiday. Not the most elegant route, but got us to where we were going.

We’ve stayed in some lovely places on this journey. This, shall we say, is the most quirky, unlike any hotel we’ve encountered, anywhere.

The reception desk is drive-through; approached by steep in and out ramps. The receptionist sits midway in a small glass office with full view of both.

After registering, we were presented a garage door opener. Entering our individual and nicely tiled garage, sparkling clean and empty, we found a narrow stairway leading to our room.

Lugging luggage upstairs is never fun, is it? Thank you, Hubs.

The room was clean, in good condition, and more spacious than typical in Europe. Also bland. White, white and more white, except for beige laminate flooring, a tired beige comforter, and jade velour blanket hiding beneath!

In the bathroom, also larger than typical for Europe, was the expected sink, toilet, and bidet, surrounded by ceramic tile, in good repair but dated. Plus one massive a tub. That was a nice surprise!

Tubs are hard to come by in trek travel. I was happy to see it. If only for a few luxe niceties to facilitate a soak? Mercy! What I would give, sell, or trade for some Epsom salts!

Instead, we had a tiny bar of soap so thin it broke before it was unwrapped. A small packet of shampoo; two of bath gel. That’s it.

We’re spoiled by hotel amenities at home. In Europe, one liquid soap often covers hands, body, and hair. I’ve yet to see conditioner, lotion, or tissues!

Finally, on the list of oddities is room service delivery mechanism. At the top of the stairs, outside the room, is a shelf. Inside the room, a small door unlocks to access that shelf. Indeed, soon after we arrived, the clerk delivered two cans of 1906 La Milneuve cerveza in such fashion.

Also on the inside of the room, under that little access door, sits a small fridge. We have a large closet, small table and chairs, and TV, if you’re wondering. A music system with controls built into the wall for three channels is no longer functioning. There’s another dialed knob with no clear purpose.

Surprisingly, there is AC (never assumed) and one window that opens wide. There’s chiseling and hammering going on across the way in another unit. I’d love to see if updates are in play.

We’ve been speculating on this model for drive-through / drive-in hotel: who came up with the concept, when, and why? I think we know why it didn’t stick? HA! Let us know what you think. :=)

On the up-note, we took a stroll down to the beach for a nice meal before calling it a day. Restaurants in Spain close early (after lunch) and reopen late, at 8:00 pm. The receptionist assured us we’d find a meal at the beach. It was near to 4:00 pm so I wasn’t overly optimistic.

At our first stop and the closest restaurant, Restaurante Cafeteria Concordia, the uniformed man grilling meat outside said, “Kitchen closed.” Very direct and firm. No table here today.

I asked, “Do you know where they are still serving? “I don’t know.” As in, “I don’t care.” We moved on.

The staff just next door, at the Sambali, more than made up for it. We’d snuck in just under the wire; their kitchen closed at 4:00 pm. They were so gracious and welcoming; it was like night and day. We had a delicious meal in the sunshine, with sounds of the ocean crashing not far away. What a great way to end a great day.

Wishing a “Happy Anniversary” to our beloved trek-mates, well on on their way to happily-ever after!

My devotion today was about families; what a blessing a strong family is for the generations. I’m deeply grateful for our family; his, mine, and ours, who’ve extended generosity, hospitality, and much grace.

Our children and their families are never far from my mind. On my pack, I carry six small scallop shells strung together. Each bears initials of one of our grands. They jangle as I trek, a gentle reminder to pray for those we hold so dear.

I was also thinking today about my mother-in-law, Betty. She gently schooled me in many things, including letting go and letting be to maintain peace and preserve unity. She was master of the wheel for an even keel with family dynamics. That’s saying a lot with nine kids, all married, and 21 grandchildren, most residing within a few miles of the family business!

Tonight I was glad to reconnect with two family members who’ve been heavy on my heart as we’ve trekked. A trip like this can easily distance us when the going gets rough on either end, but it hasn’t.

I’m also grateful for friends-as-family. The people you can pour your heart out to, who know all there is to know, yet love and accept you for who you are, i.e. a work in process. Thank you.

Hold hope. Keep faith. Walk your walk.

~ Sincerely, Sondra