Day 23 - Don't let the bed bugs bite

I left the Albergue alone and very early today, hoping I would get to today's town by lunchtime. Within minutes I was lost and very frustrated that my headstart was being wasted. I asked a few people directions but nobody really had a clue. Using my guide book and road signs I walked along a main road which seemed to be going in right direction. After an hour I met two other Pilgrims and it turned out I was not only going in the right direction but I had taken a shortcut!

After getting off the ugly main roads we were taken through vineyards. This region has it's own microclimate creating very unique wines. I continued walking through vineyards all the way to Villafranca.

I went into the first Albergue I found which had a tranquil garden and very good wifi. It was after settling in that I read the guidebook and found out there has been reports of bed bugs in this Albergue. I took my chances and went off for the afternoon to explore the town.

Christian had been attacked by bed bugs in the yoga retreat and later on when everyone else had arrived I saw his bites for the first time. He was covered in massive red, itchy welts and had spent yesterday in a hotel washing all his clothes. Unsurprisingly the rumours of bed bugs meant that he carried on to another Albergue. Neringa said when her sister did the Camino she came back covered with bites which remained for a whole summer! I didn't get bitten but when I folded away the blanket I used overnight I got a whiff of wee.

Apart from this I enjoyed my stay. Bed, dinner and breakfast were all donitivo (give what you want). We had a big shared meal in the evening and got shouted at when we tried to help clear away. After dinner we had an astrology lesson from a Korean man who pointed out all the different constellations with his laser. Living in London with all its light pollution I sometimes forget the stars are there.