They say that Madrid is a city that never sleeps. As Mac & I made our way down the Calle Atocha, at 6 am, this morning, we witnessed hordes of young people, in all manner of states – euphoric, exhausted, noisy and boisterous – unthreatening. I was even more glad for the double strength windows in our hotel room, which overlooked this popular thoroughfare – didn’t hear a thing. A final glass of Pacharan , in the hotel bar ,may have helped. Less than 24 hours in this great, capital city, but time enough to enjoy the lively area around us, especially, Plaza Sta Ana. Returning , we came across a dramatic sculpture, recognising the fate of 35 citizens, assassinated, during the civil war. A sobering sight. The journey home was smooth enough, having navigated the Madrid Metro system, to reach Barajas Airport, in time for a final Desayuno.
I was relieved to finish this section of the Camino, mainly because a lot of family and friends had been so generous with their sponsorship.Muchas Gracias. This section of the Via de la Plata, from Caceres to Zamora ( particularly after wet weather ) , is challenging in different ways – long stretches without any place of refreshment. Few places to sit down and take a break; except for the ground, and after entering Castille y Leon, wide ranges of monotonous landscape – mainly cereals and grazing. Even the snow- capped mountains were soon left behind. Apart from the many Spings and stretches of floodwater, the surfaces were good to the feet ( fine grit & sand ) and the Camino, well signposted. Of course, my view could have been clouded by the days of miserable weather . However, I should not recommend it for first-timers. Compensations came by way of the companionship of other pilgrims and the gracious, friendly welcome received in bars, cafes and places we stayed.
The Via de la Plata has brought some investment and revitalisation, to some of these lonely Pueblos , with locals offering accommodation in restored houses and farms – highly recommended as essential alternatives ( for me ), to Albergues, which can be found there , too.
The government, with EU help, has improved the road infrastructure and high speed train lines are bring built.These are breathtaking constructions .
The history of the Camino and the dedicated sites, especial to St James and his devoted Pelegrinos, are well represented along the way and in different forms.
“Walking the Camino you can make yourself miserable or strong. But the amount of walking will be still the same.” That was a quotation, I found, somewhere and was very appropriate for this Camino. There is also another, Spanish ,saying, which goes some way to describing the attitude of pilgrims, both to those who look after them, feed and direct them… and to each other :-
– “El peregrino no exige , agradece. ”
There are moments and times when I should have reminded myself of that and what a privilege it was, nevertheless , to walk this Way.
Translation – A pilgrim doesn´t demand , he´s grateful.
Amen to that !
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ensuitepilgrim's Blog 
Great to follow your path. Well done to all. How are Mac’s blisters?