Day 9: What do you want to be when you grow up? Happy

Dear traveler,

I woke up more rested than ever and ready for a new day, so we hit the road as soon as the horizon started to get painted in sunrise shades and, as usually, before normal people would wake up.

This time we left on an empty stomach, hoping that we'll find something good to eat along the way, but unfortunately, I must endure until we reach the next town. However, it's worth the wait, as I have never seen so many types of bread as here.
Their Spanish names make me think more about town or mountain names, but anyway, let's say Chia Azteca for me. Actually, I think I'd try Mariñeiro. Hmmm, could I make a bread sandwich? As in, one on the top, one on the bottom and one in the middle? Alright, I'll save some room for some cakes we receive from the ladies here.

Now that we ate, we get going our way. This little town bathing in the sunlight is so beautiful. It's called Ponte Sampaio and now I understand why. A beautiful stone bridge crosses the water that has turned orange at this time of day. Dad tells me that this bridge dates back to Roman times and begins a lengthy story about the battles that took place here during Napoleon's time. I swear I'm trying to pay attention but the hot cocoa I had earlier hasn't kicked in yet. The streets are tidy and filled with flowers and ....inclined. I'm trying not to get annoyed first thing in the morning, as it's not good for me, I know. But really, why?

After we escape the wonderful slopes, we enter the forest, with a different type of vegetation this time. Large stone blocks lie on both sides of the path and it seems that nature has taken them over completely.

In a small glade we find Ernesto, who offers water, fruits and small objects handcrafted by himself to the pilgrims that arrive here. He tells us how he comes here everyday, with a loaded backpack, as that makes him happy. He doesn't ask for anything in return. Anything you can take from him is donativo. He's got a sky blue guitar and he delights passersby with his songs.
We get some fruits and I choose a small keychain, putting some coins in return in his box. Mamarmot remembers she has a few stickers left, the ones with our stories from the trails, so she offers one to Ernesto. He is so happy about it and doesn't think twice before sticking it to his guitar.

-"Now I'll think about you every time I play a song. Thank you!"
We say goodbye and he tells me:
-"Remember, when people will ask you what you want to be when you grow up, choose to be happy!"

I keep this thought with me for a while as the trail takes us further along a river and a bit later at the entrance of a pretty big city. The streets are swarming with people and I'm trying to remember if today is weekend or not.
Even if it's crowded, it's nice, with vintage buildings, with many flowers and archways made of colorful inflatable rings. Really!

After a few streets under inflatable rings and bridges, we find another trail that leads to Compostela. Before Mamarmot can say anything, the answer is no. For sure this one is longer. But of course, I can't keep her from staring at the signposts.
Come on, it's way nicer on our trail. Look at this tree!

At the milestone indicating 60, we enter the forest again. The vegetation doesn't cease to amaze me as it would be the first time when I see ferns growing in trees.
At the end of the forest we find a small village called A Portela, where we'll be staying for the night. Among the only 5 buildings around there is our albergue. Inside, we meet Pedro, who explains us the house "rules" and leads us to our beds. The walls are filled with awesome drawings and one of the rules is that ...drawing is allowed! i can't wait!
Another rule is that Pedro will be cooking and we will help him set up the table and wash the dishes. I remember that last time we did this we slept on the floor of a monastery. Today it seems we'll be sleeping in a former classroom. A few mattresses are crammed on the floor and I'm happy I can finally jump around on a mattress without any comment from my folks.

Until we gather for dinner, I practice my artistic skills on the kitchen walls and on the hallway. But come on, time to help Pedro.

We're around twenty people and although we don't speak the same language, everyone is helping out with something, and in a matter of minutes everything is ready on the table outside and everybody finds a seat. The food looks delicious but I'm trying to wait until Pedro finishes his speech.
He mentions every nationality that's gathered around the table and tells us a bit about what Camino means to him. He's a Portuguese photojournalist and this peaceful life from the albergue is not something he's used to, but he enjoys it to the fullest. He loves his job but he also loves what he is doing now.
This reminds me of what Ernesto was saying earlier today ...choose to be happy!

We eat until we're full and my folks enjoy a glass of vino tinto and I feel like I'm back in time somewhere in a small monastery on Camino Frances. At the end, everybody helps with cleaning up the table, washing the dishes and tidying everything up. I help them too but I quickly slip away from my chores and return to the works of art on the walls.

A bit later I'm called by my parents to go and see the sunset from the outskirts of the village. We don't need to go too far for that, just about 10 steps forward. The sunset caresses the green fields and it feels like the entire world went to sleep as you can't hear anything, not even a bird's chirp or a fly. It's so beautiful and now I understand why Pedro likes it so much, although I think I would get bored at some point, after all the walls would get covered in drawings and all the soup would be gone, I'd really like to see what's after that hill and then further, after the forest. Curiosity would push my steps a bit further every time. Perhaps I wouldn't make up my mind that easily about where I would like to stay or if I'll ever will. Perhaps I'd like a job like Pedro's, as it would take me to many places. Perhaps, I don't know, but I have enough time to decide. I remember a sky blue guitar and I realize that the answer is not that complicated after all.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Happy