Day 17: Zaragoza

Date	10 Jul 2025 ( Thursday )
Today's Distance:
Total This Camino:	128 miles
Total All Caminos:	1746 miles

Lodging (Deb & I):	€ 80 @ Apartamentos Au habitat Zaragoza
Total Lodging:	$ 1182
Total Airplane(s):	$ 1427
Travel Insurance (Larry):	$ 360
Buses / Trains / Taxis (Deb & I):
Total Buses / Trains / Taxis:	$ 234
Food (Deb & I) :	€28 El Día : supplies for hiking tomorrow € 30 public market : meats and cheeses € 10 Ciberia € 10 Cafe shop € 12 Batidos ( milk shakes )
Total Food:	$ 915

08:20 a.m. Starting the day.

09:30 a.m. Ciberia coffee shop. Cafe con leche, pastry and natural orange juice.

10:00 a.m. Off to see the Palacio de la Aljafería.

UNESCO-listed 11th-century palace now used as seat of the Aragonese Parliament.

11:30 a.m. Just finished an outstanding tour of the Palace. We were told the tour was full so we didn't buy the full ticket, just a self-guided.

But the guide himself invited us along when he saw that Deb and I spoke Spanish. Absolutely enjoyed his presentation.

12:00 p.m. Stopping in a coffee shop for a tinto verano (me) and agua con gas (Deb) to relax after the tour and to plan the next couple of days of hiking.

1:15 p.m. Public market for some lunch and dinner items. And supermarket for hiking supplies for tomorrow.

2:00 p.m. Back at the apartment for a shower and some lunch and relaxation.

3:00 p m. Finalizing the next three days sleeping arrangements.

5:00 p.m. Out for a walk to the public market to get some fruit. Mailing post cards to family. Drinking Batidos (milkshakes) over in the Centro district, which had a much more energetic, cosmopolitan feel and vibe than the Casco Antiguo (historic district).

8:00 p.m. Back at the apartment to eat some dinner, blog and rest up for tomorrow's hike.

Meaningful Moment

Last night and this afternoon for lunch.

Deb and I much more enjoyed our Public Market foods in the apartment, as opposed to going out yet again to a Spanish restaurant. It was more personal, and we were without the need for staff to take care of our needs.

These are the last days in Aragon. I believe we have two more days in Aragon and then, next up is the autonomous community of Navarre.

Making arrangements for tomorrow's and the next two days hikes:

11th - Hostal Batallar, Utebo - about an 8 mile hike.

12th - Hostal Cubero, Cabañas, - about a 12 mile hike.

+34 976 61 17 20

50638 Cabañas de Ebro, Zaragoza. (I called in the reservation.)

13th - Hotel El Colono, Gallur - about a 10 mile hike.

+34 976 86 42 75

C. de la Constitución, 13, 50650 Gallur, Zaragoza, Spain

Random Thought of the Day

Our guide at the palace saved me from an embarrassing moment.

Both Deb and I thought the painting in the courtyard was the original. We asked the guide how they protected it against the weather. He quickly informed us that it was a poster, and at the original hangs in The Prado and Madrid. LOL.

When doing one of my talks about the Camino back in the States, I might have referenced this original painting in my talk, and of course someone would have quickly said that the original is in Madrid and I don't know what I'm talking about.

I don't know what our guide was thinking, but it was probably along the lines of something about the silliness of tourists.

While our guide was explaining to us the history behind this over 800-year-old Islamic-Christian designed castle, I couldn't help but think what decisions and conversations, serious and frivolous, must have occurred in these ancient halls and passageways.

The castle was a beautiful combination of both simplicity of design, like the geometric designs from the Islamic era, contrasted with the artistic and iconic representations of the subsequent Christian era. Fascinating experience with a blend of two different cultures and histories.

Our guide was superb, including both Deb and I, even though this was a Spanish language tour. He welcomed input and questions from Deb and I, making us feel included. Of course, out of respect for the other people on the tour, anything we said was in Spanish.

Deb and I had conversations with various people who lent us their full attention, again, even though we were speaking our second language and they were listening in their native language. They all were unfailingly nice, polite and attentive.

After the tour, we enjoyed shopping again at the public market. We bought stuffed eggplant, meatballs in tomato sauce and meatballs in almond sauce, alongside goat cheese and manchego. It will make for a great lunch and supper today.