Castilblanco

Thanks for all the yellow arrows, I have barely had to consult my notes. The walk through Sevilla and Santiponce was uneventful and pleasant in the early morning light. I had a look around Italica, which I found very interesting, and also interesting are the comments from 2 Italians I have since met on the camino. They find it all a bit boring - well, it is provincial to them. Started running into other pilgrims just outside Italica and had a great walk down the long straight road to Guillena. The river was just passable on the right hand side. Was still quite deep in the middle. Albergue in Guillena was full by about 5pm. Two sleeping on the floor. Very basic, no water in the female toilet. Set off early in the morning, just before sunrise. Stopped for a very good coffee at a bar just outside Guillena, at Poligono Industrial el Cerro. Some friendly dogs and hunters encountered along the way. Walk along the road is a bit hairy scary, but good to arrive in Castilblanco about midday. Thunderstorm in the afternoon, but warm and nice albergue with good facilities. Internet in the office below.

The best laid plans

I was on the final countdown to flying out when unfortunately my mother died. I spent a week in New Zealand with my family, and rearranging flights and other bookings. It was a very emotional week, but I know my mother was happy I was going off on such a wonderful trip and I am sorry she will not be there for me to write letters to, and to show my photos when I get back.
After this experience, I will never use a travel agent again. I had to wait for their office to open after getting the news late on Thursday night. Then I had to wait all day on Friday for them to get back to me, and gave me no options for cheaper days. Fortunately I was able to rebook on another Singapore Airlines flight. I had a Spanair flight booked from Barcelona to Sevilla, and had paid extra to be able to change it, but finding the right phone number or email was extremely difficult. Mike got through to them eventually, but had to speak Spanish, and got no joy. So we had to book another more expensive flight. So, 2 days in Barcelona, one night in Sevilla then set off on the Via de la Plata to lots of small towns north. See how far I get in about 12 days.

May is here

Not long to go now. Got my euros yesterday. ANZ have a card that you can load up with euros to avoid foreign exchange fees. Last days of the Katmandhu sale, couldn't help myself, bought more stuff. Need to do a big walk tomorrow.