Thoughts from my Camino Frances Journey- Day 25
Date: May 4, 2025 Sunday
Where did I begin today?
Sarria (Albergue HR)
Where will I stay this evening?
Madrid (Hotel Europa)
How far have I come?
500+ km by train (4hrs 42mins)
Tea with a view of the small train station
Waiting for my train, only 2 platforms
Luckily, I was feeling a bit better this morning and think my fever broke in the night. The Albergue owner picked me up at 9am and dropped me off at the train station as promised. My train was still hours away but I just wanted to get out of that miserable room. Good riddance, I tried to put yesterday behind me and focus on the positive things. I got more cash at an ATM then went to nearby Hotel Roma restaurant and ordered black tea for breakfast. I hung out there until 11:15am then went to platform 2 to wait for my train.
My second high speed train of this trip
Lunch with a view
When the train came, my seat was facing backwards so I asked to move since no one was in the forward-facing seat. I wrote that I get motion sick into Google Translate and the worker said it was fine if no one was there. At Ourense, the train switched directions and I returned to my assigned seat now that it was facing forward. At 2pm I went to the dining car and ordered a sandwich and Coke.
Made it to Puerta del Sol in the heart of Madrid
View from my hotel room
Presidencia de la Comunidad de Madrid in Puerta del Sol
My train arrived at Madrid station after 4pm and I followed crowd to the city train lines. I rode 2 stops on C3 and emerged in Puerta del Sol where I found Hotel Europa easily. I ordered a taxi to the airport for tomorrow at the front desk, then dropped my backpack off in my room. Next, I went to Decathalon and several other nearby stores searching for a box for my trekking poles since I can’t bring them on the plane but had no luck. I explored the square taking pictures and bought small gifts for my family and friends. It’s so weird being in a huge city after the tiny villages I spent the past few days in. Another time, I could see myself coming back to explore Madrid more.
Kilometer Zero- The point from which all roads in Spain are measured
There’s a myth that if you stand on Kilometer 0, you’ll return to Spain
The bear and the strawberry tree representing the coat of arms of Madrid
I ate dinner at Café Europa and got dessert at the famous pastry shop La Mallorquina. Then I made tea in my room and sat by the window people watching. Before bed I took a long, hot shower then packed my poles in my large backpack which I decided to check and use my small stuff sack as a carryon.
Known for their chocolate Neapolitans
Also bought some violet candies since they are a classic Madrid sweet
Today was so much better than yesterday and even though I’m sad to be leaving Spain, I’m relieved that it ended on a good note. Madrid is such a vibrant city, it felt like putting one foot back into the modern world. It feels strange to be going back home after almost one month of walking and staying in a different town every night. I’ve met so many interesting people, seen tons of cool places, and eaten so much delicious food (not to mention lots of Spanish wine). I’m still processing my whole Camino experience, but I can’t wait to come back and finish walking in June. Goodbye for now Spain, and Buen Camino!
Ended my day with tea, pastry, & people watching
Last night in Spain
