DAY 31: NOV 5 REST DAY IN OURENSE

The history of Ourense goes back to Roman times. Typical of many Roman cities it has hot springs which were immediately appealing to me.  It was about a two kilometer walk across the  Rio Mino on the old bridge built on Roman foundations to get to the public and private baths.

The old 11th century bridge is limited to pedestrian traffic.

The central arch is 45 meters above the river

The free public baths by the shore of the Rio Mino

I chose to use the private baths where for a fee of  6.20 euros I got to use the facilities for 90 minutes along with a towel and an ill-fitting bathing suit. It was marvellous. There were three hot pools starting at 41 C and then getting progressively cooler as well as a cold pool. It was heaven. Afterwards I had a leisurely lunch with a beer and a couple of bocadillos and some tapas in the bar attached to the pool for only 2.70 euros.

I thought that I would help out the owner behind the bar!

 

On the way back to the albergue I crossed the river on a very modern and unusual new bridge.

The curved arches are a walkway that doesn't go anywhere

Barthalomew is an interesting fellow. He had been at the albergue for a couple of days recovering from the flu. He didn't seem too sick to me but who knows. On the other hand this is a beautiful albergue, heated, with nice beds and pillows, kitchen and lounge, high speed internet and all the hot water that you could want at three euros per day! Nice hotel if you can get it.

Bart is a bit of an idealist. He is 42, has quit his job, doesn't want to work, would prefer to do voluntary work but doesn't seem to have any skills or the education that would support voluntary work!

The rest of the afternoon was spent getting caught up on lots of emails. By 9:30 I  had crashed.......four days and 110 kilometers to go.