Real de la Jara

 I remember when we first decided to walk the Via de la Plata. I was excited to be walking on the road less traveled and remembered in my research reading about a small village named Real de la Jara in the Extremadura region of Spain. Little did I know the imprint it would make upon both Tom and I as we shared a small portion of life in this small white village. 

It was a stunning little blanco pueblo, no one would dare disagree with that even though we would say that this was not the thing that made it most memorable. The walk in was beautiful as we passed the most breathtaking estates. We saw a small note posted on the trail about four kilometers from town advertising a small and beautiful Casa de Rural. We decided that this might be the place for us and so we called while on the trail. This was our first year with a Spanish phone and found it helpful for moments like these. Because it was Holy Week we decided to ensure we had a place to stay. When we spoke with Manuel he said he had a matrimonial suite for us. We usually ask for this kind of room because it gives us a larger bed and private bath. 

When we arrived into town we were a bit confused about the directions to the Casa. We gave a quick call and in just a few moments Manuel drove to meet and pick us up. He gave us a quick tour of the town and then drove us up to the 'Castle on the Hill' which was just a short distance out of town. He introduced us to a couple of professors who had walked the Camino Via de la Plata and we had a lovely conversation about what was to come. We had a little business in town and he accompanied us on these errands. 

We got back to our Casa and were delighted with our accommodations. We even had our own washer and dryer! I quickly washed our clothes and headed down for some local tapas and a nice drink. Our host ordered for us and it was phenomenal. Fresh local lamb with fresh picked potatoes and goat cheese accompanied with fresh cured olives, bread, and wonderful wine. His son Manuel and daughter Emma joined us and we learned of their life here in Real de la Jara. He was recently widowed and I think he enjoyed the company of someone who he could talk with and speak his heart. It was a beautiful time of sharing life and the stories that  can connect you to people you had not known before. To say it was lovely would be an understatement. I always love this part of life and travel. The part in which the ordinary becomes extraordinary. We could not have orchestrated a lovelier day.

Back on the road tomorrow with another destination and adventure awaiting. Thinking of you along the way. You are loved...Buen Camino.

z