Mel and I are just over the Spanish border. Wa walked about 27km today from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Ronceville. It felt like it was all uphill. Shortly after leaving Saint Jean we met Antra. She is spending a year away from Canada travelling about Europe. We joined together to attempt the ascent.
The route wasn´t bad and the views over the mountains were incredible. We passed through the cloud barrier and walked into strong sunlight. We both have sun burn. We are assuming that all the pains of today will get worse, therefore we remain optimistic.
The pilgrim´s dinner was really good; we had expected broth and bread. Instead we had pasta for starters and trout with chips for mains. It was served on the bone so I felt superior being the only one on the table who knew how to eat it. The wine was very nice and made us look forward to the wine tap later on the camino; we will be investing in multiple bottles before visiting.
We were a multi-national table with Poles, Austrians, Germans, Canadians and even Brazilians. Though we soon moved past any barriers as the Brazilians referred to me as Harry Potter and soon everyone else did too. Melissa was jealous, though she tried to disguise it with fits of laughter, though I could see through it to the resent she held.
After our meal we all went to the monastery where Melissa received a pilgrim´s blessing. We´re going to be now because tomorrow mornign bodes for an early start.

Julian

P.S. Narrowly avoiding having to share a bed with Melissa as Antra has taken quite a liking to her. Lucky for me as it means I get top bunk.