Vescica

I have walked three casinos and have never had a blister. In fact, I have tended to look down on those who struggled with blisters as “not having prepared well by walking in their new boots.” Imagine my surprise when, on day one of this camino, after a mere 20 kilometres, I began to feel like I had pebbles in my socks. As the day got hotter and my feet began to swell, the inevitable rubbing had produced large blisters on the balls of my feet. They had busted open and cause significant pain, especially when I walk. Yesterday I walked 29 kilometers , the first 16 on the side of a highway and I have to say that each step hurt. Roberto, who is from Italy, and is a master walker, passed me on the road and expressed puzzlement at the English word “blister.” When I got to the hostel, he proudly told me that the Italian word for blister is “vescica.” Nice to know, I guess.

Today was a short (14km) walk through rugged mountainous country. I am finding that I can walk a fast pace but that every step is painful. I do hope my feet get better as I hope this doesn’t continue over the next 960 kilometres.