I am writing this in my top bunk in a large and crowded dorm in the very modern albergue of the old monastery. Pilgrim capacity 220 or so, and full.

The walking today was wonderful in initially through the vinyards, with fabulous views to the hills of the valley and beyond. It was a day when you could see the path ahead for several kms. I have to stop now as it is lights out.More tomorrow.

6:30 am. The cockerel outside has been going since 5:00 am and people started to get up then. They will be walking in the dark for 2 hours,  not appealing. It is generally difficult to get any sleep after 5:00. I think it is time to find a single room for a  night. 

I arrived in Santo Domingo mid afternoon, and am staying at the monastery hostel. It is much like others, but huge, it sleeps over 200. 

I did not get to see much of Santo Domingo last night, which h is mainly the Cathedral, as  crossing the sq, the Amanda I met a couple of days ago, with her friend Claudia, shouted my name. I returned to the hostel 4 hours later as a party of 10 or so people who had variously met previously built up. Fortunately not 2 .uch wine, but so.e one always insists on shots. Supper was a kitkat in my bunk.

The storm started just before getting  back here and there was a lot of rain overnight 

Yesterday was the end of my first week of walking. Over 200 km down. The last sign I saw said 563 km to go.

I shall look at the weather forecast and decide where to get to today. Time for a single room, if I can find one. Time to get up.