Bloxicon
Albergue - a place of shelter for pilgrims on the Camino. You must have a pilgrim passport in order to be admitted. Priority is usually given to those traveling on foot. These shelters provide a bed to sleep on, usually in the form of a bunkbed. There are toilets and showers. Some have kitchen facilities and occasionaly even a washing machine and dryer, but most do not. There are privately run albergues (more and more) and municipal albergues. The private albergues tend to be in better condition (largely due to the fact that many are newer but more because of the ever-increasing number of pilgrims fueling demand) and offer more amenities, such as the opportunity to have a prepared hot meal at a minimal cost.
Assam - a state in northeastern India, much of which lies in the valley of the Brahmaputra River, noted for its purduction of tea. Assam tea is a black tea.
Assam at wikipedia.
Ausgeröstet - infinitive=ausrüsten. fit out, equip, supply with.
Bocadillos - a Spanish sandwich. Even if you don't understand Spanish, you'll get the picture here
Ceylon - the former name of Sri Lanka; a black tea, which according to Wikipedia is noted for its "crisp aroma reminiscent of citrus." It is used in blended and unblended teas. Ceylon at Wikipedia
Gemütlich - comfortable, comfy, cosy, pleasant, relaxed.
Hirschtalg - a fatty cream designed to sooth and prevent chafing and blisters of the skin. If you are a PETA supporter, you may not care to use this product as it is apparently actually made from the melted talg of deer. It does work great however.
Hospitilero(a) - the people who have dedicated their time to taking care of the albergues along the route and the pilgrims who stay there.
International Camino Snore Interruption Noise - a noise made in an attempt to wake snoring pilgrims. It is reminiscent of frightened squirrels. To experience this noise without going on the Camino find a squirrel and make him take a defensive posture. It will most likely emit a sharp, repetitive clicking noise. That's it.
Isomatte - German word for an insulating, lightweight mattress often used for extra padding and warmth while camping. Therm-a-Restmakes a variety of mattresses.
Mercado - in Spanish speaking regions, a market. In this journal it is referring to what Americans refer to as "Mom and Pop" stores; little stores selling fruits and vegetables and other staples.
Mournful Madonna - I've been told that in Hispanic culture she is called, "Nuestra Señora la Virgen de los Dolores" or "La Dolorosa." She is also known as "Our Lady of Sorrows." Wikipedia has an entry, but the photos don't due justice to the Madonnas I saw in the churches of Spain. In other words, Wikipedia's photos don't quite capture the realistic creepiness I witnessed.
Obatzda - a cheese specialty of Bavaria made from aged Camembert, sweet paprika powder, and onions. It is mixed together until smooth and served with bread and/or pretzels. It is a very popular Biergarten snack.
Pain au Chocolat - literally: "bread with chocolate". A french croissant with bittersweet chocolate tucked into the middle.
Pants (the) - proper noun, borrowed from another blogger, referring to my male companion of the last 10 years. He has graciously accepted and given his permission for its use with the stipulation that it be used only as a term of endearment.
Pausi - a diminutive way of saying "Pause" in German, as in "Machen wir eine Pause," or "Let's take a break."
Pflegeleicht - adj. easy-care; fig. Person: easy to get along with. Du bist pflegeleicht~You are easy to get along with.
Refuge/Refugio - see Albergue.
Retablo - a frame or shelf enclosing decorated panels of revered objects above and behin an altar.
Rustle Rage - what some pilgrims experience when other pilgrims pack some or all of their belongings in plastic bags and begin to search for something. It most frequently occurs, but is under no circumstances limited to, the hours between 4 and 5:30 AM. Interesting to note is that the more careful the searching, the greater the Rustle Rage reaction. Ear plugs are a mild, but mostly ineffective remedy. It has been observed that sleeping next to a loud snorer seems to pacify potential Rustle Ragers most. Unsure who they want to clobber more, the Rustle Rager lies on their bed in a state of dazed confusion.
Und Meine Seele spannte... - English translation:
And my soul unfolded
Its pinions so wide,
Flew over the silent lands,
As if it were flying home.
Translation from the International Music Company edition, Schumann, 85 Songs for Voice and Piano.
Pinions are the outer part of the bird's wing including the flight feathers. Music trivia for those interested: Mondnacht is the fifth song of the Liederkreis, Op. 39 by Robert Schumann. A Liederkreis is a Song Cycle. Mondnacht is one of the most famous German art songs ever written. If you are interested in hearing it, there are numerous recordings available. Famous art songs are usually famous for a reason, and Mondnacht is a jewel in the very large crown of German art song repertoire.
Wir schreiben wir, wir und uns, uns. - We write we, we and us, us.