November-December 2025 Newsletter
**Reposted June 2026 for reference.
What Happened to Me? or How was the Camino?
I was so sure I was going to get a newsletter out in July and then August, certainly by September, of course by October and well, here it is NOVEMBER! Can I just say selling houses takes up a lot of time!
I know many of you followed my journey on social media but here's a quick catch up for those who didn't: Grenada and Sevilla were wonderful. I quickly acclimated to afternoon tapas, the late evening 'paseo' and jambon at least three times a day. The Alhambra was spectacular and a private tour was absolutely the right decision, so many rooms, so many details! Back in the city center mosaics and ice cream were everywhere.
Sevilla was beyond HOT. The Cathedral was a marvel but, again, I was drawn to the Moorish influence and reveled in the beauty of the Real Alcazar. The intersection of Muslim, Catholic, and Christian faiths in this city is fascinating and worth learning more about. Google maps was my best friend - especially after my daughter told me which end of the arrow to watch (!!!) and to turn the sound on. Wandering through alleys and food markets was a treat but the swimming pool and a massage on my last day was just what I needed. (HOT HOT HOT).
On to the Camino - I caught up with my fellow pilgrims at the airport in Santiago where we boarded a bus to take us to our starting destination in Sarria. Please note the huge irony of taking a bus away from the city that you are going to spend the next 6/7 days walking to!
Day 1 - There was one VERY early morning group who got away by 5:30 or 6 each day. I was not part of that ensemble. Instead, I walked with other groups who left around 8 - 8:30. We started right off with a long flight of medieval steps, passed farm dogs in the fields who regarded us with bored yawns, hit a very steep passage that took us 'up and over' and then just kept moving through gently rolling hills. By afternoon however an unexpected heat wave with 95+ temps moved in and movement became difficult - particularly because the last part of our journey was on paved road. The macadam soaked up the heat and then regurgitated it like an inferno; the adjacent fields were barren of all shade - there was simply no respite. I made it to within 2 km of our destination and collapsed in a ditch with heat exhaustion. A new experience for me and one I don't care to repeat. Fortunately we were able to call a car to get me to the hotel where a cold shower - and later a cold beer - set my world to rights.
Day 2 - Much refreshed but still wary of the continued heat, I walked until about noon, enjoyed a communal lunch with our group and then opted to get a car to our next destination rather than chance another 'episode.' About our dinners - we had several choices every night but quickly learned the green salads were not to be missed and the fish was wonderfully fresh and beautifully, if simply, prepared. Potatoes came with everything and there was always a loaf of just baked bread. No butter but lots of olive oil. And beer. And wine.
Day 3 - By now the heat had abated and I was settling into the rhythms of pilgrimage. I knew to take my time, stopping to rest, to share a coffee, a meal, confident the Camino would provide. I walked by myself, with our group (although never with the early birds) and with other pilgrims. I stuck my head under every available water source and delighted in the cooling waters.
Day 4 - Another uneventful but lovely day. The numerous small churches along the way were a welcome oasis of quiet and I never missed the chance to light a candle or say a prayer for those on my heart. It was also fun to keep track of the number and variety of animals we saw - cows, goats, horses, chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, dogs, cats, cattle - but no pigs.
Day 5 - My only fall of the entire 6 days. I felt a sneeze coming on and put my hand up to my face. Unfortunately it was the hand with my walking stick and I was thrown off balance. Totally minor, just a few scrapes and bruises. On this day I was walking with someone from with severe blisters and a lot of accompanying pain. I was content with a slower pace and a new friendship but as her blisters got worse, the pace became non existent and my fellow pilgrim finally succumbed. Another early exit as I accompanied her to our hotel and then settled in the sun for some of the best calamari ever. And beer, very cold beer.
Day 6 - Our final walk into Santiago with glorious weather and equally high spirits. This was it, the culmination of weeks/months of preparation, of walking endless training miles, of worrying about equipment, ruminating about why I felt called to do this. What a day! The smiles were huge, the sense of accomplishment palpable, the relief of finishing real. And in true Camino fashion, despite arriving in Santiago at various times, we somehow all found ourselves sitting outside at the same restaurant, with perhaps the most joyful meal of the trip. Did we share every plate of tapas? Did we laugh and cry and commiserate? Did we revel in securing our 'Camino credencials'? Yes, yes, yes!
Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Yes. Could I do it again? Probably not - my knees are shot but the Camino spirit lingers and permeates my days. The lessons are many and continue to unfold, often when I least expect it. And always this - no matter what it is, if you feel called to something, go, do, follow the call.
If you missed my June newsletter or just want to read again about how I got ready for this particular adventure, click here.
On the Move -
Locally that means the Alexandria Christmas Walk, boat parade, waterskiing Santa Claus - all beginning the first weekend in December. As for us, we are heading to London and Edinburgh for the Christmas holidays! Tea at the Ritz, a few plays, Saint Andrews, Sunday Roast, etc. etc.
Who I'm Watching On Socials
@tomsietsema former Washington Post food critic
@dominthekitchen the BEST upside down and sheet pan tarts!
MARKET NEWS
All of my listings this year - and it's been a good one - have gone under contract in 5 days or less. As I have looked back on this and thought about the 'why's' it has really boiled down to two things - presentation and price. I firmly believe all listings should be staged, that fresh paint makes a world of difference and updating doesn't have to mean major projects.
Presentation - Yes, stagers are known for using or having the latest accessories or furniture styles but more importantly they have an understanding of what works in a particular space or how it can be used creatively. I had one listing in Arlington that had lots of angles and spaces that made no sense. My stager, Leslie Anderson (who is also a fabulous interior designer) made quick work of those areas and created a cohesive look that made sense to buyers. (Even she admitted it was challenging.) It gave potential buyers a path to understanding how they could make it their home. And yes, under contract in 5 days!
So, if you want to put your best foot forward, make staging part of your marketing plan. And even if you do not move out before selling, use a stager to offer suggestions on rearranging furniture, adding new sofa pillows or accessories, declutterring, etc.
For paint my go to colors are White Dove for walls/ceilings and Simple White for trim. Both by Benjamin Moore. Works with any style or architecture.
As for 'gentle' updates - new not expensive light fixtures and fresh, warm lightbulbs can make a world of difference.
Price - Get the price right from the start. Yes, we want your house to sell for as much as possible but personal expectations and market reality are often at odds. My advice - work with your agent to consider all extenuating circumstances, special features, improvements, deferred maintenance, and recent comps from your neighborhood or close geographic area. Your agent should be your best cheerleader in getting this right the first time. Want to talk about your house? I would be happy to chat anytime.
Check out all my Market Reports for the most up to date information in your zip code!
Are you ready to buy or sell or know someone who is?
Give me a call/text at 703.859.6362 or email me at virginia.amos@cbmove.com and let's talk more about your specific needs.
Be sure and check us out at @vasellsrealestate on Instagram too!
Coldwell Banker Realty
310 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
O. (703) 518-8300
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