In Leon and well rested...

Have been in Leon two days now and I am feeling so much better.   Stayed at the Benedictine monastery run by the nuns who do a great job with the  help of many volunteers from all over the world.  No pillows or blankets here but it is so warm now blankets are not necessary but no pillow was a bit uncomfortable.  There was a lovely pilgrim blessing from the nuns that night and a lovely service in the church....I find these occasions very moving.


Leon is a great city...I love it...in fact I love the Spanish culture very much.  The restaurants, cafes and bars abound here and the atmosphere is very relaxed and carefree.  There is very little traffic in the centre of Spanish cities as the streets are so narrow.  Yesterday Gizzla and I became tourists for the second time after Burgos and toured all the historical sites.  I must research my Spanish history a bit more...other than the Spanish Inquisition I know very little but it is rich in its history and beautiful buildings, cathedrals and castles.

Gizzla and I shared our last meal together with a very pleasant Austrian man from the alberque who unfortunately had the bad experience of having his boots stolen.  I cant imagine why anyone would want to steal  someone else's boots...they are so personal.  Must have been a very poor pilgrim I think... He has had some very bad blisters and sore feet but walking nearly 30 kms a day is hardly surprising...

So this morning Gizzla and I made a tearful farewell.....she will complete her pilgrimage to Santiago and hopes to see Finisterre probably by bus and complete her journey.  I had a very sincere invitation to visit her in Berlin sometime....we shall see. 

Today I get the bus to Bilbao (six hours drive)...it will be nice to watch the scenery go by and rest.

Tomorrow I plan to visit the Gugenheim? Museum as my flight back to UK is not till 10.30 pm.

So adios amigos, farewell my friends...the journey we have travelled has come to an end......I have enjoyed so much sharing it with you and thank you so much for you prayers and support........May we meet again another time to finish the Camino to Santiago de Compostella.......