Stage 21: Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon 21 kms, 4 hours, 22C sunny!

Life at a Parador

Today's walk in to Leon was pretty non-descript with two busy, noisy highways flanking us on both sides much of the way. We started off from our truck stop type hotel (been there before), found a nice breakfast on our way and were out of town close to 8am. It's still dark at that time, and it was very cold...4Cish...there was frost. As usual I set out wearing practically nothing as I like to start cold and warm up, but today it was just too freaking cold! So we stopped after 5 kms at a bar (where else) where I put on a shirt under my light jacket. We found Ken and Marianne and were able to say our sad goodbyes to Marianne who leaves the Camino today to return home to her washer and dryer in Copenhagen. We expect to take her up on her offer within 2 years when we cycle from Holland to Denmark...so we shall see you again! I will miss your amazing sense of humour and your smile!

So let's jump to Leon. It's the pearl of the Camino. I couldn't wait to get here...even though I have been working on living in the present. Here are a few shots taken after we walked through the outskirts and into the centro. 

This city really is a gem. We walked into town with an American family of 4...2 fully grown daughters, who we have met several times previously. A nice family from Northern California. We parted aways for now and headed off in search of our humble hostel, and eventually found it well out of the centre on the route out of town...handy. So...here's what it looks like.

A dump, right?

If you recall the movie, The Way...this is the parador where they stayed...and so are we! Now you see why I was so excited to get here. Annemarie booked this for us a few days back and was able to obtain a brilliant price given our room is usually north of $300/night. The rooms are humble,

And the views from our top floor terrace suck. At least we don't have to check for bedbugs, but we will out of habit, and there are no flies in the room...a happy omission!

Seeing as we've already used the showers and our laundry needs to dry...I guess we'll stay...for two nights! 

Paradors are historic buildings which have been converted to high end accommodations and are operated by the Spanish government. We've seen them along the way during our travels in this country, but have never dared to stay in one. I have to tell you it was strange walking in to this place in our grubs, carrying two dirty backpacks, badly needing a shave and a shower and approaching the reception desk. It was something out of an old American Express commercial...I actually liked those commercials...hey!...knock another experience off the bucket list!

Time to find some food. Buen Camino!

Transitions

As we walk along and exchange information with others on the trail

There emerges a common tale

Many of those we talk to are experiencing or expecting some sort of transition

Quite a few are here with no job, they've given up their position

Others are marking milestones in their lives

And on this walk are finding the kind of freedom for which many strive

The Camino gives us what we need, not necessarily want we want

We may be wishing for a meal but instead find a water font

In our transitions, too, we seek answers or solutions to problems we bring

And the ideas that form while we walk may not at first seem quite the thing

The challenges we face and overcome as we continue on our way

Teach us lessons that we will will be able to use on our return, day to day

And just as the path we walk is individual for us all

So too are the transitions that made us answer the call