Treat Yo Self, Leon Style

The day started at 7:15, leaving as the sun rose. I walked with the fella from Columbus and a Russian gal. We stopped for breakfast and got some great pastries. Soon enough, Leon was in sight. The walk was "easy" since most of it was relatively flat with only a few inclines. (Basically after crossing the Pyrenees, anything seems easy to most pilgrims.)

I like Leon the best of the big cities I've been to on this trip. The deceiving thing about coming to a big city, is that once you see the city sign, you think you have arrived. But really you still have to walk 2 or 3k to get to the albergue.

We got to the cathedral around 12:30 and found the hotel we had planned on was booked. They recommended another place just down the road, which, when split, was reasonable, so the Russian woman and I decided some luxury was in order. Thus, "Treat YoSelf 2015: Leon" began.

We had about 45 minutes til a room was clean, so we, along with a pilgrim from Ireland, went to a chocolate shop for lunch. Yes, chocolate waffles and chocolate with cinnamon was my lunch. Treat yo self!

We walked a bit and then I went back to the hotel for a bath. With a glass of wine and bubbles, I was in heaven. So very worth the extra euros for one night. Then the Russian came back to the room and I left so she could have her turn relaxing in private. I toured the beautiful cathedral, met up with some pilgrims (finally met the other Chicagoan I kept hearing about), and wandered the city.

It is easy to lose track of days here. I am not sure if this city is always this alive or only on the weekend. There are an incredible number of bachelor and bachelorette parties wandering around in costumes. It is very amusing to see the themed dress.

Seven of us met for dinner and as we awaited everyone's arrival, I saw a priest cross the square in front of the cathedral. I asked him when there are confessions and he answered "ahora" and took me to sit outside a cafe and heard my confession in Spanglish. When we parted, he asked me to pray for him in Santiago.

Given the great TripAdvisor review, we decided to eat at a brewery not far away. The meal was delicious and it was great to not have the standard pilgrim menu. The town is abuzz with activity, with families with little kids along side the bachelors. We had a night cap since we don't have a curfew and can get up at our leisure.

Tomorrow we will start after mass for another "easy" 20k day. When did I start think walking 12 miles would be considered easy? Life is certainty about perspective. After a great afternoon and evening, I am ready to continue the way!