Saturday, October 15, 2016

Day 20: Puente Villarente to Leòn

Several things got me excited to be headed to Leòn today:
1. The end of the messeta...Which has been good to me in many ways, but also challenging in big ways.  I'm definitely ready to close that chapter.
2. I have been separated from my favorite camino hiking companion for days now and I miss his company.  He is already in León.
3.today is the day I check into the parador! A fancy-pants hotel room, just for me.

So, bright and early I danced off into the darkness, bound for León, just 12km away. (Actually I plodded. My new speed is more turtle, than greyhound. )

Pierre was waiting at the entrance to the old city.  Marcelo, Alan and I were delighted to see him.

I checked in early to the Parador and began filing the tub! Of course I spent the next two hours wallowing like a hippo...In clean, hot water. Fresh soap, shampoo and a rare opportunity for leg shaving! Enough said.







My hotel is AMAZING. Friendly meets luxurious. I just love the private balcony overlooking sweet gardens, all the little acutriments, slippers and tiny memo pen!

Wandering the foyer, I took my time... and lots of pictures. Nothing beats the professionals though. Check it out. León Parador

With raisin like hands, I packed a couple of gifts for the men and headed out to sight see.  Oh yeah, and a backpack full of dirty laundry, for our night on the town together... at the laundromat!








I ended my day touring the cathedral and wandering the streets of León. I lunched with Tony from Seattle and dined/drank with Alan, Pierre and Marcelo. After repacking clean clothes into my bag, I headed for the Parador, only stopping to use the ATM - as all tipsy Pilgrims should do at 10 pm!

Yeah... I took another bath before settling into my fancy-pants bed and turning OFF my alarm.  Bliss.

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