Leon

Leon, Tuesday 17th May 2011

Today is a rest day in Leon. I´m presently travelling with Herbert from Winnipeg, Canada. We´ve both had foot problems which, at present, allow us to walk at basically the same spèed. We arrived in Leon yesterday afternoon and booked into a hostal (upmarket from an albergue) for two nights of comparative luxury. The blisters are slowly healing. The hot bath is wonderful!

Leon is  a beautiful old city. The cathedral is absolutely magnificent. Architectural features are so delicate and enduring. As one enters, the effect of much stained glass is overwhelming. I was ready to cry at the sheer beauty of the place and the emotional and spiritual responses it stirred in me.

Our wandering has essentially occurred in the old city, where most of the history and present activity is located. The experience is amazing. Both yesterday and today we have only needed to walk a metre or two before meeting someone we know. And it doesn´t stop. Each time we are greeted like long lost friends. This is Camino in the city. It´s powerful, extremely uplifiting, and joyful.

This is a good time to rest (many are doing it). In three to four days time we hit the mountains. We will enter our fourth, and final, province of the Camino - Galicia. We are told we can expect cold, windy and wet weather. What a delightful combination of geography (mountains) and climate (inclement weather)!!!!!!!!!!
A redeeming feature for me may lie in the Celtic heritage of Galicia. I fully expect it to remind me of my native Wales. I´ve read that it´s a poor region from which many have migrated (to UK, USA and the like). The locals have visited their families overseas with the consequence that we might, just might, hear a little more English spoken - a definite bonus and plus.

But that lies ahead. For now, several more hours of the delightful city of Leon.

God Bless