Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon

Saturday 21 May 2016 - Day 24

Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon - caught bus

Woke exhausted, with aching feet and stabbing pain from blisters. Decided to catch the bus today, so waited until others headed off until I organised myself. I was the only pilgrim left in our bunkroom. A few awful coughs in our room last night and this morning...nooooo! Had breakfast at the albergue cafe before making my way to the bus station. About a dozen other pilgrims heading into Leon on the bus.

Had a wonderful, though painful, walk from the bus station to the cathedral, in the heart of Leon. The streets were busy with people. No trouble finding my accommodation at Casco Antiguo, right near the cathedral. Really happy when I arrived about 10am to be told my room was ready. Sharing with Helen for the two nights in Leon. Our room is the window with the shutter half down, on the left of the picture.

I did another pack purge, pulling out anything I deemed excess baggage. Down to the bare minimum now, in order to keep being able to carry my pack. Some folk carry a small pack, and pay each day to have their gear taxied forward. Have 'shared' this a few times, combining gear with Becky or Helen. Think the extra weight might be a factor in my blister issues.

Went off to find a shop to purchase some sandals, in order to have an alternative to walk in when feet are too swollen for shoes. Sadly, not much choice. Bought some lightweight Teva sandals...don't love them, but fingers crossed they'll be okay.

Ana called after she heard I was in Leon. Met me at the outdoor shop and then walked with me to the PO, where I sent a second parcel to myself. After some lunch, we did a bit of strolling about, visiting the produce markets, the popular Parque el Cid and the Basilica de San Isidoro, which was silent and peaceful inside.

After a brief rain shower I headed back to rest my feet. Ana continues on tomorrow. Jackie, Steve and Helen arrived during the afternoon. We all took it easy for a while.

Jackie and Steve had arranged to meet up with friends they hadn't seen for ages, but had kept in touch with. Being very tired, Helen and I said we'd find food and turn in early, hoping for more energy and rested feet tomorrow.

Imagine my surprise when their friends were currently walking with Becky. After a quick call, Helen and I took off to find them. Great to see Becky again, we were silly all night.

Leon was ALIVE with people. There were what looked like many hens and bucks night celebrations with the bride or groom dressed up in a costume and the others dressed in matching clothing.

My favourite was where a girl was in an inflatable sumo suit and her followers played musical instruments as they went by. A sort of procession formed behind and we joined in, dancing and cheering, all sore feet momentarily forgotten.

This was a fun night, filled with food, vino, good conversation and lots of laughs. Helen and I indulged in an ice-cream on our way home. Jackie and Steve found a small bar and chatted with locals until the wee hours.

The walk home was through streets pumping with activity...amazing!