Leon on the Camino Frances

Sunday 22 May 2016 - Day 25

Leon

Had a glorious lie-in today, and the luxury of a morning shower...with a real towel. Helen, Jackie, Steve and I breakfasted at our hotel before heading out to see some sights, even with my blistered and aching feet. The entrance to our dining room had Roman ruins underneath it... very interesting.

I did my blister dressings and Helen and I took off for the cathedral in a cold and biting wind. Another impressive church with a wonderfully rich history. There were beautiful stained glass windows, evidently 125 of them. They let in wonderful light... these old churches can be very dark.

Not nearly as large or impressive as the cathedral in Burgos, it was still lovely to see and hear of its construction and history. Nice to be inside out of the cold, too.

Next, we walked to the rear of the cathedral where the old city walls could be seen. Between some of the rounded turrets, houses were built. We walked the length of this before re-entering the old town area.

My blisters were killing me by this stage, but I pushed on for the walk along the Camino route to the stunning Parador de San Marcos. This ancient monastery has been made into lovely accommodation.

Helen and I went in for a look, waltzing up the stairs to check out the cloistered gardens from above. There was a glass panel though which we could see Mass being said next door. Staying here would be an enriching experience.

Stabbing pains in my feet got the better of me, so we walked back through busy streets and plazas, looking once again for a pharmacy. I haven't done a tally, but I think I would have spent well over €100 at various farmacias across Spain.

Bought a bag of potato chips/crisps from a shop that had a whole display window devoted to them. The lady scooped them out and then weighed the bag. A bit later in the day, Helen and I shared a bag for a lazy, but delicious dinner! Had a laugh at this display in a gift shop. See if you can spot the odd one out.

The cathedral bells have just gone mad telling me it's 6pm. I wonder what tonight has in store for us.