Day 23 - to Villar de Mazarife

Yesterday ended very tranquilly. After I had finished lunch, I bumped into a frenchman with whom I had eaten dinner many days ago in Atapuerca. He was with a Danish woman who had just arrived and was about to start the camino. This would be the first of many encounters with pilgrims beginning their journey at Leon.  We talked for quite a while - I, naturally, am now an expert on the Camino having spent 20 days of my life thereon. I was able to hand out advice quite effortlessly.

I slept the remainder of the afternoon away and then went to the 6pm Mass in the Cathedral. After Mass, I bumped into one of the Englishman (Gary) with whom I had eaten dinner the night before and joined him as we waited for a couple of other companions. They were then meeting up with a German (whom I had met back in Najera) who had, unbeknwnst to us, invited another 6 or more people along to dinner. What began as a group of 4 became a group of 14. I probably would have preferred a quieter night. After dinner, Gary and I retired for a final refreshing beverage before retirning completely for the night.

Thankfully, I slept very well. Though, my body was very reluctant to get back on the road today. Thankfully, my feet were looking fairly good. I tried to prepare them well as I do not want the blisters to reappear.  At about 6.45, I was ready to go.

The road out of Leon is not a particularly attractive one. The first 15 minutes are lovely, walking through the old city and beside the old monastery which is now a very fancy hotel. I was particularly struck by a statue of a pilgrim resting on the Camino - his sandals off, his head back. He could be any one of us. After this pleasant stroll, the next 6 or so kilometres were a walk through city streets and semi-industrial landscapes.  One small city blurred into another. 

I eventually stopped for a cup of coffee at the first bar of the day. By chance, two of my companions from the past couple of nights were there. We noticed how many of those sitting with us or walking past us were all shiny and new. Their shoes, in particular, were very bright. It was obvious that half the people on the road with us were new to the journey.

Eventually, I was given the opportunity to take a green route. This was a much more pleasant way to go. Not very far along the route, I stopped at a roadside stall to buy an apple and a muesli bar and met two new voyagers, a KIwi and a Yank. I travelled with them most of the way to Villar de Mazarife. The journey passed quickly but I much prefer walking by myself. I like the space that the road affords.

Upon arriving at my hostel, I noticed that the doors of the church, across the street were open. So, after showering, I headed over the road to see if there was a Mass on. A young fellow was volunteering in the church. He told me that there was no Mass but would organise it for me. He then gave me a wonderful tour of the Church, explaining each and every item. It was very interesting. I was particularly taken by two modern mosaics on the main and side altars.

I have now washed my clothes and eaten lunch. I have no idea what the afternoon might bring.

Adios!