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Published: September 19th 2017
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We left Reliegos around 7:30, heading for Leon for a 2-night stay. I was hoping to get some medicine at a farmacia for my cold which was still lingering. Livija was with us today and stayed with until we entered Puente Villarente where she decided to stay, hoping I think for Alex to catch up.
We stopped after about 6 kilometers for breakfast at El Jardin del Camino in Mansilla de las Mulas for breakfast. I had my usual tortilla and coffee, along with a chocolate pastry. We were still sort of on the famed flat meseta, but Leon would be the end of that boredom. Although, I found out that Raresh really enjoyed it. Maybe he liked the ability to forget about everything. Anyway, after breakfast, we continued on, with a new member from Australia. We passed through Villamoros de Mansilla and entered Puente Villarente, about 7 kilometers later, where we had lunch with our new member at El Horno de Eladia. I decided to try a chorizo pastry along with a fruit dessert. After lunch, our new member left us, since he'd already booked a room at an albergue there, and Livija stayed too. I think she hopes
to catch up with us again tomorrow in Leon.
The Camino trail started doing some ups and downs as we hiked on to Leon, about 10 kilometers further on. Our first sight of Leon was as we crossed an overpass over the major highway into Leon. The view was very different from our usual first sight, since Leon is quite large. We walked over 2 kilometers from the start of the town before we spotted the first albergue, ours, the Albergue Check In Leon. It is a small, but very modern albergue. We stowed our gear in the welcome lockers (coin operated where you put in a Euro, lock the door, and take out the key. Later, when you use the key, you get your Euro back), then I headed out as usual to scout the area while Raresh takes his shower. I prefer to take mine just before or after dinner when it's less crowded.
I found a pharmacy and asked the lady about cold medicine. When she found out my current state, and that I'd been doing the Camino with the cold for a few days, she kindly told me it wasn't worth taking anything, as
it would only make it more difficult and that I appeared to be doing well. I also showed her the bites on my neck (from bedbugs last night I assume), and she sold me a cream to help. They don't bother me, except they feel terrible to touch and occasionally itch a little.
Around 5:30, Raresh wanted to go to the evening mass at the cathedral before dinner, do we beat feet since the mass starts at 6pm, and if you go any other time you have to pay 5 euros to go in. While he attended the mass, I had a cafe con leche then checked out the area for souvenirs and a prospect for dinner. Most of the places near the cathedral were a bit pricey, but we decided in the Cafeteria CalleAncha where they had an interesting looking pilgrim's dinner for 9.90 euros. I ordered the paella for my first plate and Huevos Fritos con picadillo and fries for my second. I had to pay extra for a coke, since they include water and/wine, neither of which I like. Often, I can convince them to give me coke or coffee instead, but not this time. Next
time they say that, I'll order the wine and give it away, just to make it right.
After dinner, we headed back to the albergue so I could call my wife and work on the blog. Tomorrow we are staying another day in the same albergue, to take a break and get back on schedule.
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Doc Smith
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Enjoying your trip.
So, you're off again on another great adventure. Enjoy yourself and take care. Avoid those bed bugs - yuk!