Choking Out of Leon and on to Villar de Marzarife

We began our walk this morning passing the gorgeous Parador hotel. This is he luxury hotel shown in the movie The Way.  Some friends did stay there and for a very good price.  We decided against it ourselves since it was about 2k from the city center. Who needs all that extra walking?

Walking out of Leon I understood why people will typically bus this section.  The exhaust from the busy morning streets where the canyon like buildings lock in the poisonous fumes, was cloying.  No foliage anywhere and just concrete everywhere.  This went on for what seemed like miles.  Your motivation really does begin to be to just to get past some places.

We would finally get out into the country but it's clear that we are still in the flat meseta.  Hot and dry and flat.  We stopped for snacks with the Ozzie twins and Greg and Melody.  We also met up with a guy named Paul who the twins had told us was also a comrade from the night at Orrison and who we didn't really remember from then.  We asked if he remembered us and he said no. When we looked at our pictures from that night so long ago, there he was. Evidence! The twins were right!

We all ended up for the evening at the albergue, San Antonio De Padua.  We'd heard they served a vegetarian pilgrims dinner and were excited to try it.  We wouldn't be disappointed.  The meal was one of the most delicious so far on the Camino! We started with a salad that was more than just iceberg lettuce and tomatoes and the typical atun (tuna).   Varied greens with a lovely poppyseed dressing, followed by a wonderful pumpkin soup. Then for the main course we had a veggie paella. We ate every bite.  Dessert was a beautifully plated crepe with kiwi fruit.  Of course the unlimited wine where they don't blink an eye if you order another bottle!  All for about 10 euro each!  Nice!

All of us being in the same albergue is a real bonding experience for sure.  The thought has come to me that the albergues are the great equalizer.  When you are there, there is no one who is more special than the next.  We are all in bunk beds for Gods sake!  It is so sweet looking over and your friend is giving you a goodnight just before lights out.  Part of Camino magic.......