2016-06-01

Day 20, Mansilla de las Mulas to León, Tuesday

Today when we woke up Stella had bitemarks on her arm. We think they are from a spider, but aren't sure.
This morning we all took the bus from Mansilla to León. This is probably the worst leg, almost all blacktop on the curb of a major road leading to the city. The bus station is right next to the train station, so we started with buing train tickets, from Madrid to Astorga for Audrey's brother Johnny, who is arriving on Thursday, and from León to Madrid for me. My blister is in a very awkward place, and it is impossible for me to walk. Also, my dad is in the hospital and I feel that if I can't walk I may as well go home.
Anyway, our plan was to start with breakfast, but we decided to find a place for the night first. To check in we had to wait until 11.00, and when they opened they wanted to treat Stella's gear for bed bugs. This was probably a very good idea, but it took a long time. First, everything plastic was put in a black bag. Then everything that could be washed was sprayed and put in another black bag. Stella had to take a shower and use Audrey's clothes, so that they could spray what she'd been wearing that morning as well. And now we could finally go for a very late breakfast!
The old part of León is very nice. The Cathedral is fantastic and there are lots of other old buildings, narrow streets and small plazas. We had a great lunch at the Las Termas restaurant. After lunch we walked around, sometimes together and sometimes alone. And all the time we met other people we'd met earlier. It was truly a perfect last day of the Camino. At 21.30/9.30 pm there was a short evening  prayer, including prayers for the pilgrims in the monastery church, together with the nuns. This was very special, and I felt very sure of my decision to go back home.