Day 21, León to Madrid to Stockholm and Gävle

So, today is my last day on the Camino this time. I didn't sleep well, mainly because of some snorers in our room. I  woke at 05.00, before the alarm went off, but didn't get up until 05.30. Most of my things were already packed, so I was soon ready for the simple donativo breakfast. The hospitalero called me a taxi and all that was left for me to do was to say goodbye to Jay, Stella and Audrey.

6 am goodbye

The train to Madrid was very fast, 300 km (~180 miles) per hour. León to Madrid took two hours. In fact I had to ask two Spanish ladies if we were in Madrid already, since we arrived ten minutes early. Leaving the train they asked if I was going to the airport, and told me how to get there, very nice. In fact, I think everybody I've met in Spain have been very friendly. The Madrid Metro seems to be quite easy to use, or perhaps I was lucky, but I was soon at the airport.

The airport was trickier, especially since I had neither printed nor downloaded my ticket. Once I was able to connect to the WiFi that problem was soon solved and I could check in. Since the train and metro transfer were so fast I had lots of time, but the Barajas airport is large and confusing, and I was glad to have the extra time. I checked out all the tax-free shops, but everything seemed quite expensive, so I just got some chocolate that I finished while waiting to board the plane. Boarding took a very long time and we left ten minutes delayed.

Flying Norwegian Air

Leaving Spain - but I'll be back!

 From Stockholm I took the train to Gävle. My sister was on the train already, traveling from Stockholm. We arrived to late to visit my dad, but went to the hospital next morning. Dad was very tired, slipping in and out of consiousness. Two weeks later he passed away in his sleep at night.

My camino didn't end the way I had planned or anticipated this time, but the camino is but a small part of Life, our real Camino.

In loving memory of my very much beloved father