Madrid Camino Day 16 – Reliegos to Leon

May 21, 2017

Arrived at the beautiful city of Leon early this afternoon accompanied by my two walking pals, Jean and Patrick. 

Sadly, I had absolutely no sleep at the crowded Albergue last night. I was crammed up next to an older Italian man who tossed and turned, snored, talked in his sleep, and FARTED all night – less than a foot away from me. It was hot and uncomfortable and there were so many smelly pilgrims. I’m baffled as to why some choose to either go without a shower or opt to not wash their sweat soaked clothing. I suppose it is bound to happen with so many more people crowding the French Camino – very different than the Madrid Camino with its quiet and solitude.

I checked into a little family run hotel downtown Leon. It is clean and central and 20€ per night. I desperately needed the sleep and there was a hot bath which was wonderful. As an added bonus, the hotel did all of my laundry for 5€. Luxury. I’ve decided I don’t need the ‘albergue experience’ if it is going to continue to be so uncomfortable. I am still loving the walk so I’ll stay in low cost hotels whenever possible and carry on to the end – I am determined to finish what I’ve started and my chances are greatly improved if I am happy and rested. I am a pilgrim, not a penitent.

On top of it all, I have been experiencing a low level pain in my back but it is doubtless due to last night’s horrors. I will take rest day here in Leon – sightsee, eat, sleep, and continue forward with a renewed outlook.