I forgot to mention yesterday that I tripped on some rocky, uneven ground and sprained my ankle. It was my own fault...I was fiddling with my phone and not paying attention and down I went, backpack and all. It didn't hurt too bad and I finished walking the 29 kilometers and borrowed 3 ibuprofen from Polly. But this morning it was stiff and swollen and by the time I got to Léon it was painful to walk. I have bought more ibuprofen at the Farmacia and a tinto de verano at dinner has made me feel pretty, pretty, pretty good. (You have to say it like Larry David).
There was alot of traffic and industrial landscape on our way into Léon today. I was passed by a lot of pilgrims, but my goal was to be slow and steady and buy some time for my ankle to heal. I was surprised when Francine sidled up alongside of me about 2 kilometers from our albergue. We were across the street from a cultural center that had a wonderful historical video about Léon, its pilgrims, and the cathedral and it felt great to sit for half an hour.
It was 7 degrees Celsius when we left Reliegos but felt sooo much colder. I had toyed with the idea to least my down jacket at home when I packed for this trip but I am so glad I have it. Putting it on in the morning is like walking into a hug.
There was alot of traffic and industrial landscape on our way into Léon today. I was passed by a lot of pilgrims, but my goal was to be slow and steady and buy some time for my ankle to heal. I was surprised when Francine sidled up alongside of me about 2 kilometers from our albergue. We were across the street from a cultural center that had a wonderful historical video about Léon, its pilgrims, and the cathedral and it felt great to sit for half an hour.
When we got to the albergue, we registered and went upstairs to find Jenna, the Canadian I had met in Roncesvalles on the 2nd night of the Camino sitting on one of the bunkbeds! Hilarious.
We hurried to the cathedral and spent 7€ to take the tour. The photos do not do it justice...it is amazing.
We also took a short tour of the church attached to our albergue led by a monk who serves here. He did not give his name, but he was warm and gracious and told us the real work of the Camino is not the walking we do, but what goes on in our hearts. Léon is the door of the Camino, and though the Camino is a Christian walk, both believers and unbelievers participate in the walk. The Blessing of the Camino does not reside only in the Pilgrim but radiates from the Pilgrim to his/her family from the Pilgrim. At the end of the tour, he prayed for each of us...by name.
Francine heads home to the Netherlands tomorrow. I will miss her organized ways, her wisdom, and her generous heart. I hope she stays in touch.
Sooo, how was your ankle at the end of that day? I am praying for that to heal. Liz
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