Cress on the Camino Francés 24

I decided to walk today, although most people take the bus to avoid walking through the outskirts of Leon. It was only 18km, which is just as well as my latest ailment (pain in right foot) has got worse. The other ones have all gone away. I self diagnose tendon damage through overuse but will consult a chemist tomorrow. We followed Fiona's policy of always stopping in the second bar for breakfast. On the basis that being second, they try harder, and the coffee is better. This one in the third of several villages beginning with V had a coffee accompanied by 2 free cakes, which if you spoke Spanish you got to choose, for €1.50 . Free food with all drinks is a thing in the province of Leon so we haven't had to buy much. They don't cater for vegetarian s mind.
Leon city is lovely, and I have no idea why it has taken me 60 years to visit. We are staying in a very nice room in the historic city centre in a building that looks semi derelict from the outside. The cathedral is stunning, one of the few that will stand out in my memory. Gothic at its best with lovely stained glass windows., and possibly an influence on Gaudí s Sagrada Familia, as he was here. More about that tomorrow.
There is also an art materials shop next door to the hotel, so after looking for one for 10 days, I was finally able to replace the pen I need for drawing.
This evening we had a drink with David, who lives in Malaga, and who we have been bumping in to and having meals with for 2 weeks now, in one of the hundreds of bars, all heaving. Even the pigeons are enjoying tapas, which come free when you buy a drink. Apparently, today is university day, when the students finish, so having asked for a quiet room at the back of the hotel, there is still a buzz of noise in the background which will go on all night. It won't stop me sleeping though.Читать далее