Livin the Life in Leon

I'm sitting in a restaurant enjoying my pizza and coke like never before. As tempted as I was to go to burger king (another great find after Mickey ds yesterday), I smelled the pizzas coming from the restaurant next to my hotel and couldn't say no. Today was awesome to say the least. I didn't do much, and that's what made it enjoyable. After a bust yesterday because of the festival and stores closed, I went to the convent hostel for church then sleep. I was exhausted and with the snoring people symphony and hot air from so many bodies in one room- I didn't sleep well at all. I was up at 3 contemplating going exploring since I couldn't sleep. I figured my feet needed the rest even if I couldn't. At around 730am I left the hostel with my backpack without a thing to do. I had my list of things to do but hours before stores opened. I felt like a homeless person to be honest- all my belongings on me without a place to go. It was pretty cold this morning and of course I didn't pack anything warm. I hung out in a bar with wifi until around 9. I hadn't showered in about 2 days, my clothes were filthy, and I was exhausted.

When I went back to the sports store I saw yesterday, SANTA CLAUS DEPORTES, I was pleasantly surprised with my options for new shoes. They had my Nikes, for about $150... Ouch. The woman at the store showed me some Solomans, which were exactly what I needed for only $110- we're talking Euros here. So, with our charades of a conversation because my lack of Spanish, I threw out my old shoes and socks and bought new ones. I walked down the street to the farmacia, showed the pharmacist my feet, and literally bought the place out. I ventured to the historic district of town to find a cheap hotel along the Camino route, and found one right across the plaza from a beautiful building (not quite sure what it is- but it looks old and important). I paid about 30euro for my own room, a queen size bed, a full bathroom, real towels and sheets, and the best part- a window which I can open that overlooks the plaza and that really cool old building. I was so siked I passed out and broke in the hotel room with a 3 hour power nap.

When I got up I checked my Facebook and news to me- Kari from Illinois skipped ahead and was in Leon. I messaged her back and came to find out she was throwing up all night after walking 40km in a day... She trained it here to rest up all weekend before continuing the Camino. I went to see her this afternoon and she was not leaving her bed. I'll take the blisters over the vomiting I think.

So here I am enjoying my pizza contemplating my next plan of attack. I have 4 hours of light to see some sights if I'm going to hit the road walking tomorrow. But then there is the possibility of staying another day, meeting up with the young crowd who should be here by then to watch Spain in the EuroCup soccer finals tomorrow night. I think it's going to be a game time decision in the morning. Which will prevail- the comfortable bed or the new shoes I'm dying to try out? If I hit the road and start walking I need to go early. You see, the route is starting to get crowded. That means the hostels are filling up. More pilgrims choose to do the last portion of the walk instead of the whole thing. It should prove to be an interesting final 2 weeks here on the Camino. New shoes, double the pilgrims, more mountains, rainy yet green, and SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (the finish line) in the near future. Goodnight from Leon and hope all is well with each of you. A special shout out to one my roomies from college, Kristin Amram, who is getting married probably as I type this.
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