This morning, I met Vincent for coffee. He told me he was heading back to France in the afternoon. He had had an incredible journey on the Camino and, while in the time he had left, he could make it to Santiago, he didn’t want to force it. He was quite happy and content with how things had turned out.

He intends to resume walking in September.

While we were mulling over whether to take another coffee or get an orange juice, he said that there was this pastry at a nearby shop that he wanted me to try.

We went over to Hostal Albany by the Cathedral, and the pastry had sold out. While we were looking for something else to eat, I heard a shriek, then a chorus of people shouting my name. It turned out to be Hannah, Thomas, Carola (- all from Germany), Jeon, Seoin (- both from Korea), and an Estonian whose name I don’t recall.

Then Dylan from Rhode Island came in. We invited him to share our breakfast when we were at Carrion de los Condes. And I finally met the Dutch guy, Bas, short for Sebastián.

A lot of peregrinos seem to be taking a day or so off in Leon after the grueling Meseta.

Later, Rosan and I bumped into married German couple, Silke (whom I call Brienne of Tarth) and Harald.

Rosan and I had the 15-euro version of the pilgrim’s dinner with the menu del dia at Bodega Regia.

Afterwards, we met Alan at the Basilica de San Isidoro.

And I must say that I had never seen those modern pews with radiators before…

Casa Botines was closed for the afternoon, so we went back to the hotel, and Alan and I cooked chicken-pork adobo for dinner.

This three-day break was a little too long. I look forward to getting back on the road. I hope Stephen and Raffy catch up with us soon so we can all walk together again.

Accommodation:

Jeon, another Korena guy, Thomas, and Seoin have checked into the same hostel after my recommendation to them this morning. Happy days!