We continue to walk through lovely villages. We have somewhat of a routine now. We start walking, usually between 6:30- 6:45 in the morning before the sun is up. We watch the sun come up every morning as we walk. After 6-10 km of walking, we usually make it to the next village, where we get breakfast. Usually this is a coffee and a pastry. I also buy a piece of fruit to have a later snack. Usually, we get to the village we will stay in between noon and 2pm. We shower, hand wash some clothes, and find a place for lunch. Usually we have a late lunch and eat a big meal. Later, we might have a snack. Along the Camino, restaurants serve pilgrim meals. I have to admit, they are getting a little boring, but are always welcome to our hungry bellies. There are three courses. I usually choose salad and pasta, or sometimes fish if the pasta has meat in it. Being vegetarian is not so convenient on the camino. Many times, fish is my only option, so I have had more fish in this last 3 weeks than I usually do in 6 months. The third course is dessert. That is usually flan, for me. My favorite meal, though, has been a home cooked pasta dinner with Italian friends.
After dinner, we all went to enjoy the sunset. Though we enjoy most sunrises, I think this is the first time I watched the sun set since hiking. I'm usually relaxing in bed by then.
Yesterday, I stayed in Leon. Another beautiful big city in Spain. We decided to treat ourselves with a night in the well known Parador hotel. It's a beautiful building, and the original pilgrim hospital.
I wish I had taken the slippers as a souvenir! I felt quite pampered, and took advantage of the big tub, twice!
There is also a beautiful cathedral, which I toured. It was full of stained glass, and simpler than the cathedral in Burgos. I loved it!
Today, we walked about 21 miles so we can have a short day into Astorga tomorrow. I'm excited to be there because I am looking forward to a vegetarian cafe I have been told about. Seriously, Spain needs more vegetarians! I hope this place is as awesome as I want it to be.