Leon

We are now having a rest day in Leon.  Another busy, bustling Spanish city.  Another cathedral to tour.  People hanging out on the street.  Drinking, eating tapas.
Glad to be walking again tomorrow.  We have some hard walks and climbs this week.  Are continuing to enjoy the company of the pilgrims.  Tomorrow morning, Leon will be deserted save for the pilgrims hulking in their back packs.
Weather has turned extremely cold.  Will have to trade my peregrino hat in for a toque.  Have already taken out the gloves and put away all shorts and sandals.
John is turning into a stick.  Food is definitely an issue.  No potatoes to be found.  Supper (cina) is never earlier than 7:30.  Basic staple is pan, pan, pan.  (Bread)  Stores close from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Siesta.  And today was a fiesta day.  So guess what?  Everything is closed all day.  Oh my!  Even finding a side of fries took work! 
But--we are totally enjoying ourselves.  I love learning some new Spanish every day.  We can never get enough of pilgrim stories.  Meeting so many kindred spirits from all over the world.  The walking is tiring but exhilarating.  We are now out of the flats and climbing some new mountain ranges and as stated previously, are already over half way.  John can easily walk 30 km a day.  I´m down to a snail´s pace by kilometer 20.  Hey, but I get there and magically my purple suitcase does too!

Basta