HALFWAY

18 September 2023, Camino 3, Day 19

Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon

Yesterday I was insulted by my watch. After two days off my watch said, “It looks like you took a day off. Try to close at least one ring today.” I do not need a digital object to make remarks about my movement or lack there of. My watch never says, “Hey you’ve been working hard for quite some time. Take a day off and rest. You’ve earned it.”

Apart from the watch today has been a good day. Although it was cool and somewhat windy, the sun was out and we made it into Leon, the halfway point. There are little towns dotted along the way so plenty of places to stop for a drink or a snack. However the actual walk into Leon is rather tedious. Léon is a big city so it’s all city walking. Not very attractive.

The other good thing that happened today was totally serendipitous. I went to the front desk for change to go to the laundromat. A French couple was checking in and they spoke no Spanish or English. The clerk only spoke Spanish and English. So I stood up and said, “I speak French.” I was able to translate the clerk’s English instructions (and some of the Spanish) into French so the couple could check in. Two minutes earlier and I would have gotten my change and been gone. I was really glad to help. I guess my word to describe today is helpful.

Buen Camino

We are staying at a Benedictine monastery made into a hotel. Lovely 😊