Day 23 (June 1) Rest and Touring in Leon – (0 miles)
I had breakfast with my dear Camino friend Mickey and then bid her goodbye. She and the rest of our crew were proceeding on their journey, while I am taking the day to experience Leon. I was very sad to see this kind, spiritual woman, my roommate, my walking partner, leave my side, but I know that we will reconnect some day.
One of Mickey’s talents was assigning “trail names” to people she met or saw frequently on the Camino. There was French Man Bun Guy, Cheerful Bearded Boy, Frost & Tip German Lady and Leonardo Decaprio of the Appalachian Trail, among others. I never found out what my name was. Come on Mickey, cough it up. Every time we’d see one of them, Mickey would say, oh, there’s Man Bun again. That tickled me so. Here a few of the characters. You might be able to guess who they are.
After breakfast today, when I sat down to plan my day, I felt a sense of calm. No need to coordinate departure times or rush to meet folks at a destination. Just moving (or not moving) to my own rhythm. Nice to have a day to chill.
Wandering around Leon over the course of the day, I realized that the people are SO committed to the idea of the siesta. Everything, except the restaurants, is closed from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, some places until 5:00. Even the Cathedral of Leon, THE major tourist destination, is closed during that window. Those who aren’t at home napping are just strolling, eating, drinking and enjoying life. If you can’t run errands on your lunch hour, you have to relax. Well … maybe there is one thing you can accomplish. 
To be sure even this place was closed for siesta, despite the sign. NOT that I was in search of peanut M&Ms!
Today, I decided to skip the big lunch I had yesterday and just eat light. Okay, a burrito from a food cart isn’t really light, but it’s one course instead of three. Afterward, I stumbled upon Rebecca (I swear that girl follows me) … who talked me into going for “real hot chocolate”, pure liquid chocolate that you can stand a spoon up in. It comes with churros for dipping. Ama-ZING! 
So now, the dirty secret of the Camino is out, everyone gains weight. When you walk 15-20 miles a day, willpower goes out the window.
I visited the Leon Cathedral. So gothic, so perfectly laid out. My favorite of the Camino so far. 
I went in to pray and light candles for a special friend, her two daughters ( whom I have loved since they were small children) and her granddaughter and came upon the perfect spot. This statute of the pregnant Mary is a tribute to mothers everywhere, to the great HOPE that is motherhood. I lit candles for them and all the women I love. 
I also visited the Museo de San Ignacio, the supposed home of the Holy Grail, the actual cup Jesus used at the Last Supper 
and a fabulous Gaudi building, Casa de Botines. Traditional on the outside, pure Gaudi quirkiness on the inside.
I just love touring. Better love walking, 20.5 miles tomorrow!
That’s not hot chocolate, that’s chocolate soup! Looks delicious. Glad you got another day of rest.
Love, Henry
chocolate and churros…oh my. Love the dirty little secret, but I don’t believe it…
That much walking MUST work off at least 2-3X your usual caloric “allowance”!
Leon is lovely, and I think you were so wise to take the day off there. The Holy Grail…wow…
Thank you for being so diligent with your blog; we love it, and love you.
May the journey continue smoothly.
Oh wow Trish … the choc o lat ! Looks amazing and the pics more so … glad for u that you stopped there to sight see .. beautiful pics and great narrative by you ! What a “ book” you can write .. Best seller ,,,, XX
I think from the looks of it the holy grail is the cup of chocolate! Glad you had a day to recharge and soak up gorgeous cathedral and sights. I picture you returning to MD walking from C’town to well , everywhere! Sell the car? Ha! safe travels.
Hello from America, I am so happy you took a day off to see the sights of Leon
. What a beautiful place to discover . So the Holy Grail is real . I thought it was a rumor.
The siesta is a good idea so put those feet up and rest . You are amazing to do 20 miles a day . Keep going !! Leslie
You ARE Trish the Dish. We found a guy yesterday with a 60L pack equipped with a sleeping bag and hammock on the exterior. Arlo and I dubbed him 60L hammock “new guy” pretty sure he was new to the camino from Leon. There you go, friend.
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the issues. It was really informative. Your site is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
Trish,
By now, you have trekked over 300 miles. Congratulations!
That is so amazing… you should be celebrating with 100% proof chocolate:)
Love,
Tina
So hard to believe the dirty little secret!!! Glad you took a day off!!! Xoxoxoxo
loved your day of rest and explorations…glad that you had time to yourself to enjoy that beautiful city. Never been there, but now feel I have after you gorgeous pictures and descriptions. Good luck tomorrow!
Love the photos!!!
Next time you see Rebecca (which is a 100% likelihood), tell her I said hi!
Hi, very nice website, cheers!
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