An ordinary extraordinary day in Leon

[Bradypus]

I arrived in Villarente yesterday a little tired and footsore after a long-ish day. My first idea was to pass through Leon very quickly - cities are not "my thing". I'm very glad I changed my mind and opted for a short 13km day and a long rest in this fascinating town. All the more so because today Leon has a medieval fair complete with suckling pigs, giant paella, punk bagpipers, and camels in the street. I met the pipers in Burgos a few days ago Bizarre but fun. So after a gentle morning's walk and a truly excellent lunch I am now settling down to the challenge of completing the world's slowest pub crawl in a town beautifully suited to the task. For those who are busy micro-managing your next Camino please leave a little room to change your mind. It can be so worthwhile.

 

[Waka]

I loved Leon and had a wonderful pub crawl, pleased you enjoyed it.

 

[NualaOC]

If you fancy a pizza after your pub crawl, this place is worth checking out: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-wonderful-alternative.36982/#post-352356

 

[andy.d]

Just to check - did you buy one of the camels? Does riding a camel work in the same way as a horse in terms of getting your Credencial?

 

[Bradypus]

Haven't bought any. Can't eat a whole one and it would go off very quickly in this temperature. Also I'm fairly sure the rules for granting a Compostela talk about pilgrimage on horse - camels are not included.

 

[domigee]

My first idea was to pass through Leon very quickly - cities are not "my thing". I'm very glad I changed my mind and opted for a short 13km day and a long rest in this fascinating town.

We did just that last August! Loved it. Made quite a change to have a short day.
Enjoy your evening

 

[andy.d]

I'm fairly sure the rules for granting a Compostela talk about pilgrimage on horse - camels are not included.

but elephants should be OK?

 

[Bradypus]

but elephants should be OK?

Turn up with an elephant and you'd have a serious bargaining chip if someone wants to quibble

 

[andy.d]

Turn up with an elephant and you'd have a serious bargaining chip if someone wants to quibble

Hannibal was really doing the Via Francigena but there was a bad misunderstanding due to language problems with the Pilgrims Bureau?

 

[movinmaggie]

Leon was one of my favourite cities. There wasn't a festival but I did hear a couple of pipers. (My father was in the 48th Highlanders). Bradypus you might know this, but my understanding is the 'Pipes' actually originated in middle East? Goat bags known as Gaitas?

 

[denis52]

View attachment 29505 View attachment 29506 I arrived in Villarente yesterday a little tired and footsore after a long-ish day. My first idea was to pass through Leon very quickly - cities are not "my thing". I'm very glad I changed my mind and opted for a short 13km day and a long rest in this fascinating town. All the more so because today Leon has a medieval fair complete with suckling pigs, giant paella, punk bagpipers, and camels in the street. I met the pipers in Burgos a few days ago Bizarre but fun. So after a gentle morning's walk and a truly excellent lunch I am now settling down to the challenge of completing the world's slowest pub crawl in a town beautifully suited to the task. For those who are busy micro-managing your next Camino please leave a little room to change your mind. It can be so worthwhile.

I stayed 4 nights in Leon at the end of June due to a foot infection and had a blast there sightseeing, eating, drinking and just enjoying my camino experience. The cathedral and the pantheon were highlights for sure. Great place to heal!! Can't wait to do another camino.

 

[Forestgirl]

but elephants should be OK?
View attachment 29519

WOWOW!!! That’s a new one for me. Great picture. Thank you for sharing.