The Hostel Experience

One of the most convivial and well recommended albergues on the Camino is in Mansilla in Spain. Run by the amigos del Peregrino, it is spearheaded by a dynamic woman named Laura, mentioned in John Brierleys commentary on the Camino; she is multilingual, greets each pilgrim as they arrive, And is a wealth of infoation not only about this town, but the larger city Leon which is the next day's journey.  For five euros a night it is a wonderful place to stay.  

But it is not just the host, it is the people who are here as well. There is a large mix of generations although the majority are younger than I am. The kitchen is communal, the inner courtyard is a festive place, the large tables have hosted everything tonight from a group spaghetti eating contest, to a sing-along!

Nearby markets have kept the group well stocked with wine, beer, and pasta, and if you're not enjoying it, the fault is yours!

For the first time on the pilgrimage, I actually got a little homesick as I remember some of the young people at home with whom I associate, not least of whom is my daughter, her boyfriend, and some of the folks they hang around with. I can picture them in this setting.

Tomorrow, in order to make the most of my time, I will be taking the bus into Leon where I will make up my walking on the city streets!

Today's Music:  Cheerio (Jethro Tull)

Today's Paces:  31,323

Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions:  The community at the University of Kings College in Halifax, especially the musicians.