29th April - to Sarria by train

Maria arrived in Leon a day earlier than I expected. it is so good to have her back with me. we walked Leon and took the 1714 train to Sarria where the next leg, literally-legs of our journey begins. We stayed in the Don Alvaro albergue - a nice old house which belonged to a local physician at one time. It has been converted to lodging for pilgrims and is run by a young man with a wife and three children, one a new baby. We slept in bunk beds in a room with 8 bunks. There is also an open gathering room with a large open wood burning fireplace-a place to warm wet feet and warm the insides as well with a delightful selection of coloured glass bottles holding various local liquors-arranged on the big wooden table in order of ther potency. Alongside these a stack of small shot glasses and a wooden donation box. Maria and the innkeeper had a nice chat by the fire. He had loads of questions about life in the U.S. and seemed delighted to have a Spanish speaking American under his roof. Of course, I have noticed that Maria has a special ability to become best friends in a very short time, putting people at ease in any language.