Last October my friend Megan asked me if I’d like to join her and her daughter Sonali on the Camino. I’ve been wanting to hike it, so was thrilled. I thought it would be great to hike with them. Since my family had already planned on being in Europe this summer, it was super easy for me to tack this experience on. After I said goodbye to my family in Munich yesterday, I flew to Madrid. From Madrid, I took the train to Leon. A helpful hint if you are going direct from the airport to one of the train stations, you get a free ticket for the C1 train (the one that leaves the airport). All you do is look at your Renfe ticket and there is a 5-digit pass code “CombinadoCercanias”, enter that into the Renfe machine and voila, a free ticket in.
In Leon I needed to pick up my Pilgrim Passport.
I did that and obtained my first stamp.
While in Leon, I wanted to stop and see the Gothic Church, the Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral.
After my little jaunt around Leon, I had to catch a bus to meet up with Megan and Sonali in Ponferrada. Megan and Sonali have been on the Camino for 18 days now. I am honored to do the last lag of this hike with them. As I was walking from the bus across town to the albergue, an older gentleman wished me, “Buen Camino” and I got tears in my eyes.
I was able to see Megan and Sonali come in from their daily pilgrimage. It was so great seeing them here.
Ponferrada has a Knights Templar Castle that we toured.
I am so excited to start walking tomorrow!!!
Mama With Wanderlust 