092809 Last Post

092809 Last Post

Location: Leon , Spain

Summary:
miles covered -many
secret decoder ring recovered -check
nail clippers -check
jeans/pants -still working on it. may have to embrace not meeting pants goal till USA. (I hate to loose! :( )
scarf -check
floss -check
fresh breath goal -check (two days 2 pieces of Dentyne Ice. I am so good!)
consumption of wine(exponential increase) -check
no time spent in spanish prison (so far) -check
pretzel sticks -working on the last bit now. crumbs are flying everywhere.
swine flu -negative


I am in Leon (finally made it after staying the night in Arcahueja) and have no idea when I will see another computer after this morning.

In Arcahueja, I meet an Austria dude named Norbert who is an IT guy from Viena and who also teaches yoga. We shared dinner and excellent conversation (no asanas perfomed during the meal). The next day he left first in the dark and I followed at 7:00 AM or so. I wanted to leave the Camino walking in solitude the same as I had started some 14 days ago. The sky was magnificent with stars again as was the view of Leon from the surrounding hills as I decended into the city. In Leon I checked out the Cathedral which is truly awe inspiring. I also meet Mickey Mouse (who made me smile) and was in the square in front of the Cathedral making balloons. I was tempting to ask for a balloon pony hat to wear but resisted the temptation (no, just messing). That day and night I meet up with many lost friends from the previous days and a large group of us had dinner where I was the only one who could not understand french. The food was lame but the company and bottles of wine were great. It was a wonderful meal. There are so many things to write but so little time. (Such is life.) Right now, I need to find a way to Madrid with the money I have left in my wallet (hoping I do not have to beg too much). (Can always thumb, right.)

So to totally mess with my readers I will change the tone to a serious one (bam, just like that).

1. I hope all those who read my blog enjoyed it and were able to grasp my sarcastic tone. When I write, things just seem to come out. Additionally, I hope I did not offend anyone´s sensibilities or violate too many rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. Thank you very much for reading it and posting comments. It really has meant a lot to me.

2. So why do people do the Camino? I guess there are many reasons. In my case I have a long story and it is not my intention to bore anyone with it in this blog (or ever). If anyone has any questions about walking the Camino, please feel free to buy me a coffee at the Expresso Bueno and I will answer them as best I can. I would be happy to lend or even give any books to anyone who has questions on the subject.

3. It is impossible when walking along the Camino not to take time and consider one´s blessings. When I consider this I am truly humbled and probably not deserving of such wonderful family and friends. I promise to work hard and not to screw things up. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

4. Although, I have consumed all manner of alcoholic beverages from the airplane to now and will till I depart (yo, I am on a roll). I have not at any time been inebriated (crazy, huh) or even close to tipsy. (I will need to work harder at this (I have my pride you know). I will make no promises going forward. Just kidding. ;) ) They plane ride should be interesting. (Who´s the naughtiest guy on this plane?)

5. No animals (except some flies -pre Ahimsa policy.), pilgrims, or historically significant structures were permanently damaged in the writing of this blog. (Well, I can never be totally sure about this or serious for that matter. Cut me some slack, yo!)

Lastly, I had a great time in Spain, but all good things must come to an end. If all goes well and they let me back in the country (please) I should be in Boston on Wednesday.

Please watch for my next blog: FieldOfMagaritas2010. (Appearing soon on an internet near you.)


-paul