I'm getting closer!

After my incident with the police yesterday I was wasn't in the best mood during my last day in Leon. I didn't feel like doing a whole lot, so I mostly sat around and ate a fair amount of gelato (there was a gelato bar with over twenty flavors and too many toppings to count; I couldn't refuse an experience like that). But, while I was prepping my lunch for today, a very nice family from Madrid came up to me and apologized on behalf of all the Spanish people for what had happened to me with the police. They said it wasn't right for them to do something like that without telling me why, and they felt very sorry for me. We talked for a while about what we all did back home, although the lady was the only one who could speak English and her eleven year old son only new a few English words. But, we had a good time; and they were amazed that I was only nineteen and doing the camino alone. They said that they were very proud of me. This morning when I woke up, despite the fact that I was tired and didn't want to get out of bed, I was eager to start walking again. Not only was I looking forward to being with new people, but I was leaving behind the crazy German couple who accused me on stealing their belongings! I really enjoyed my walk this morning too; it was mostly along the highway and through the outskirts of Leon, but with Carrie Underwood blaring in my ears and a relatively flat walk ahead of me, I was having fun. Today was also the first day that it finally hit me that I am walking across all of northern Spain! With every step I am one step closer to Finisterre - the end of the world. When I arrived in Mazarife this afternoon, I ended choosing the strangest albergue. There is a large pirate ship in the garden, spiderman is climbing up the door frame, and there are drawings and writing all over the walls. Some of the pictures are pretty good, but a majority of it looks like they let a toddler with a crayon loose in all of the rooms. But, it is a very colorful place to stay. After spending two days in Leon, although I quite enjoyed the busy city atmosphere, it is nice to be back in these small hamlets. And, the people that I am walking with this time are all very friendly. I have already met three great people, Nancy (Australia), Katrine (Germany), and Tom (USA). They invited me to join them for dinner which I thought was very kind; Tom made a potato and zucchini dish with a salad. It was delicious. Afterwards we sat around and talked for a while about kids, my fear of dogs, Tom's hatred of FRIENDS, and, well, the camino. It was nice to sit down and have a proper dinner with people again; I haven't done that in quite a while. Also, today is a special day. I am 295km away from Santiago!!! The Camino de Santiago is close to 800km and I have less than 300km to walk! Time is just flying by. Tomorrow is another easy day of walking with not a whole lot to see. But who knows, the camino is full of surprises; I may have another encounter with the police. We will see. So, bye for now!