Day 18 - Heartbreak Hotel

I had in mind that at some point I would have a night off being a Pilgrim and treat myself to a stay in a Hotel (just like the Martin Sheen film). Last night ended up being the night as there was no Albergues in the town I'd reached and the next was another 8km. A night in a proper bed not a bunkbed, no snoring, warm, a lie in (most Albergues have to be vacated by 8), my own bathroom. Ironically I checked into the Hotel Real Camino, there was no other Pilgrims there. The first activity was a big bubble bath to soothe and cleanse my aching blistered feet (they are slowly getting better). After several hours of undisturbed Skypeing,  blogging, Facebooking I went down for dinner. The lights were off in the dining room but were switched on for my arrival and I was the only diner. The waiter felt sorry for me and on several occasions came up to me saying
"Beautiful English lady" and then got the other waiter and again "look, beautiful English lady". Bless him! I thought I was very hungry but did struggle to manage the whole three courses. Afterwards I had to lie down and continued to feel uncomfortable all night until I threw up early hours of the morning. I then lay in bed still feeling flakey and disappointed that I was not able to fully enjoy my Hotel treat. When I finally dragged myself out of bed I had to eat breakfast as it came with the room. I forced down a giant croissant and orange juice which thankfully stayed down. I still felt very nauseous though and crawled the 8km into the next town, having to sit or lie down every few kilometres. On arrival I found a convent and slumped into a bunkbed having not had lunch (a sure sign I am on death's door!). You'll be pleased to know I was much better
come the afternoon and enjoyed a giant icecream in the Plaza in front of Leon's beautiful cathedral. Rumour has it the tap water is not the best in this region so bottled water from now on methinks.

I'm also definitely not fussed about staying in a hotel again, even in a more well state. Firstly I could have had 9 nights in an Albergue for the same price. It also felt souless and I realised the compromises I make in the Albergue don't bother me that much anyway and more than made up for by the friendships formed when space is shared.      
                           
Can I just say how touched I have been by the number people following the blog and the lovely messages from back home. Makes all the difference on a day when you wake up feeling like a dog's dinner but have to keep on walking. Thank you!