Ledigos to Leon (almost)

Started the day out of the Alburgue Los Templarios at about 8:30 both dreading to get back on the bikes. Ben and I were sore and actually looking forward to hiking again. We biked until about 12:00 and stopped in a small town named Reliegos for lunch. We split a charizo sandwich and a coke. We rode onto Mansilla de las Mulals and took a break since it was so hot. Ben told me his stomach hurts and is feeling nauseas. We biked about another 3.5 miles and saw a gas station (a seldom site) across the street from the Camino. We thought maybe they sold Gatorade. They didn't but found some Spanish version of the same thing. Ben was feeling really sick. He went outside and started vomiting and could not stop. After about a 30 minutes I had the attendant order a taxi that could also transport our bikes and bags. The driver showed up about 10 minutes later and drove us the 10 miles left to Leon. Luckily I had reserved a decent hotel in Leon as a reward for our 3 days of misery. The driver dropped off our bikes and bags (he was glad to get rid of us since he had to keep stopping as Ben was throwing up on the side of his van) and I got Ben into the room. I found the place to return the bikes and got back and he was still throwing up and he started to throw up blood. I found the hospital a block away and walked Ben over there. As soon as we walked in the door they shook their head no as this hospital is only for Spanish citizens who hold a health card. They said we had to go to a clinic several blocks away. They called us a taxi and helped me walk Ben to the taxi. We went to the clinic and they told me it was 60 euros to see the doctor plus expenses for any other services. I gave them my passport to guarantee payment. The doctor came immediately and examined Ben. He diagnosed a gastro infection....maybe food poisoning. It is probably true but Ben and I have been eating the same meals (pilgrim menu) and filing our water containers from the same fountains. I was glad it wasn't heat exhaustion or dehydration. They pulled several viles of blood for testing and then began giving him fluids intravenously. They also gave him medication for the vomiting. The test results came back pretty normal and the doctor discharged him with a prescription for anti-nausea medicine. I went to the cashier thinking this is going to cost. The whole bill came to 131.00 euros. I am sure back in the US they would have charged over a $1,000. Took Ben back to the room and went to fill his prescription (2.55 euro....one can afford to get sick here). This was quite an experience as I do not speak Spanish and nobody speaks English. Some how it worked. 

Ben has been sleeping all night and today (Friday at 7:00 pm). I went out and explored a little of the city. Ben tells me he can walk tomorrow but I am not sure. I will let you know on the next update.