León

Arrived in León on Sunday afternoon with fellow prilgrims, Jim, Kelly, Nosomi, Juan and Erika. Kelly and Erika were from Oregon and Washington, so we had the West Coast covered. Jim and Juan were heading to their respective homes so we were feeling bittersweet at our pilgrims lunch, but it was so nice to be with great people. 

León is the largest Spanish city I've seen thus far and very impressive. After checking in at my luxury suite and feeling like a kid in a candy shop, I headed out to explore the Cathederal. Begun in the 13th century it is a gothic example with amazing stained glass windows and massive nave. I had the fortunate timing to witness a relic being ceremoniously brought in and received by the cardinal(?). 

Any catholic enthusiasts know what this was? 

Meet some of our group for ice cream and drinks before heading to a tapas bar. Someone needs to bring Yelp to Spain! Through trip advisor I located a place in the shopping district, Meson de Burgos, where we had really good tuna fish with fresh salsa and some other dish our Croatian friend, Marijana found delicious. We'd wanted to try more dishes, but stomachs were full and some had curfews to meet. Goodbyes were said, I was staying an extra day and Jim was returning to Australia, the rest walking again today. 

I spent the extra day in León to rest, restock, and send some items to Germany. I'd carried my poles for nearly 450 kilometers without using them. I did a bit of shopping to suit up a little warmer for the mountains of Galicia, although it's difficult to imagine it being cold with the heat wave sweeping across Spain. A new fleece and some leggings were bought just in case, and a dress for "city" wear, I then sent some other items home to make up the weight difference. I was pretty proud of myself for finding the post office, but sending those sticks home was nearly the cost of them. It was worth it since I had more in the package, including a souvenir for Elijah. Business completed, I returned to the Cathederal square for lunch. It was nice to sit and watch the pilgrims arrive, a few familiar faces from along the way. 

Took in the Museo San Isidoro de León in the late afternoon, which is right across the way from my hotel. It has some very old bibles (960) and what they claim may be the chalice of the last supper. Pretty interesting. I liked the frescos on the ceiling in the burial vault - where more than 23 kings and queens are buried. It also has the most ancient Romanesque cloister where King Alfonso celebrated court in 1188. I love the history of these places and how new and old embrace.