We entered the city of León about mid-day…and despite cold, rainy weather at first…this has been our favorite city to date (also why this post was later than normal.) Possibly because May 1 is a holiday here, there was a real energy in the narrow streets when we arrived and continued through the evening. We took advantage of the full afternoon by touring León Cathedral, exploring the walled sections of the town, and attending the pilgrim’s Mass at the Basilica of San Isidor.
There are 1800 square meters of stained glass in León Cathedral…so no wonder it is referred to as the “House of Light”. We were fortunate that the sun came out late this afternoon during our tour. Spectacular. Most of this glass/artwork was done between the 13th and 15th centuries. Interesting point (at least to someone with severely limited artistic knowledge like myself)…warmer colors and tones were used on the south side windows versus the north side in consideration of the relative availability of direct sunlight.
We had a standing tapas dinner tonight at a place called “El Patio”. Tasty small dishes and great red wines (as usual…only $3-4 a glass). The staff was constantly in motion and shared a common uniform – plaid shirts. It has been a long time since I have worn plaid. Wore a lot of suits on a daily basis the last few years…so plaid faded out of the rotation. But with my current stubble and occasional interest in log-rolling on ESPN2…plaid…especially a flannel plaid shirt…might be coming back.
As we leave Leon tomorrow, the landscape begins to change again. We will be crossing mountains this week and on Friday entering the Bierzo Valley, a key gold mining area for the ancient Romans. (By the way…Happy Golden Week to all our friends in Japan. Enjoy your time off!)
Good Morning!!
Beautiful photo of the Cathedral, lucky to have been able to enjoy its magnificent windows, illuminated by the sunlight, an authentic wonder. León is a very beautiful city, we liked it a lot, with a very busy center and a lot of life …, we are sure that you have tried the cecina, you liked it?
We come up with a question for both, what is harder to walk through the Canyon of the Colorado, with its tremendous slopes, with its suffocating heat and with its burning sun or making the road, with its cold and warmth, with its rain, with its beautiful temples and its magnificent wines? We think it is a difficult question.
Today, May 1, we are already very close to our company on your way, we are very excited, wanting to see you and share it with you.
Good way !!
Yes…we had the cecina. Very tasty…and a nice change from the jamón that we have been eating too much of. It is hard to decide…because the 2 experiences are very different. The day hike out from the bottom of the Grand Canyon is very strenuous. But so was the day hike from SJPDP to Roncesvalles. The challenge of doing the Way for 32 straight days of walking is unique. We will talk more in person the day before entering Santiago!
the Cathedral is beautiful. thanks for sharing.
I love the photos, especially of you both. You both look happy and just amazing!