León the magnificent city

We made it to León, and the walking segment is finished! 20 kms, and can’t say it was a beautiful walk… in fact the last 4 kms was like walking along Parramatta road, with car dealerships and not at all scenic. I had totally blotted this bit from my memory! It was pretty enough as we left Mansilla, and we went through countryside and across a very pretty river, then came to small towns, closer and closer - really the outer suburbs I guess. When you walk in like we did, you see it all spread out and makes you realise it is quite large - it seems quite compact once you are in the historic centre, and you forget all the industrial areas, and blocks of apartments outside.

We arrived at the hotel at about 3, and it is sad that we will be leaving so early tomorrow morning, as this is a superb hotel…part of the building of the San Isidoro church…was a monastery and we have a room facing into the inner courtyard like the previous monastery/hotel. After settling in we walked round a bit with R and R, remembering where things were, and they worked out where they had stayed 20 years ago doing the camino then (before it was well known). Lots of fun. They have tomorrow to explore more as they are staying another night before setting out on their further adventures. We walked to the cathedral square, walked round the walls a bit and went with them to the 6 o’clock Mass in a cathedral chapel. Sat for a drink in a lovely square, too early for dinner, as we’d already had some sustenance when we arrived…people watching, after siesta and getting very lively. Had dinner in our favourite bar and wandered back as the sun was setting…fond farewells with R and R…always such fun with them, we travel very comfortably together. Now to bed. Next report from Seville!Read more