Caminho Português & España

15k👣 6Z🧡

Our last full day in León, and we had no special plans. But it turned out to be one of the most memorable days.

Joe wanted to explore the underground parking lots (interesting from an engineering perspective), and I wanted to see the Cathedral windows in the sunlight. So we split up for the first part of the day.

At the Cathedral, I encouraged a peregrina to use the QR code to listen to the audio guide, as I had thought it was interesting enough to listen to a second time, even replaying the confusing sections. And: The light was FANTASTIC!!

Interesting how all the windows on the east side used warm colors to show the saints of the church, and on the west side used cool colors to depict the Old Testament prophets who were pointing the way to God.

I really enjoyed this second time through, and even got to spend some time outside in the cloister, where some of the stone statues were from the 1200s.

Once outside, I shivered in the bitter breeze, even though the sun was shining. Joe made his way back to the Old Town, and we swapped stories. We wandered around, trying to stay in the sun and out of the wind and find a place for lunch.

We even went inside for lunch, it was so chilly. When I ordered the tortilla (Spanish omelette), the waiter tried to dissuade me, saying it was for 8-10 people.... and it was 2/3 gone by the time we put the leftovers in our take-home container. 🤣 Never underestimate the power of the Ewing appetite!

We walked along the river in the lovely park that runs the width of the city. We decided to walk the lower level, closest to the water, when we saw some older folks setting up for petanca (bocce ball). We watched for quite a while, as clearly there were rules we didn't understand.

As we started to go, one of the players approached, asking in Spanish where we were from. We chatted a bit. He had walked the Camino Frances 3 times. As we made to move on, he introduced himself as Enrique. Joe surprised me by introducing himself as José. 😊 (It was his mom's nickname for him.🧡)

We walked further along the river, exploring the many pedestrian bridges. I was feeling like turning around, but Joe wanted to explore some more, so we decided that I would start back while he stretched his legs a little further.

The fall leaves, the afternoon light, the footpath, the sunlight glinting off the river through the trees - it was GORGEOUS. Before long, I was back at the petanca game - And they were still playing!

So I found a park bench where I could sketch the players with the old Roman bridge and fall trees in the background. Joe came along too and watched the game, trying to decipher the rules for playing in teams while I finished up. Just then, the players broke and started putting everything away.

I really wanted to show Enrique the sketch. His reaction: ¡Que bonito! (How lovely!) I ended up taking the sketch from the book to give it to him, and we could tell, he was pleased as punch. Later, it was clear he had showed it to his pals, as they were showerimg me with praise. I was able to offer them my trading cards as a remembrance from the day. Enrique chose one of my faves - the UW Quad cherry trees in autumn.

What a great day. We headed home, pulled in the laundry from this morning, and chilled with sangria and digestives (oatmeal- or bran-like crackers).

Tomorrow we pack and catch the 1pm bus to Santiago for our plane the next morning.Les mer