Arcahueja to Leon

It is Sunday in León.

We walked the last nine kilometers into the city with barely a car on the road. Everything is closed. Everybody is at rest, which is exactly what our plan is today too.

Our hostel is above the famous Barrio Húmedo (wet neighborhood) in León’s historic center, packed with 100 bars and restaurants. When we arrived, it was deserted. At lunch, it was packed. During siesta, it was back to being quiet. We are expecting the crowds again at eight.

There is evidence of the old Roman walls, but they have homes and newer buildings right up next to them.

We found an open cafe for breakfast with wonderful eggs Benedict and double espresso lattes. We will be back again tomorrow.

At lunch, I treated Bonnie to an Asian restaurant called Kamado that I visited on my last trip to this city. They must have remembered me because today they brought me a bib. We loved the food! After those two meals, I don’t think we will want, or need, dinner.

All our clothes are laundered, clean, and smell better. So do we. We met another pilgrim family in the lavandería. They smelled okay too. We will see what happens later this week when the temperature is back in the 90s.

We saved the Gaudí exhibit and the Cathedral tour until tomorrow when Christie is with us. I’ve seen all the stained glass in the morning light, so we plan to visit the Cathedral in the afternoon as it will be lit differently. Bonnie and I did visit the Contemporary Art Museum and enjoyed the exhibits. I looked up the hours to the Museum of León, but they were closed today. They had great reviews, including one about their photography exhibit. I looked closer. It was my review from two years ago.

I’m enjoying watching all the people and sneaking a few photos when I can. This city makes me miss my camera.

We talked to Jamie on the phone. This makes me miss home.

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