We´re in Spain! ¡Estamos aquí!
Trip Start
Apr 27, 2008
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3
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Trip End
Jun 05, 2008
Leon,
Spain
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
On Monday (we lost a day and 9 hours on the way east), Amsterdam welcomed us to their airport, and after a few hours we headed to Madrid, the beautiful and busy capital of Spain. It felt good to return after such a long absence of 16 years! Planes were on time and we met Jean as planned! Today, Tuesday, after a 4:30am wake-up call, we headed to the Railroad Station Chamartín for a 6:50 train to Leon. First class RailEurope passes are the way to go on their fast Renfe trains. And what beautiful countryside we rode through as we headed north over 200 miles in about 2 hours
...and the signs!
. Was that a castle? Definitely small and large churches set among green fields as far as the eye can see, cattle and horses grazing, beehives, small villages and windmills (not of the don Quijote variety but very modern). As we pulled into León, our very own pilgrim of 400 km and 4 weeks, Len, welcomed us!Well, it´s time to explore! Oh, and no photos, sorry. Oliver, how about sending us your email address--I couldn´t download the photos so would like some long-distance assistance doing that! Love, Dick and Sue
This afternoon, we are off to explore this beautiful 10th century medieval town which, in the same century, was named the capital of Spain by the King of Asturias. With this, León became the center of Christian Spain. And today, after we tour the cathedral, we will be able to attest to this. But now? When in Spain, do as the Spaniards to--siesta! Most Spaniards still eat their largest meal in the middle of the day and after, they siesta! Most all businesses close down for 3 hours then open up again into the evening. What fun it is doing as the Spaniards do!
