Break Time
Today was our down day – the only scheduled day off during our entire 35 days of travel along the Camino. We knew breakfast would be plentiful and of good quality.
Spence and I did our own things today. He wanted to do some touring and see the main cathedral. I went to the contemporary art museum and wandered through some neighborhoods, where I saw vehicles actually stop for pedestrians.
The weather hovered between 56 and 60 degrees during the day, so it was extremely comfortable to take our time and walk through the city. I arrived a little before the museum opened and grabbed my second cup of coffee of the day, another cafe con leche. I hope this coffee addiction does not follow me home.
Admission to the museum was only two euro. It almost seemed as if I overpaid, because there was really only one exhibit. The artist worked in several different media, and painted extensively on paper and cardboard. The most impressive part of the installation was the tiles he assembled on the walls.
Spence found his way to the León Cathedral and took some amazing video of the sun coming through the stained glass. Initiated in the 13th century, this Gothic church constitutes one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the world.
Spence also had time for quiet reflection in front of inspirational placards.
I had fish for lunch, where the menu included some items like pig’s feet and goat. We have both come to like a local favorite here, the clara, which is beer with lemon flavor, also sometimes known as a shandy.
We've had the drink two ways: on tap premixed, and also assembled by a bartender who pours some lemon soda halfway up the glass, and fills it to the brim with beer. The first swallow seems a little off, but after that it is refreshing. This is another acquired taste, and I’m not sure if it will get back to Florida with me.
I did see something on the street that I fully intend to throw in my backpack tomorrow and take home. This small electric car would be ideal for putting around the neighborhood and heading to the grocery store. I don't believe I'd take it anywhere where the speed limit was over 35 mph, but it could carry the groceries.
The fruit store offered some overripe specimens at a deep discount.
In the small world of pilgrims on the Camino, I ran into Angela and her daughter in the plaza in front of the hotel this morning. Spence ran into our friend Stacy, who was a day behind us, and Joseph from Belgium. Also, Beth and Fred saw Miriam on the street in search of a new jar of Nutella.
We’re having a lazy night tonight. Wash was done yesterday and now all we have to do is get up tomorrow morning and fall back into our normal routine: Bags in the lobby by 8:00 a.m., followed by breakfast, followed by leaving the hotel and hitting the Camino again. Fortunately, the trail runs right in front of our hotel, so it'll be tough to get lost in the morning. Stay tuned for what happens later in the day.
