Friday October 20

Have become a fan of Ribera especially after having for a few days the Prieto Picudo, local grape that is private labeled to the small hostels we have stayed at before reaching León, 

Correos, post office to the Spainish, outstanding service.  Sent some of our dirty and unneeded items back by post.  Could not have been more helpful.  Unfortunately sold out of the Camino – Correos shirt for this year.

Roasted lamb is a or the speciality of this area. Had to try it. Natural place, at the Parador.

Saturday 21 October 

A tourist day and a day of significant disappointment. The disappointment was the cancelled organ concert at the big cathedral.

First stop, Gaudí building, just outside, now a bank. Classical architecture. Now interior tours. 

Saint George and the dragon on the front of the building.

The main visit was to the Leon cathedral.  One of the greatest.  One pic included but many more online as this is a well photographed site.

We arranged our schedule in Leon to hear an organ recital in the cathedral. 

 Great program too.  Pics show program, organ and one inside shot.

The not heard organ. A double pipe.

Market day, Saturday, with indivdual markets for vegetables, clothes, junk/flea, etc.  Fun to wander and pick up some fruit for an afternoon snack.

The second big attraction of Leon is the Cloister -convent of San Isadora.  Guided tour only, no pictures except the rooster.  

The frescos, original, are the highlite.   Online again to view.  Guide, in Spanish, went through each panel.  The calendar fresco was, to me, the best.  

The cloister is marked as the place, in 1196, the first “court” (Cortes) was held with three areas around Léon.  Unesco… of course.  Supposedly the origin of democracy at least for this region. 

Roosters abound.  One picture area allowed, with a giant rooster.  The signage said they are symbols of hope and ……