We took a 4 hour train ride from Azpetia to Léon. It was a pleasant ride, and we arrived in Léon at around 2:30 P.M. We had a short walk from the train station to the hotel, but neither Jim, nor I, had told Jane and Ric where we were staying.
The reason we're taking this Camino trip now is because Jane and Ric will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on October 9th, and wanted to do something special. They had heard so much about our adventures, that they thought it would be a fun trip. Jane and I have been friends since we were 5 years old, and Jim went to high school with one of Jane's brothers, so he has known her for years as well. Our kids know all of their kids, and we've all done things together over the years. Because of our close relationship, Jim and I wanted to do something special for Jane and Ric.
For those who have seen "The Way", the movie about the Camino, you might remember the scene where the 4 travelers are in Léon, and look longingly at this huge Parador, or fancy hotel. Jim and I set it up so that we got into that plaza, and Ric asked where our hotel was, Jim told him that we were staying in the Parador, and I wished them a Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary--they were both totally blown away! I wish that I had had a camera to capture the looks on their faces.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the Parador, as well as the city of Léon. We visited the Cathedral, a museum, and a restaurant (of course).
The parador is a former monastery that is several centuries old, and has quite a history! The grand staircase in the lobby was built in 1615.
I have to admit that I enjoyed Léon much better this time around. The last time I was here, I spent a week in the hospital hooked up to IV antibiotics. I'm happy to report that my feet are fine, and we start our 100 mile Camino journey on Friday.