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Well happily it was back to sunshine in Leon, and a nice little big city it was too. Nice big open streets and pretty narrow alleyways. I really didn't have much planned for here, as I was just really wanting a break from my 12 hour train trip so I decided to do it in two 6 hour session and Leon fitted nicely in the middle.
I had a heck of a time trying to find cheap accommodation in Leon online, and my trusty 'hostel world' website failed me, so I had to turn to my trusty lonely planet guide book (aka the brick)but it is a couple of years old so it's sometimes touch and go if the prices are still valid (or if the places still even exist!) But I found a cheap little hostel which was pretty near to the train station and town so I rang up and booked myself a room, well I hoped I did as the person I spoke to semi understood English, but sure enough I turned up and I had secured myself a bed but not in a dorm but a private room, it was small but all I needed (there weren't any dorms, just rooms with or with shared bathrooms)
I set out along the main street past shops! Real shops, clothes, shoes, products! What a treat! As with pretty much everywhere I have been I have stayed in the old centre of town where all the interesting stuff is but not ever where the shopping district is, so I marvelled at all the stuff and tortured myself with not being able to buy anything (space in my pack and money permitting)
Aftera quick trip to the tourist office I went to the cathedral, what Leon is known for. I am getting pretty sick of the guide book saying that plenty of the cathedrals and churches and monuments that it is most likely one of the best in Europe, and I was starting to really disbelieve them until I went inside. Yes from the outside this place is beautiful and big, but once you go in it - without exaggeration - takes your breath away. Led light windows everywhere! It is a pretty dark church, in the fact that it has few standard windows, but the sheer quantity of led lights is just truly stunning. I am a 'in and out' kind of church and cathedral goer but this place demands you wander around in the silence and take it all it, so,so nice. Most of my photos are blurry as you aren't meant to use a flash (although I did a little) but I am sure you can probably find some professional ones online.
The rest of the day and the morning after I spent wandering the streets finding some interesting sights such as a castle like building designed by Gaudi, a well kitted out gun shop, the biggest flower pot I have ever seen, and a sweet old chevy car.
A ...then...back..on...the...train...for...another...six...hours.........................
- comments
Erin (met in Granada/Sevilla) Hey! My boyfriend is from Leon! I was just there my last week in Europe (end of May). Unfortunately the Cathedral was closed, so I could only see the outside. I'm sure I'll be back at some point. Hope your travels are going well and that you enjoyed Leon!
Patrick Good pics Melanie :) glad you enjoyed Leon and hope that you meet up with some of your friends in U.K. before you go on your trip around "the homeland " and see where some of your genes come from .... have a great time Luv ya Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx