On to Leon

September 7, 2010

Our two hours of free time to explore the final destination of the pilgrims was up and we drove to Leon. On our drive to Leon, Tania played Nana Mouskouri's "Nuestras Canciones," a very soulful rendition of the classical Spanish songs such as the Malagueña, Granada, and others. Juan drove on the highway that was parallel to the Camino and I continued to see the scallop shell signs indicating the pilgrims' route; even saw a handful of pilgrims walking the dusty path.

We reached Leon after a very long and tiring drive. We headed up to the cathedral.  Apartment buildings were along each side of the street, with their balconies by the windows decorated with colorful petunia flowers. I saw a couple of men on a crane watering and tending to the flowers. I do not know if they were government-hired people or were maintenance crew hired by the apartment renters. Nevertheless, the apartments were pretty and they made the walk up to the cathedral enjoyable.

We reached the cathedral, beheld the west façade of pale yellow stone flanked by two towers, marveled at its beautiful rose glass window above its intricately carved portals. The portal displayed the last Judgment. Inside, sunlight filtered through the medieval stained glass windows, a kaleidoscope. People say that this cathedral has the best stained glass windows outside of France. Because of this awesome kaleidoscope of colors, the cathedral, Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral, was nicknamed "House of Light" or "Pulchra Leonina." This stunning sight certainly moved me. 

Inside was a feast of beautiful architecture, paintings, sculpture, and other art. I also saw the oldest choir in the country. I believe centuries ago people were more appreciative of art and would not hesitate to spend money on it. They gave time for art. Nowadays everyone is on the go; people do things fast: walk fast, drive fast, eat fast, and work fast—no siesta.

We had dinner in Leon in the hotel's dining room—round tables with white tablecloth. Ron and I were late for dinner although no one had started to eat yet. We had salad, baked chicken, and fried potatoes. The group conversation was good and varied. We came to know each other better. The school administrator from Hawaii proved to be a good conversationalist.

Sleep was good that night after considerable walking in the last three days, riding the bus, and soaking in the sights and architectural wonders of the cathedrals.