Sabbath on a Friday

Leon is a city of contrasts. Very cosmopolitan, very busy, very modern. But at the same time it is also historical, traditional, and full of irony. It does not seem as devout as some of the other places that I've been.  At the same time, the churches are wonderful. 

My Albergue looks out over Saint Isadore's square and the adjoining Basilica.

 About a five minute walk and one discovers one of the finer Gothic cathedrals in Europe.  

On the way, there is a store called Casa Jesus which is a lingerie boutique.  The yellow arrows and bronze scallop shells mark the pilgrim's path, but nobody seems to notice them because their attention is drawn upwards to the buildings, the stores, and the people.

I think the irony of Leon is encapsulated in this statue.  From the front, it seems typical of a generational gap -- father looking one way and his son looking the other. But when you photograph it from the back, you see that the father is actually looking at the Cathedral, and the son is looking away.  Such are the signs of the times!

Leon is also the place where you begin your preparations for the trek through the mountains. This week I will make the ascent through Foncebadon to the Cruz de Ferro (the Irom Cross) at 1,505 metres, the highest point on the Camino, and so I have cherished my rest here.

I have also re-outfitted myself. This includes a rain suit so that I don't have to use my poncho again, and a new hat. The picture is comical, But I really don't want to be stuck in the wind or rain without proper protection... There were times last week that weren't fun at all!

Today's Music:  La Isla Bonita (Madonna)

Today's Paces:  9,631

Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions:  all the people here in Leon celebrating the culture of Northern Spain on this holiday weekend.