First stop was the Roman gold mine of La Medulas. What did the Romans ever do for us? Well, apart from the aqueduct, wine, irrigation, public health, roads, law and order they invented alluvial gold mining. The mountain we climbed gave us panoramic views and showed the incredible system of tunnelling and waterways that gave this area gold. Wonderful race, the Romans.
Then onto the town of Astorga and a Gaudi designed bishopry that the bishop saw and refused to live in!
As we drove looking for our accomodation we saw what I thought must have been the Parliament building, or City Hall or something. Quite near where the GPS lady was telling us our hotel was in fact.
In fact, right where she was telling us.
It was,in fact, our hotel.
Unbelievable! Another Paradore, a monastery cum cathedral converted into a hotel.
It was just magnificent. We walked around inside goggle eyed, taking photos.
Our walk through Leon took us to a restaurant where a little language mix up gave Michele two meals including twelve ham and cheese croquettes. But I got one of those big cutlets that took up half the plate so at least someone was happy.
Next morning, Leon cathedral. Hardly anyone there, so it was relaxed and you could really take in the beauty. A really magnificent Gothic cathedral.
The rest of this day was a pretty major drive of five and a half hours via the coast and more mountainous, rocky terrain to Bilbao.
On arrival we decided to visit The Guggenheim, which is directly opposite us. The building is a work of art in itself. Lots of extraordinary modern art is housed here.
Then a nice walk and a coffee in our very modern, ritzy hotel.
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