Travel
day from the Space Coast to Orlando and then up to Atlanta to catch the “across
the pond” bird (aircraft). Jane said it was one of the smoothest and simple
travel dates so far on these annual escapades to Espaňa. We each chose the lamb
chops that were more appetizing in print than they were in reality. However,
the accompanying wine washed them down with ease. Both of us slept for about
2.5 hours and awoke just before arrival breakfast was served. Landed and marched
the full island length of Batan (otherwise known as Barajas Airport) before finally
reaching the Guardia Civil guards at Immigration Control. Moving sidewalks and
a limited number of elevators helped but only slightly. I was asked to remove
my Tilley hat to the guard could compare my hatless form to my passport photo.
I told him that I had not bothered to change my hairstyle for this year’s trip.
He chuckled and stated that I still looked similar to the chap in the passport
photo!! Both checked bags arrived and were retrieved so that we could search
for the free GREEN bus around to Terminal 4. Once there we headed to the ground
level and Renfe train/metro offices although there was a huge bank of ticket
machines in the skywalk way. The gal from Renfe came over and asked if we were
traveling on a train today. Ah yes we are, then your local train to the Madrid
stations is complimentary as well. In just 15 short minutes we were gently swaying
our way towards the Chamartin station. Madrid was partly overcast and a cool
62F to welcome us from our lower 80sF in Florida!! That’s OK, this year we both
brought enough long-sleeved pullovers and light sweaters. Until we reach the
southern parts of Spain, I feel that sweaters and long sleeves will be the norm
for the first two weeks.
The
countryside was quite lovely in spite of threatening cloudy skies. Not much in
the way of rain though, just the threat! Spring is gaining a foothold and the
trees are that lovely fuzzy green which you see when they start to leaf out.
Lots of fields of yellow rapeseed and poppies. Of course the railway lines
always manage to make the entrance to any town or city look quite desperate!
Once in Leon at 1:30PM local we found the Avis Car Pickup just outside of the
train station. Our Seat Leon is a gas and not a diesel model for a change, it
is also deep Blue metallic which not show the small dings and dents the same as
light colored car does. Paul found a great place for lunch on the main drag
just opposite the Hospital San Juan De Dios.
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| Front Entance to Parador Leon |
The restaurant was serving Cocido
de Madrid, a hearty boiled stew, cabbage, potatoes, sausage, beans, veggies that
Ron & Sandy Hand enjoyed one trip with us in Madrid along with the Tios.
After nourishment, we set out for the Parador using Carmen Garmin who for the
first 15 minutes of applied 12 VDC power she continued to ask Jane if the
Parador Leon was located in Florida. She was so confused before finally
deciding that she was no longer stateside anymore. She got us to our
destination with little other faults and we promptly powered Her down to sleep
mode. Our twin room is overlooking the sculptured gardens. Jane commented that
the Parador is in need of refurbishment as power outlets are hanging loose in
the walls and some with huge caps of access to the contents
 |
| View from Room 333 to the gardens. |
normally behind the
wall plates. Outside the balconies could all use a good power washing and
general cleanup. I mentioned this the last time we were here, which is a shame
as the Parador San Marcos is considered one of the showpieces. It is very old and
most historic but I guess the recession has hit the Paradors too and upgrades
and improvements will have to wait until things improve financially. The
province of Leon has the longest stretch of the Camino de Santiago. Lots of
fascinating things to explore here.
 |
| Jane and Apostle James. |
 |
| Main staircase in Parador | |
But
it will be home for the night as we attempt to remain awake until about 10:00
PM.
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