Day 8 - Astorgas & Léon

So, it took me an entire week to find the legitimate bathroom light. SCORE!

I knew there was a light under the bathroom mirror, and that’s the one I’d been using, but there are actually overhead lights, too. Found them! Haha.

It was a little rough waking up this morning because I went to bed at 2:30 and was trying to wake up around 8:30 for a shower. Thing is, sometimes the bathroom door is shut when noone is in there, and I thought there was someone in there because I heard water running. Nope. Turns out I waited about 30 minutes and completely missed the shower altogether, and there wasn’t even anyone in there. That’s me for you.

Stephanie was running late, too. It was funny because we texted each other at the exact same time. We’re definitely not morning people.

Made it to the bus on time, and even though we were tired, we had to stay awake for the ride through the mountains. It was absolutely divine. To quote Stephanie, “It looks like heaven.” The mountains are such a vivid green, and because it was early in the morning, it looked like there were clouds everywhere. We reached the top of one of the mountains, and it looked like the clouds were actually below us.

I have pictures, of course.

Couldn’t handle the tired after that, so I’m pretty sure I just passed out.

We arrived in Astorga, and you could here the “woooooooooww”s when we passed by the Cathedral. It was absolutely breathtaking. We didn’t have a whole lot of time in Astorga, so we decided to head straight for the Cathedral. Everything about it was so intricate. Every minute detail. Just so awe-inspiring.

There are pictures, which can do it so much more justice than anything I can write. I think that’s why I love photography. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing, too, but sometimes you just can’t quite describe it the way it should be. With photos, you can.

There was a museum attached to the Cathedral, and everything was from the 11^th and 12^th centuries. It’s so hard to even wrap your mind around it. That was almost 500 years before America was even DISCOVERED! Let alone anything built on the continent. The artwork and the documents and the hand-drawn books were all being built before there was ANYTHING in America at all. You can’t help but be in awe of it and think that Spain definitely has one-up on the good ol’ US of A.

The oldest church document that had was from the year 934.

Wrap your mind around THAT.

The Gaudí Palace was awesome, as well. You could definitely see the Muslim architectural influence in the arches and columns.

My only complaint? It was more than a little toasty. Actually, the whole day was. And Zemke told us that we had to dress conservatively (i.e. pants or skirts below the knee and shirts to the elbow). So, I was, let’s just say…glistening.

We grabbed some chocolate before leaving Astorgas, and it was dee-lish.

Oh, and there was a street called Wendy! I took a picture and hope she likes it. Or appreciates it, at least. Let’s just say, there aren’t many Wendys in Spain. It’s not quite a Spanish name…

Hopped back on the bus and headed for León. Tried to sleep, but didn’t have much success. It was a much bigger city. A lot like Oviedo. Unfortunately, we arrived right when siesta started, and it’s absolutely true that everything but restaurants shuts down. We arrived about two, and the Cathedral in León didn’t even open until four. So Alee, Stephanie, and I went to a cafeteria that had Coca-Cola! They got coffee, but I opted for the Coke. Cool thing? In Spain, when you order a drink, they’re supposed to give you a bocadilla with it – a small (¼) sandwich.

We walked around for awhile after that and found another building by Gaudí. Turns out, most of the building was based on a dragon that a patron saint (we’re not exactly sure who) had slain. So the towers had scales, the stained glass looked like scales, etc. We were slightly unhappy with the fact that it had been turned into a bank, but what can you do?

A bit of good luck, perhaps…when we were standing on the side of a building, a photographer and bride and groom came over to take pictures by the building. I of course acted in my role as paparazzi and got some really adorable pictures. She had a gorgeous long train, and her dress was beautiful.

Sean…destination wedding in España? I mean, the cathedrals are obviously gorgeous, so I’m not taking any excuses. It’s happening.

Walked around a little more after that and bought a strawberry freeze pop! The Cathedral finally opened, and we walked around inside for quite awhile. It was great because it was clearly marked that photos should not be taken, but people were snapping pictures left and right. Kinda funny.

We were all wiped out afterwards, and I basically passed out on the bus. Came home and the family was out, so I took a shower, ate a bit, and got to Skype with Mom! Definitely a good end to the day!

OBSERVACIONES

There has been a lot I’ve noticed and seen and probably forgotten in the past week but what I do remember has been pretty special.

Between classes on Thursday, I walked outside to get to the building where my second class is, and I saw and elderly man with a walker just like my Grandma Helen had – sparkly red with the black seat and handles. I nearly broke down right in the middle of campus. I just know she would love it here, and even if she were never able to make it here, I know she would love to hear all my stories and see all my pictures.

The truth is, I miss her so incredibly much. There’s never been another person like her in my life, and there never will me. She was my Granny. I miss being able to tell her anything and everything, and I loved the face she would make when I said something scandalous, that surprised “Oh!” face with her eyebrows up and her top lip covering her teeth.

I want her here so badly. And I miss her so much.

But seconds after I had the near-breakdown, something caught the corner of my eye. It was a white butterfly floating back and fourth.

I couldn’t help but smile and know that she wouldn’t want me to be sad. I just hope she knows how much I miss and love her.

On a different note, I also ended up crying today listening to “Goodnight Elisabeth” on the bus ride to Astorgas. I’ve always loved the song…

But now, I finally get it.

I completely understand what it’s about, and I don’t think there was anything that could have fit more perfectly at that moment in time.

Just incredible.

And finally, on a lighter note, tomorrow is the World Cup FINALS!

Shit’s about to get real.