Madrid 15 September 2017

We arose early headed into the city caught the hop on hop off bus route no 1, it was really cold so had to buy ourselves as cardi each. We then did route 2 and had some lunch at a lovely little place and headed back to the hotel.  We had checked out before we went into town and put our luggage into their lock up. We collected our luggage and when it was time we headed over to the station to catch our 5.30 train to Astorga. The scenery in Spain not quite jaw dropping as through Austria and Switzerland. 

We arrived in Astorga at 8.30 not a cab in sight, we had a number to call but he did not understand me.  There was a lovely Spanish lady also needing a cab so she called one he came took her to her hotel and then came back for us, the kindness of strangers.  We booked in our hotel, it was once a Palace, now all restored etc.  It was the residence of the Earl of Tepa, who ordered the construction of this building at the end of the 18^th C, Casa de Tepa has gone through several stages of splendour and decline throughout history, being seriously damaged during the Independence War.  When Napoleon came to Astorga to help French troops in the City’s siege, he stayed at this home after the conquest.  The hotel is called Casa de Tepa.  We were in need of a drink so our lovely chap at the desk suggested a place for us and gave us directions.  We came to the end of the little street and we were not prepared for what we saw.  First there is a building by Gaudi finished in 1915.  It is a fairytale castle, then there is the Cathedral both places floodlit and quite outer worldly.  Ash said I feel like I am in a Disney film, that is exactly how it looked.  We had the most beautiful meal at Serrano Restaurant and then wandered home. This was a day full of surprises, Astorga is indeed a gem. Sabine Sam and Ash