We had a very busy day in Oviedo. Herewith, a few highlights.

We began the day with a lecture from our leader, Rick Binzel, on “Undaunted Exploration”. He told us about the various space missions he (and his students) had been involved with, including Osiris-REX (sample retrieval from an asteroid) which has turned into Osiris-APEX, which will reach the asteroid Apophis a few days after its very close approach to Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029 (don’t worry – it won’t hit us!).

Then we walked over to the University of Oviedo with a little sightseeing on the way.

We were greeted by bagpipers as we entered the University!

There were a few very short speeches by dignitaries, then we were given a very special tour of the University’s Historic Building, including the library.

We left the university to walk to lunch at Sidereia La Pumarada – with more sightseeing on the way.

I couldn’t resist trying the cider; it was good, but I wouldn’t cross the Atlantic for it.

We had free time for the rest of the day, and took “rest” literally. We did walk to a local gastrobar, Nuevo Ayala, for a light dinner at a normal hour (6:30pm, not 8:30pm) – pizza and beer!

A short walk back to the Hotel de la Reconquista, and the best night’s sleep I’ve had for days.

We left León behind this morning for our next destination, Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Rick Binzel had already reset his countdown clock for next year’s total eclipse in Egypt.

The drive took about 90 minutes, mostly through beautiful scenery. It reminded me of I-5 north of Redding.

We had an amazing lunch at Restaurant Nastura in the heart of Oviedo and then set out on a walking tour of the city. Our first stop was in the Gastonia district, where cider is king.

A couple of minutes later, we were outside Oviedo Cathedral, on the Camino route.

The Cathedral was originally built by King Alfonso II, who was also the first pilgrim on the Camino (or so our guide said).

The inside of the Cathedral was, unsurprisingly, stunning, with wonderful stained glass windows, interesting stonework, and more.

One of the highlights is the Holy Chamber, which holds treasures that have been given to the Cathedral over the centuries. There are many relics, the Shroud of Oviedo (which is supposed to have covered Jesus’ face at the Crucifixion), and other beautiful works.

We left the Holy Chamber and strolled around the Cloister before returning to the sanctuary.

After we left the Cathedral, our guide took us to Calle Mon, one of Oviedo’s hotspots, on our way to the Hotel de la Reconquista, a former orphanage which has been converted to a five-star hotel, our home for the next two nights.