Majestic Madrid and farewell Spain

The thing about Madrid is how imposing the buildings are and how much wonderful art there is to see.

The main plaza is huge and we were standing there minding our own business when this spectacle came trotting past:

We were glad we had an extra day in this vibrant city. The tapas market, Mercado de San Miguel, was mind-boggling. Being Librans it was really hard to choose something to eat from the thousands of tantalizing options.

The Royal Palace was extraordinary, one room was so beautiful it brought a tear to my eye. No photos allowed inside but here are a couple from outside and the entrance hall.

We spent hours at the Reina Sofia gallery. We were amazed there weren't the same queues as at the palace, the collection is marvelous. We made a beeline for Pablo Picassa's Guernica,  depicting the horrific bombing that took place. It's  a massive piece of work that stops you in your tracks and really moves you. 

So then it was adious to Spain. Will we ever see her shores again? Who knows, but we are looking forward to being back in our own slice of paradise. 

Surprised by Segovia

We never expected to be quite so wowed by Segovia. From the minute we stepped off the bus it felt good to be here, friendly people, a bustling regional market, then a view that made us both say wow.

This aqueduct was built in the 1st century by the Roman's. It is simply staggering.

The next thing we saw was a fairy tale castle, Alcuzar. They say Walt Disney copied this for Cinderella.

It was stunning inside. The ceiling of the galley room.

This is the armoury. Rather gruesome weapons on display.

Across the valley on the hill top is the town of Zamarramala, where the women were allowed to rule one day a year. Apparently this tradition continues today!

A massive Gothic cathedral completes the picture of this World Heritage city.

 It looked amazing lit up by the sun as it set.

There are narrow cobbled streets and an old Jewish quarter, which, at a not so glorious time in history, was turned into a ghetto.

The city has some old walls too - 

We discovered a pleasant walkway below the city near a river, passing local vege gardens and a park.

There's a divine pastelaria just next door to our good hotel, which joy of joys, provides a kettle and cups. Close by is a vegetarian restaurant, a rare thing indeed in Spain, as well as traditional Jewish eateries and reputable tapas bars. What more could we want?? In fact, we like it so much here we are staying for a third night. Mind you, it is a third of the price of a hotel in Madrid at this time of year!

Walled city of Avila

Jeepers, didn't know the Spaniards competed with the Chinese in building great walls! The walls of Avila are magnificent. We spent all morning exploring them.

Part of the Cathedral is built into the wall.

It was quite a workout with lots of steep steps onto some of the 80 or so towers.

And then we went back at night to see the world's largest illuminated monument. Gorgeous.

The mirador called Cuatro Postes was nicely lit up too. Only Rob wanted to smash all the lights on it cos he reckoned they created light pollution for viewing the walls. 

Kind of liked the city sign too.

Next on our "cultural tour" is Segovia. Can it be better than Salamanca or Avila?

Salamanca

Travelled by train then bus to the fascinating University city of Salamanca. It is full of spectacular yellow stone buildings, and boasts the oldest university in Spain, established 1218. The university attracts thousands of international students.

The old city is a UNESCO world heritage site, and it's easy to understand why. The old and new cathedrals are stunning, and every corner you turn reveals another amazing vista. 

I loved the Casa de las Conchas, 1517, the house of shells, which now houses the public library.

The Plaza Mayor is enormous, one of the biggest in Spain, and a great place to sit and soak up the history and watch the world go by.

The city lies on the river Tormes, which is crossed by a beautiful Puente Romano.

To finish with a laugh before we move on to Avila.....

Santiago de Compostela

Rob grumped about how far from the centre of the city our hotel was, but we did get to see this massive construction. One side made of enormous rock slabs, the other of plastic CD cases. Extraordinary.

Some camino friends contacted us and we celebrated in style with them.

Then we hung up our boots, jumped on a train and headed inland to be culture vultures!!

Camino Portuguesa completed

We did it - 240 kilometers, 11 days. 

We had breakfast at Pepe's cafe where the walls are decorated with tons of camino memorabilia. Pepe sent us off with a huge bear hug each. 

Our last day was in drizzly rain, quite enjoyable after the incredible heat of the last few days. 

Always a thrill to see the massive cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. But we didn't see any of our camino companions - a bit like that feeling you get when you arrive home after a long trip and there is noone to greet you.....

We then had to queue for an hour with zillions of pilgrims to get our completion certificates.

Now it is time for a rest!!! Only being indecisive Librans and with a change in the weather we are not sure whether to head to the sea by bus as planned, or chase the sunshine across the country. 

In the meantime it is the laundromat for me 

and the barber for Rob - here he is all trimmed and ready for our next adventure.

Penultimate day - push to Padron

Some nice vege gardens and fields along the way today. Here is a couple sewing seed.

Rob had potato patch envy again.

Procession of pilgrims - more and more joining from other caminos.

And their litter...not always in the bin. Not always toilets available when needed judging by toilet tissue left around. Ugh.

Famous stone of Padron under the altar of the Igrexa Santiago in Padron. Long story about the body of St James...

Tomorrow we finish our 11 day Camino Portuguesa in Santiago de Compostela.