Coast to Coast Spanish-style

Saturday, June 8, 2019

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?

Friday, June 7, 2019

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.....

Thursday, June 6, 2019

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!!

Monday, June 3, 2019

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.

Sunday, June 2, 2019

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.

Caldas de Reis

Continuous stream of pilgrims on the trail today. Persuaded Rob to start early without breakfast to walk in the cool for as long as possible. Nearly got grumpy as we had to walk for 2 hours before we found a café! Ha ha, real pilgrims. Not really, cos we are in a nice hotel in the spa town of Caldas de Reis. Not much hardship for us.