Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
Carleana had to wake me up today because I forgot to set my alarm. We had stayed up looking at pictures and talking until 2 am. I got ready and made sure to pack a few odds and ends. We were both ready before 8 am. We went down for breakfast. After breakfast, we went back to the room to get our cases and do another sweep of the room.
We took our luggage downstairs and checked out. We were early so that we waited in the lobby for our taxi. Finally our taxi arrived. Our driver was a real cutie as well as being very funny. It was a good ride to the airport and we arrived about 25 later.
We had to walk quite a ways to the Air Canada counter. We got in line and waited. I went up to see if they were checking people in. I noticed that there was an agent at one of the desks so I went over with my walking stuck and asked what my options were for taking it home. He suggested that I get it wrapped and check it in. So I got Carleana's walking stick and had them wrapped for the trip home.
We got checked in and made our way to the gate. Armed with our boarding passes we went thought two security checkpoints and sat down for a drink to catch our breathe. Then we took a little walk around, sat for a bit and made our way to the boarding gate.
As we stood in line I had a great conversation with a young lady who was traveling home to Langley BC. She had spent the last 10 months in Spain on a Rotary exchange. We talked about what it entailed and how she found the experience. She was maybe 15 or 16 and she had spent almost a year on the other side of the world living with another family.
Someone behind me cleared their throat and I turned to find myself looking at Mr. Schwartz, the boys grade 7 teacher! I must of looked like a guppy because I couldn't believe my eyes. My brain was having trouble understanding what my eyes were seeing. But sure enough it was who I thought it was. We had a lovely chat about why each of was in Spain and then it was time to board.
We found our seats and got settled. I spent the first part of the flight catching up on my journal. The middle part watching movies: The Exotic Marigold Hotel, What to Expect When Your Expecting and The Hunger Games. Then I finished my my journal.
All was going well until about a hour from Toronto. Then we were diverted to Montreal because Pearson was closed because of very bad thunderstorms. We were in Montreal for a little over an hour. Then back in the air and 50 minutes or so later we landed in Toronto. Once we were on the ground it took another 2 hours before a gate opened and we were able to deplane.
Getting through customs was relatively quick and so was getting to the baggage claims. While waiting I saw Jason Schwartz again and we chatted while waiting for the luggage. Just before our luggage arrived, I went over to a counter nearby and asked where I would find our walking sticks. She instructed me to go to section B. I saw them right away: our walking sticks, safe and sound. Soon after our bags arrived and we left baggage claims and exited. Once we were out, we unpacked our walking sticks and walked out.
We exited and I found Cameron. I was really happy to see him. I was even more glad to be off the plane and finally home. It will be nice not to be living out of a suitcase. We stopped for a bite to eat on the way home. When we arrived home I was really happy to see Aaron and to be home.
I have had a wonderful experience that I am sure I will not fully appreciate for awhile. All the experiences I've had over the last 18 days will need time to percolate. It will take some time for me to process every experience that I have had.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Day 2 Madrid
Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
This morning we slept in until 9 am again, it was lovely. We got ready and then went down for breakfast. We stopped at the front desk and asked them to get us a taxi for tomorrow for the airport. Then we headed down to the computer to confirm our flight but it was too early.
On the way out we stopped at the front desk to confirm directions to the Palacio Real. With oral directions and our map we were off. We headed to plaza San Domingo and down calle San Domingo until we got to the Teatro Real. We turned left and walked across plaza de Oriente with its lovely bronzes of one of the kings of Spain. We walked along the side of the palace to the entrance which is between the cathedral de la Almundena and the Palacio Real. We went in and paid 12€ for a self guided tour.
We walked along one side of Plaza de la Armeria and the first thing we was was the royal Farmacia. We walked in and it looked like the fairy godmother's potion shop in Shrek 2. There was even one section with glass cases and drawers that looked like the room where Shrek got the love potion! There were a number of pieces of equipment that we still use today.
Then we made our way to the entrance to the public rooms of the palace. Seriously, there was so much gold and ornamentation that it hurt the eyes. There was decoration on the walls, the ceilings, the chairs, the tables, the candlesticks, everywhere. And it was really hot--it wasn't just me because Carleana was commenting about the heat. As we wandered through the palace we saw the throne room, the waiting room, the antechamber, and the dining room (the table must seat at least 100 people). Unfortunately, the table wasn't set.
We went through the Royal Chapel, which was very ostentatious and ornate! Then to another little room with 3 violins (1706, 1709, and 1696) and a violoncello from 1700 which were all made by Antonio Stradivari. It was really cool to think that I was in a room with 4 instruments made by one of the most renown violin markers in the world.
We completed the tour in under the 45 minutes (the online review I read said that it would take 45 minutes) because it was so .... hot!!!!!! It wasn't any cooler outside! It was 37 degrees in the shade and at least there it was breezy. So we finished the tour with a walk along the other side of the plaza de la Armeria. There was a balcony where you could take some cool pictures of the city of Madrid. We left the palace and headed toward the cathedral and when we saw that we had to pay 6€ to get in; we bailed.
Then we walked back through the side of plaza de Oriente where I think there were statues of the various kings of Spain. It is a lovely green space with plenty of placed to sit and people watch. As I walked along there were Chinese people constantly asking if I wanted a massage and who weren't taking no for an answer until I just walked away!!!
We headed back to the hotel because we wanted to confirm our flight. We sat in the outdoor patio of the hotel and I had a cappuccino and water while Carleana had a ginger ale and mineral water. They brought out a few nibblies and I got a little chocolate with my cappuccino. While having our drinks we googled why the symbol of Madrid was a bear eating from a strawberry tree. It seems that both were plentiful when they founded the city of Madrid.
We finished our drinks and got on the computers and confirmed our flight. Then we went up to the room to have a health break and I dropped off my passport and grabbed a bit more cash! We stopped at the front desk to make sure of directions to plaza Mayor and how to get to the Reina Sofia from there. We managed to get to plaza Mayor relatively quickly but we had to take the long was to the Reina Sofia because it was the easiest.
So we walked into plaza Mayor and it was practically empty. But it was way cool because the buildings were really interesting, all of them had such lovely balconies. There was one building with painted murals in the outside and it was where they has one of the tourist information offices. The neat thing was that all the lampposts had locks on them that people must of left behind.
We made our way to Puerta del Sol and popped into a few shops along the way. We took carrera San Jeromino to plaza de Neptuno (by the way this is where the Westin hotel is that we had looked at but ruled out because it was too expensive) and then turned left and walked through Paseo del Prado because I figured it would be cooler. It was really nice walking among the trees and the statues and fountains. But at one point the path just stopped and we were enclosed by iron fences. So we climbed over them to cross the street. The iron fences were a little too high and we ended up walking a little bowlegged for a while.
Shortly afterwards we saw our second McDonald's of the day and we went in for lunch. It was after 3 pm and the place was packed!!!!!!! We ate our meal and then crossed the street outside of McDonalds. Before we knew it we were at the Reina Sofia. It's in a square without any shade but it was a nice building with two glass elevators. We paid our 6€ and went in.
Fortunately they had a floor map and we went right to the exhibit we wanted to see. I really enjoyed the cubists and surrealists works and saw more works by artists I had liked at the Thyssen. It was really neat to see more if Juan Gris, Joan Miro, Picasso, and Fernand Leger's works. I also found some new artists: Marius de Zayas, Albert Gleizes, Sonia Delauney, Julio Gonzales, and Roberto Matta that I really liked. The other thing I liked was the variety of art represented: lithographs, journals, sketchbooks, collages, videos, sketches, bronzes, marble scultptures and photographs. My favorite works were by cubists and surrealists. I saw Picasso's Guernica but in really didn't like it and it was black and white when I thought it was in colour. We went down to the gift shop and I got postcards of some of the pieces I liked. I also found a ceramic box with Don Quixote by Picasso which I absolutely adore.
We left the Reina Sofia having only see a bit because we were footsore and wanted to get our shopping finished. I still hadn't purchased my shawl. The shop where they had them was an authentic store which sold shawls, mantillas and what looked to be other flamenco paraphernalia. It was closed when we went by yesterday but I noticed that it would be open this afternoon. So we walked back toward Puerta del Sol. We went into the shop and I asked to see a red shawl. The one she brought out was absolutely gorgeous and the embroidery was all done by hand on silk. When I asked the price--it was 300€! I said that I was looking to spend no more than 100€ and she brought out some others and I picked a cream one with blue flowers for 90€. She wrapped it up for me and Carleana and I went off to finish the rest of our shopping.
We walked up to Gran Via and then toward plaza de Calloa. We stopped to get a frozen yogurt and headed to the room to rest and cool down. We got back after 6 pm and had been walking for almost 8 hours in the blustering heat, I may even have a slight sunburn even though I wore sunscreen! So between 6 and 9 I worked on my blog and made notes for my journal. I also finished my yogurt and soaked my poor feet. We decided that we would eat at the hotel.
So shortly before 9 we changed into dresses and headed down. We each had a glass of wine and shared the goose pate. Then I had fettuccine with Alfredo sauce which was fantastic and I finished with creme caramel and a cappuccino. Carleana toasted my wedding anniversary. Yes, I am like 4000 km away from my husband on our 18th wedding anniversary but we will celebrate once I get home. I came back to the room, packed, finished my blog and chilled until I could unwind enough to fall a asleep.
This has been an amazing experience. I have enjoyed so many new experiences and learned so much about myself. The icing in the cake was that I shared this with my very dear friend Carleana. Furthermore, none of this would have been possible if not for the support of my husband and my boys. I love you and can't wait to see you. Good night from Spain.
This morning we slept in until 9 am again, it was lovely. We got ready and then went down for breakfast. We stopped at the front desk and asked them to get us a taxi for tomorrow for the airport. Then we headed down to the computer to confirm our flight but it was too early.
On the way out we stopped at the front desk to confirm directions to the Palacio Real. With oral directions and our map we were off. We headed to plaza San Domingo and down calle San Domingo until we got to the Teatro Real. We turned left and walked across plaza de Oriente with its lovely bronzes of one of the kings of Spain. We walked along the side of the palace to the entrance which is between the cathedral de la Almundena and the Palacio Real. We went in and paid 12€ for a self guided tour.
We walked along one side of Plaza de la Armeria and the first thing we was was the royal Farmacia. We walked in and it looked like the fairy godmother's potion shop in Shrek 2. There was even one section with glass cases and drawers that looked like the room where Shrek got the love potion! There were a number of pieces of equipment that we still use today.
Then we made our way to the entrance to the public rooms of the palace. Seriously, there was so much gold and ornamentation that it hurt the eyes. There was decoration on the walls, the ceilings, the chairs, the tables, the candlesticks, everywhere. And it was really hot--it wasn't just me because Carleana was commenting about the heat. As we wandered through the palace we saw the throne room, the waiting room, the antechamber, and the dining room (the table must seat at least 100 people). Unfortunately, the table wasn't set.
We went through the Royal Chapel, which was very ostentatious and ornate! Then to another little room with 3 violins (1706, 1709, and 1696) and a violoncello from 1700 which were all made by Antonio Stradivari. It was really cool to think that I was in a room with 4 instruments made by one of the most renown violin markers in the world.
We completed the tour in under the 45 minutes (the online review I read said that it would take 45 minutes) because it was so .... hot!!!!!! It wasn't any cooler outside! It was 37 degrees in the shade and at least there it was breezy. So we finished the tour with a walk along the other side of the plaza de la Armeria. There was a balcony where you could take some cool pictures of the city of Madrid. We left the palace and headed toward the cathedral and when we saw that we had to pay 6€ to get in; we bailed.
Then we walked back through the side of plaza de Oriente where I think there were statues of the various kings of Spain. It is a lovely green space with plenty of placed to sit and people watch. As I walked along there were Chinese people constantly asking if I wanted a massage and who weren't taking no for an answer until I just walked away!!!
We headed back to the hotel because we wanted to confirm our flight. We sat in the outdoor patio of the hotel and I had a cappuccino and water while Carleana had a ginger ale and mineral water. They brought out a few nibblies and I got a little chocolate with my cappuccino. While having our drinks we googled why the symbol of Madrid was a bear eating from a strawberry tree. It seems that both were plentiful when they founded the city of Madrid.
We finished our drinks and got on the computers and confirmed our flight. Then we went up to the room to have a health break and I dropped off my passport and grabbed a bit more cash! We stopped at the front desk to make sure of directions to plaza Mayor and how to get to the Reina Sofia from there. We managed to get to plaza Mayor relatively quickly but we had to take the long was to the Reina Sofia because it was the easiest.
So we walked into plaza Mayor and it was practically empty. But it was way cool because the buildings were really interesting, all of them had such lovely balconies. There was one building with painted murals in the outside and it was where they has one of the tourist information offices. The neat thing was that all the lampposts had locks on them that people must of left behind.
We made our way to Puerta del Sol and popped into a few shops along the way. We took carrera San Jeromino to plaza de Neptuno (by the way this is where the Westin hotel is that we had looked at but ruled out because it was too expensive) and then turned left and walked through Paseo del Prado because I figured it would be cooler. It was really nice walking among the trees and the statues and fountains. But at one point the path just stopped and we were enclosed by iron fences. So we climbed over them to cross the street. The iron fences were a little too high and we ended up walking a little bowlegged for a while.
Shortly afterwards we saw our second McDonald's of the day and we went in for lunch. It was after 3 pm and the place was packed!!!!!!! We ate our meal and then crossed the street outside of McDonalds. Before we knew it we were at the Reina Sofia. It's in a square without any shade but it was a nice building with two glass elevators. We paid our 6€ and went in.
Fortunately they had a floor map and we went right to the exhibit we wanted to see. I really enjoyed the cubists and surrealists works and saw more works by artists I had liked at the Thyssen. It was really neat to see more if Juan Gris, Joan Miro, Picasso, and Fernand Leger's works. I also found some new artists: Marius de Zayas, Albert Gleizes, Sonia Delauney, Julio Gonzales, and Roberto Matta that I really liked. The other thing I liked was the variety of art represented: lithographs, journals, sketchbooks, collages, videos, sketches, bronzes, marble scultptures and photographs. My favorite works were by cubists and surrealists. I saw Picasso's Guernica but in really didn't like it and it was black and white when I thought it was in colour. We went down to the gift shop and I got postcards of some of the pieces I liked. I also found a ceramic box with Don Quixote by Picasso which I absolutely adore.
We left the Reina Sofia having only see a bit because we were footsore and wanted to get our shopping finished. I still hadn't purchased my shawl. The shop where they had them was an authentic store which sold shawls, mantillas and what looked to be other flamenco paraphernalia. It was closed when we went by yesterday but I noticed that it would be open this afternoon. So we walked back toward Puerta del Sol. We went into the shop and I asked to see a red shawl. The one she brought out was absolutely gorgeous and the embroidery was all done by hand on silk. When I asked the price--it was 300€! I said that I was looking to spend no more than 100€ and she brought out some others and I picked a cream one with blue flowers for 90€. She wrapped it up for me and Carleana and I went off to finish the rest of our shopping.
We walked up to Gran Via and then toward plaza de Calloa. We stopped to get a frozen yogurt and headed to the room to rest and cool down. We got back after 6 pm and had been walking for almost 8 hours in the blustering heat, I may even have a slight sunburn even though I wore sunscreen! So between 6 and 9 I worked on my blog and made notes for my journal. I also finished my yogurt and soaked my poor feet. We decided that we would eat at the hotel.
So shortly before 9 we changed into dresses and headed down. We each had a glass of wine and shared the goose pate. Then I had fettuccine with Alfredo sauce which was fantastic and I finished with creme caramel and a cappuccino. Carleana toasted my wedding anniversary. Yes, I am like 4000 km away from my husband on our 18th wedding anniversary but we will celebrate once I get home. I came back to the room, packed, finished my blog and chilled until I could unwind enough to fall a asleep.
This has been an amazing experience. I have enjoyed so many new experiences and learned so much about myself. The icing in the cake was that I shared this with my very dear friend Carleana. Furthermore, none of this would have been possible if not for the support of my husband and my boys. I love you and can't wait to see you. Good night from Spain.
Day 1 madrid
Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
So today I got a blister on my baby toe from the cute little shoes I bought because my flip flops were hurting my feet!
We both enjoyed sleeping in until 9 am. I was awake before 9 because it seems my body was not going to let me rest. I got showered and put on a dress for the first time this trip. We went down to breakfast and it was lovely! There was a huge variety of food from fresh fruit to eggs to hams to breads to pastries. I had some fruit, the Spanish tortilla, egg on toast and some coffee.
After breakfast we headed out. We walked up to plaza de Calloa and down calle Montera because Carleana had seen a purse yesterday and she wanted to go back and pick it up. When we reached the store it wasn't open yet; we decided we would come back that way because there was also a souvenir shop that we wanted to get some things from.
We continued until we reached Puerto del Sol and crossed the street turning left onto carrera San Jeromimo. On the way down the street we heard sounds of protestors and notice a fairly substantial police presence but by the time we get to the end of the street it has moved on and the barricades are down.
We arrived at plaza de Neptuno which is a roundabout with an enormous fountain in the centre of which is statue of Neptune riding a sea creature with water shooting into the air. We cross to the left toward the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum. We get our tickets and head up to the top floor and start our explorations.
The top floor is dedicated to art from the 17 century with a heavily Italian presence to early Impressionism with a heavy French presence. I really enjoyed the early Impressionism and there were also a couple of other pieces that really got me thinking. One was a painting by Bramantino where the Christ looks like a Wraith from Stargate Atlantis but it was painted in 1490! Another was a set of two pictures that were painted by Jan van Eyck (I had seen his name on a monument in Santiago of famous people who had completed the Camino). And lastly, there was a painting by Domenico Ghirlandaio who I think trained Michelangelo.
We went down to the next floor and I was in heaven-- it was the impressionist and Avant-Gardes era. There were so many pieces that took my breath away. I was more than happy to sit on the bench and drink in the beautiful works of art. There were many pieces which made me think and others that just spoke to my soul. I really enjoyed the works of Kurt Schwitter, Juan Gris, Fernand Leger, Frantisek Kupka, Joan Miri and Paul Klee. That's not to say that I turned up my nose at the Picassos, Monets, Degas' and other notable impressionists. It's that I just discovered some new modern artists that I liked.
We took a tour of the gift shop on the bottom floor and I picked up some postcards of the art pieces I liked. Then we left the Thyssen and walked around the roundabout to the Prado. The whole area is really neat because there is a green section called the Paseo del Prado which is like a miniature park. We weren't far from the big park in the centre of Madrid called El Parco del Buen Retiro or from the botanical gardens.
When we got to the Prado we got our tickets, a map and made our way to the restaurant because we were hungry. I had a quiche with leeks and a Greek salad with a diet coke. Then we went over to the gift shop because I was looking for postcards and a small pad of paper and a pen to make notes with; besides we're were right there.
Then we toured the museum and within a short time I was bored. Firstly, there were few places to sit and secondly, there was a lot of religious art and portraits. I was looking forward to seeing the Bosch but after that I just wanted to get out. I think I might have had enough of the crowds. The Prado does have a lot of sculptures which I really liked. There were a number of sculptures dating back to ancient times. Just as you entered there were statues of the 8 Muses dating back to ancient Greece; they were owned by the queen of Sweden who had them restored by that I mean having the heads reattached mainly.
We walked back to Puerta del Sol and on the way passed by a shawl shop with mantillas and other flamenco accessories. Unfortunately, it was closed but we are going to the Reina Sofia museum tomorrow and have to pass near Puerta del Sol. We walked up calle Montera and Carleana got her purse and I picked up the rest of my gifts. We continued up the street, wandering in and out of stores that caught our eye. We stopped for ice cream and a rest before continuing on. We found ourselves on Gran Via and headed in the direction of the hotel. Once again we popped in and out of stores looking at things but not buying anything.
When we arrived at Plaza de Calloa they were broadcasting the basketball game between Spain and China. The square was quite full and the police were visible as crowd control. It was kind of neat to see all these people standing or sitting around the perimeter watching the game. We continued down the street to our hotel.
When we arrived in our room we were greeted by sweet air conditioning and I just lay on the bed for a bit enjoy being cool. It was bliss to be off my feet and laying down after walking for almost 8 hours on marble and cement. When I took my shoes off I discovered the blister on my baby toe; so I guess I'm back to flip flops for at least part if the day and I better dig out my band aids!
So we spent some time chilling and at about 9 went to get some dinner. We thought we would try the all you can eat buffet around the corner. It was alright. Then we took a stroll and ended up on a street we hadn't been on before but we managed to find our way back to Plaza de Calloa and they were showing the soccer game between Spain and Honduras. It was even more crowded than this afternoon. There was a bigger police presence as well. We made our way over to Starbucks and got drinks then walked back to the hotel.
I had a soak in the tub because my legs and feet were sore. I finished my blog and went to bed. Sleeping in tomorrow until at least 9 am. Plan is to go to the royal palace, the Reina Sofia, the parco del buen retiro and a bit more shopping before packing everything up for home.
So today I got a blister on my baby toe from the cute little shoes I bought because my flip flops were hurting my feet!
We both enjoyed sleeping in until 9 am. I was awake before 9 because it seems my body was not going to let me rest. I got showered and put on a dress for the first time this trip. We went down to breakfast and it was lovely! There was a huge variety of food from fresh fruit to eggs to hams to breads to pastries. I had some fruit, the Spanish tortilla, egg on toast and some coffee.
After breakfast we headed out. We walked up to plaza de Calloa and down calle Montera because Carleana had seen a purse yesterday and she wanted to go back and pick it up. When we reached the store it wasn't open yet; we decided we would come back that way because there was also a souvenir shop that we wanted to get some things from.
We continued until we reached Puerto del Sol and crossed the street turning left onto carrera San Jeromimo. On the way down the street we heard sounds of protestors and notice a fairly substantial police presence but by the time we get to the end of the street it has moved on and the barricades are down.
We arrived at plaza de Neptuno which is a roundabout with an enormous fountain in the centre of which is statue of Neptune riding a sea creature with water shooting into the air. We cross to the left toward the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum. We get our tickets and head up to the top floor and start our explorations.
The top floor is dedicated to art from the 17 century with a heavily Italian presence to early Impressionism with a heavy French presence. I really enjoyed the early Impressionism and there were also a couple of other pieces that really got me thinking. One was a painting by Bramantino where the Christ looks like a Wraith from Stargate Atlantis but it was painted in 1490! Another was a set of two pictures that were painted by Jan van Eyck (I had seen his name on a monument in Santiago of famous people who had completed the Camino). And lastly, there was a painting by Domenico Ghirlandaio who I think trained Michelangelo.
We went down to the next floor and I was in heaven-- it was the impressionist and Avant-Gardes era. There were so many pieces that took my breath away. I was more than happy to sit on the bench and drink in the beautiful works of art. There were many pieces which made me think and others that just spoke to my soul. I really enjoyed the works of Kurt Schwitter, Juan Gris, Fernand Leger, Frantisek Kupka, Joan Miri and Paul Klee. That's not to say that I turned up my nose at the Picassos, Monets, Degas' and other notable impressionists. It's that I just discovered some new modern artists that I liked.
We took a tour of the gift shop on the bottom floor and I picked up some postcards of the art pieces I liked. Then we left the Thyssen and walked around the roundabout to the Prado. The whole area is really neat because there is a green section called the Paseo del Prado which is like a miniature park. We weren't far from the big park in the centre of Madrid called El Parco del Buen Retiro or from the botanical gardens.
When we got to the Prado we got our tickets, a map and made our way to the restaurant because we were hungry. I had a quiche with leeks and a Greek salad with a diet coke. Then we went over to the gift shop because I was looking for postcards and a small pad of paper and a pen to make notes with; besides we're were right there.
Then we toured the museum and within a short time I was bored. Firstly, there were few places to sit and secondly, there was a lot of religious art and portraits. I was looking forward to seeing the Bosch but after that I just wanted to get out. I think I might have had enough of the crowds. The Prado does have a lot of sculptures which I really liked. There were a number of sculptures dating back to ancient times. Just as you entered there were statues of the 8 Muses dating back to ancient Greece; they were owned by the queen of Sweden who had them restored by that I mean having the heads reattached mainly.
We walked back to Puerta del Sol and on the way passed by a shawl shop with mantillas and other flamenco accessories. Unfortunately, it was closed but we are going to the Reina Sofia museum tomorrow and have to pass near Puerta del Sol. We walked up calle Montera and Carleana got her purse and I picked up the rest of my gifts. We continued up the street, wandering in and out of stores that caught our eye. We stopped for ice cream and a rest before continuing on. We found ourselves on Gran Via and headed in the direction of the hotel. Once again we popped in and out of stores looking at things but not buying anything.
When we arrived at Plaza de Calloa they were broadcasting the basketball game between Spain and China. The square was quite full and the police were visible as crowd control. It was kind of neat to see all these people standing or sitting around the perimeter watching the game. We continued down the street to our hotel.
When we arrived in our room we were greeted by sweet air conditioning and I just lay on the bed for a bit enjoy being cool. It was bliss to be off my feet and laying down after walking for almost 8 hours on marble and cement. When I took my shoes off I discovered the blister on my baby toe; so I guess I'm back to flip flops for at least part if the day and I better dig out my band aids!
So we spent some time chilling and at about 9 went to get some dinner. We thought we would try the all you can eat buffet around the corner. It was alright. Then we took a stroll and ended up on a street we hadn't been on before but we managed to find our way back to Plaza de Calloa and they were showing the soccer game between Spain and Honduras. It was even more crowded than this afternoon. There was a bigger police presence as well. We made our way over to Starbucks and got drinks then walked back to the hotel.
I had a soak in the tub because my legs and feet were sore. I finished my blog and went to bed. Sleeping in tomorrow until at least 9 am. Plan is to go to the royal palace, the Reina Sofia, the parco del buen retiro and a bit more shopping before packing everything up for home.
Santiago to Madrid by train
Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
Today was another early day as we were up by 7 am. I had been awake on and off for about half an hour but hadn't made it out of bed. We got all our stuff together, and went down for breakfast. When we finished we asked the desk clerk to call us a cab and he made some comment about being able to walk there and I replied that we didn't want to lug our very heavy bags! Really, I didn't ask your permission and I also didn't ask you to pay for it!!
The taxi arrived and he drove us to the station, when we were getting out he made some comment to his friends about the fact we had took a taxi. Then they all started laughing which ticked me off. Seriously people need to worry about themselves and not get into other people's business. I am well aware that we had a 5 minute walk but we were both lugging heavy suitcases and backpacks as well as our walking sticks! And to get from the hotel to the train station with all our stuff would have taken us 30 minutes and we could have been injured. My Camino was over and I wasn't ready to start a new one just yet.
We arrived way early and waited in the cold. It was so cold that I had to put my cardigan and rain jacket on because I was freezing. Then they announced the track and we took the elevator down and walked under the tracks. There was a ticket agent checking tickets just before the stairs to go back upstairs, so we showed our tickets and took the elevator up to platform 4. Within a few minutes the train arrived and we were fortunately standing right near where we needed to get in.
But there was nobody in sight to give us a hand and it took me a few minutes to position myself to get my bags and myself on board. Then I had to get my bag up in the overhead compartment and it took both of us to get it up there. Finally I got myself settled and Carleana's bag could not go in the overhead compartment so it was on the floor between the two of us.
It was a long hot ride and there was no benefit to being in first class because it's not as if we got anything special. Our seats were roomier. I spent the time catching up in my journal, napping, listening to music and we played cards for a while; Carleana kept beating me at crazy 8s. Then she fell asleep and I dozed off.
We finally arrived in Madrid on time and we made our way to the entrance. I went over to information and found out where to find the taxis. The taxi driver that pulled up had a big dent on the passenger side which didn't inspire a lot of confidence. It also took a few minutes to get him to realize where we wanted to go and he had to gps it. I had serious doubts about whether we were going to get to our hotel. Then he tells me that he won't be able to get us right to our hotel and we will have to walk. Anyway just as he had stopped and was asking whether we wanted him to drive us to Gran Via, I looked up and saw our hotel.
We got out and Carleana hears is someone screaming Preciados. This guy tries to take her bag and she was flipping out. I explained that he was taking our bags to our hotel as we settled with the taxi. We checked in and went up to our room, then a bit later the bellboy brought our bags up to the room and even put then on the luggage rack and opened the safe and showed us how to use it.
Then we took an hour or so to get settled and unpacked for the next couple of days. I went through the booklet and map we got at the front desk. Then we sat down and came up with a game plan for the next two days. We are going to the area around the El Retiro park and see which two museums we will go to tomorrow and then the other two the next day. We are also going to finish up our shopping.
We decided to go for a walk and we headed towards Plaza del Callao and then down Calle Carmen towards Puerta del Sol. Along the way we did some shopping and I found a pair of comfy flats. I also found a shopping bag with my name on it, and I got a few ideas of things for my boys. We wandered around for a couple of hours because when we got back to the hotel it was after 7:30.
We had dinner at the hotel. I had the goose pate which was really good. Then I had a salad with tuna and boiled eggs. I ordered a glass of dry white wine with my meal and a bottle of mineral water. Then for dessert I had the creme caramel and it came with peach and strawberry slices, whipping cream and walnuts. They also brought a baileys. All and all I had a pretty good meal for 26€.
We went for a walk up to Plaza del Callao because we had seen a Starbucks and thought we would have some of the comforts of home. We also went into the Cortes Ingles to get a few essentials at the super mercado. Then we walked back to our hotel and got settled in for the night.
I wrote up a few notes for my journal and then worked on this blog. I did my daily zentangle and went to bed knowing that I could sleep in to at least 9 am.
Today was another early day as we were up by 7 am. I had been awake on and off for about half an hour but hadn't made it out of bed. We got all our stuff together, and went down for breakfast. When we finished we asked the desk clerk to call us a cab and he made some comment about being able to walk there and I replied that we didn't want to lug our very heavy bags! Really, I didn't ask your permission and I also didn't ask you to pay for it!!
The taxi arrived and he drove us to the station, when we were getting out he made some comment to his friends about the fact we had took a taxi. Then they all started laughing which ticked me off. Seriously people need to worry about themselves and not get into other people's business. I am well aware that we had a 5 minute walk but we were both lugging heavy suitcases and backpacks as well as our walking sticks! And to get from the hotel to the train station with all our stuff would have taken us 30 minutes and we could have been injured. My Camino was over and I wasn't ready to start a new one just yet.
We arrived way early and waited in the cold. It was so cold that I had to put my cardigan and rain jacket on because I was freezing. Then they announced the track and we took the elevator down and walked under the tracks. There was a ticket agent checking tickets just before the stairs to go back upstairs, so we showed our tickets and took the elevator up to platform 4. Within a few minutes the train arrived and we were fortunately standing right near where we needed to get in.
But there was nobody in sight to give us a hand and it took me a few minutes to position myself to get my bags and myself on board. Then I had to get my bag up in the overhead compartment and it took both of us to get it up there. Finally I got myself settled and Carleana's bag could not go in the overhead compartment so it was on the floor between the two of us.
It was a long hot ride and there was no benefit to being in first class because it's not as if we got anything special. Our seats were roomier. I spent the time catching up in my journal, napping, listening to music and we played cards for a while; Carleana kept beating me at crazy 8s. Then she fell asleep and I dozed off.
We finally arrived in Madrid on time and we made our way to the entrance. I went over to information and found out where to find the taxis. The taxi driver that pulled up had a big dent on the passenger side which didn't inspire a lot of confidence. It also took a few minutes to get him to realize where we wanted to go and he had to gps it. I had serious doubts about whether we were going to get to our hotel. Then he tells me that he won't be able to get us right to our hotel and we will have to walk. Anyway just as he had stopped and was asking whether we wanted him to drive us to Gran Via, I looked up and saw our hotel.
We got out and Carleana hears is someone screaming Preciados. This guy tries to take her bag and she was flipping out. I explained that he was taking our bags to our hotel as we settled with the taxi. We checked in and went up to our room, then a bit later the bellboy brought our bags up to the room and even put then on the luggage rack and opened the safe and showed us how to use it.
Then we took an hour or so to get settled and unpacked for the next couple of days. I went through the booklet and map we got at the front desk. Then we sat down and came up with a game plan for the next two days. We are going to the area around the El Retiro park and see which two museums we will go to tomorrow and then the other two the next day. We are also going to finish up our shopping.
We decided to go for a walk and we headed towards Plaza del Callao and then down Calle Carmen towards Puerta del Sol. Along the way we did some shopping and I found a pair of comfy flats. I also found a shopping bag with my name on it, and I got a few ideas of things for my boys. We wandered around for a couple of hours because when we got back to the hotel it was after 7:30.
We had dinner at the hotel. I had the goose pate which was really good. Then I had a salad with tuna and boiled eggs. I ordered a glass of dry white wine with my meal and a bottle of mineral water. Then for dessert I had the creme caramel and it came with peach and strawberry slices, whipping cream and walnuts. They also brought a baileys. All and all I had a pretty good meal for 26€.
We went for a walk up to Plaza del Callao because we had seen a Starbucks and thought we would have some of the comforts of home. We also went into the Cortes Ingles to get a few essentials at the super mercado. Then we walked back to our hotel and got settled in for the night.
I wrote up a few notes for my journal and then worked on this blog. I did my daily zentangle and went to bed knowing that I could sleep in to at least 9 am.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Back to Santiago
Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
So I wrote up a bunch of stuff on the bus and I somehow lost it! So here I go again. We were up at 7 am to get to the bus early. We went down and breakfast wasn't until 8 am but the owner was kind enough to get us some breakfast. He was squeezing fresh orange juice (zuma de naranje) and he brought us a nice big glass, then he brought us nice warm croissant and cafe con leche. We had our breakfast looking out at the fog.
We asked him to call a taxi but he wasn't having any luck so he drove us down to the village. I asked him how long he had been running the hotel and he said that he had been doing it for 10 years.
We arrived in the village as a bus to Santiago was loading do we joined the line up and got on. We has seats across from each other and when the people behind us got off we moved into their seat. The route was backwards from yesterday through winding roads and up and down steep hills. We weren't sitting in the top half of the bus so it wasn't as much of a core work out.
It was also a bus that stopped at every village along the way either to drop off or pick up. Like yesterday it was really foggy and only once and a while did you see a village as you passed by. Then just before Santiago a whole load of people go off. They may have been heading to the market stalls that were being set up along the main street or it may have been market day or a festival; I couldn't tell.
The ride was cloudy until about 34 km before Santiago (I know that because I saw a road sign) it started to clear up and the sun broke through. It was raining a little as we approached Santiago but that was between the clouds.
We arrived at the bus station and went out to get a taxi and it was spitting just a little as the sun shone. We arrived at the hotel and checked in. We went up to the room and the receptionist brought up our suitcases and walking sticks. We have a much larger bathroom this time and we are on the 3rd floor (4th for north Americans). We are still facing the parliament building but we are in 301. The first thing I did on entering the room was open the windows as widely as possible and the breeze raced in to start cooling thing off.
We got organized and went up to the historic centre. We walked up one side stopping in the various souvenir shops, and taking pictures. We toured the first level of the pilgrim's museum and then we left. I just wanted to be outside in the breeze not inside stuff buildings. Then we walked back down the other side of the street still wandering in and out of souvenir shops. We took a side trip to the post office and later had to double back because Carleana was looking for some specific stuff and we hasn't found it anywhere. But she remembered a souvenir shop we has gone into the first afternoon and that's where we went. Then we got our torta do Santiago.
We stopped at the grocery for water and some sandwich supplies for dinner because we didn't want to over eat. What can I say we have simple tastes! I also wanted to have water for tonight and for the train. My husband will tell you that it's an obsession with me--I have to have water in the hotel rooms, in my bag, whenever I travel and especially at night when I'm traveling . I am sure that I have driven Carleana nuts with my water obsession.
We walked back to the hotel, dropped off our groceries (actually emptied the mini bar and loaded our stuff in). Then we headed to the one restaurant we have been having good luck with. I had a chicken breast with spaghetti arrabbiati (a hot tomato sauce sometimes made with spicy sausage but here with the ever prevalent jamon--ham). For dessert I has ice cream (helato) with a scoop each of nata (cream), dulce de leche (caramel) and fresas (strawberry) and to finish I had a cappuccino.
When we got back to the room, Carleana had a nap and I took apart my suitcase, backpack and purse to organize for the train trip and for Madrid. I hope that this is the last time and that I will only need to put in the stuff I pick up in Madrid. I know that I will be able to use my backpack and orange bag for the plane.
Once I got organized I worked on my blog which is almost done. Then I will work on my journal and today's zentangle. Later I'm going to soak in the tub and have something to eat. I hope to be in bed between 9 and 10 pm so that I can be up for 7 am and we can get to the train station for between 8 and 8:30 am.
It has been a good day and it seems sad that this part of the journey is over. I left Canada 14 days ago having never been away from husband and boys for more that 24 hours and I have survived. I miss them terribly but we having been texting regularly so I I know that they have been reading this and supporting my journey.
The next few days will fly by and soon I will be back home to the real world and real responsibilities. Writing this blog was aided by the playlist I put together for the 18 km day entitled Camino songs.
If you have been reading my blog drop me a line to let me know what you think. Signing off from Santiago and Galicia for the last time, ciao!
So I wrote up a bunch of stuff on the bus and I somehow lost it! So here I go again. We were up at 7 am to get to the bus early. We went down and breakfast wasn't until 8 am but the owner was kind enough to get us some breakfast. He was squeezing fresh orange juice (zuma de naranje) and he brought us a nice big glass, then he brought us nice warm croissant and cafe con leche. We had our breakfast looking out at the fog.
We asked him to call a taxi but he wasn't having any luck so he drove us down to the village. I asked him how long he had been running the hotel and he said that he had been doing it for 10 years.
We arrived in the village as a bus to Santiago was loading do we joined the line up and got on. We has seats across from each other and when the people behind us got off we moved into their seat. The route was backwards from yesterday through winding roads and up and down steep hills. We weren't sitting in the top half of the bus so it wasn't as much of a core work out.
It was also a bus that stopped at every village along the way either to drop off or pick up. Like yesterday it was really foggy and only once and a while did you see a village as you passed by. Then just before Santiago a whole load of people go off. They may have been heading to the market stalls that were being set up along the main street or it may have been market day or a festival; I couldn't tell.
The ride was cloudy until about 34 km before Santiago (I know that because I saw a road sign) it started to clear up and the sun broke through. It was raining a little as we approached Santiago but that was between the clouds.
We arrived at the bus station and went out to get a taxi and it was spitting just a little as the sun shone. We arrived at the hotel and checked in. We went up to the room and the receptionist brought up our suitcases and walking sticks. We have a much larger bathroom this time and we are on the 3rd floor (4th for north Americans). We are still facing the parliament building but we are in 301. The first thing I did on entering the room was open the windows as widely as possible and the breeze raced in to start cooling thing off.
We got organized and went up to the historic centre. We walked up one side stopping in the various souvenir shops, and taking pictures. We toured the first level of the pilgrim's museum and then we left. I just wanted to be outside in the breeze not inside stuff buildings. Then we walked back down the other side of the street still wandering in and out of souvenir shops. We took a side trip to the post office and later had to double back because Carleana was looking for some specific stuff and we hasn't found it anywhere. But she remembered a souvenir shop we has gone into the first afternoon and that's where we went. Then we got our torta do Santiago.
We stopped at the grocery for water and some sandwich supplies for dinner because we didn't want to over eat. What can I say we have simple tastes! I also wanted to have water for tonight and for the train. My husband will tell you that it's an obsession with me--I have to have water in the hotel rooms, in my bag, whenever I travel and especially at night when I'm traveling . I am sure that I have driven Carleana nuts with my water obsession.
We walked back to the hotel, dropped off our groceries (actually emptied the mini bar and loaded our stuff in). Then we headed to the one restaurant we have been having good luck with. I had a chicken breast with spaghetti arrabbiati (a hot tomato sauce sometimes made with spicy sausage but here with the ever prevalent jamon--ham). For dessert I has ice cream (helato) with a scoop each of nata (cream), dulce de leche (caramel) and fresas (strawberry) and to finish I had a cappuccino.
When we got back to the room, Carleana had a nap and I took apart my suitcase, backpack and purse to organize for the train trip and for Madrid. I hope that this is the last time and that I will only need to put in the stuff I pick up in Madrid. I know that I will be able to use my backpack and orange bag for the plane.
Once I got organized I worked on my blog which is almost done. Then I will work on my journal and today's zentangle. Later I'm going to soak in the tub and have something to eat. I hope to be in bed between 9 and 10 pm so that I can be up for 7 am and we can get to the train station for between 8 and 8:30 am.
It has been a good day and it seems sad that this part of the journey is over. I left Canada 14 days ago having never been away from husband and boys for more that 24 hours and I have survived. I miss them terribly but we having been texting regularly so I I know that they have been reading this and supporting my journey.
The next few days will fly by and soon I will be back home to the real world and real responsibilities. Writing this blog was aided by the playlist I put together for the 18 km day entitled Camino songs.
If you have been reading my blog drop me a line to let me know what you think. Signing off from Santiago and Galicia for the last time, ciao!
Finisterra
Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
So we were up early to get to the bus station. We arranged to leave our suitcases at the hotel since we were going back there anyway. We just took some overnight stuff and our purses. We arrived and got our tickets then got directions for where to catch the bus.
Carleana was first in line and that was a good thing because she was able to get us good seats. I was a bit further back and was getting squashed as I boarded the bus. Sitting beside us was a father and son from Holland, the mom was sitting behind us. They had walked from Pamplona and were going to Fisterra and walking back to Santiago.
The bus ride was like many if our taxi rides--it was a wonder we didn't end up over the side of a cliff or cars and the sides if buildings weren't being mangled. It was a workout for your core and your arms and legs as it whipped around corners. When you could actually look out the window there were many lively sights many winking in and out through the fog. I took a shirt video to share when I get home.
As the bus passed by sleepy fishing villages the ocean seemed to be kissing the very cliffs below. Many times I saw fishermen out in boats casting their nets or using poles; they were usually standing up in their boats. A couple of places along the way I saw stores displaying beach paraphernalia--balls, tubes, boogie boards, etc. It reminded me of the many beachside towns I saw along the Adriatic coast of Italy or the shops at Turkey Point.
The rocks that were on the opposite side of the ocean vistas reminded me if the Canadian shield in northern Ontario. It was a very similar landscape: with the pine trees and similar scrub. It made me think of all those drives up to Sudbury when I was in university. There were several places where huge. container ships were loading wood for transport elsewhere. There were enormous cranes and other pieces if equipment for working with these ships.
We got to Fisterra and looked around and bought a couple of souvenirs. Then we had an ice cream and decided to come to the hotel because this was what we wanted to see: the lighthouse and the cape. We discovered that our hotel was where the lighthouse was as well as the cape. We took a taxi up through the fog, catching tantalizing glimpses of the water and the cliffs. We arrived in the fog barely able to make out the steps that would lead to our hotel room. The breeze was chilly and felt so good after the heat and humidity if the last several days.
Our room wasn't ready and I left my bag while we looked around. We walked over to the lighthouse (a mere 10 meters away) and looked around. Then we walked back down the quay and stopped to take pictures of each other at the 0.0 km marker. Wandering further down there were vendors set up selling all sorts of souvenirs. There is a cross overlooking the one side and while taking a picture an Italian family showed up so I offered to take a picture of everyone, and we struck up a conversation. So I now have used all of my languages this trip.
We got some churrors with sugar and made our way to our room. We are on the 1st floor (2nd floor in Canada) and there are 3 windows 1 facing the light house, 1 facing the mountain and I facing the sea. We opened all the windows and there is a lively and fresh breeze. Our room has a name, it's called sotovento (under the winds)--how amazing is that!!!!!
We got settled then got a bite to eat but it was starting to get colder and the fog was getting heavier. So we went inside and I sat on the bed and did some blogging. After a while I moved to a little sitting area on this floor where Carleana was working on her blog. It wasn't as comfortable so I moved back to our room. When I noticed that the fog was lifting, I got Carleana and we rushed out to take pictures. The views were even more amazing and my pictures are so awe inspiring. I took so many.
I divided my time between walking outside and catching up on blogging. Before I knew it it was 9 pm so we thought we should get downstairs for dinner. We sat by a window looking out at the mountain and you could hear the rain falling outside. It was foggy in the distance.
My meal was delicious. It started with these croquettes and seafood mixture. Then I had razor clams and pork loin with fresh crispy potatoes and pedron peppers. I had a glass of white wine and some mineral water sin gas. For dessert I had torta de manzana and I finished the meal with a cafe con leche. The whole meal was mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned and totally worth 20€.
When we came upstairs the lighthouse was on and it was shining its light into our room. After midnight it was so quite that all you could hear was the wind blowing across the cape and the waves crashing down below the cliff. I wish I had the words to describe the peace and tranquility I feel just by sitting on the bed and listening to the sounds of the wind and the waves! It is almost as if they are having a conversation and I am privileged enough to be able to listen. I feel calm and rested. I breathe the air that smells fresh and clean with a ting of salt and as it makes it's way into my body it revitalizes my soul.
Good night and sleep well, I love you.
So we were up early to get to the bus station. We arranged to leave our suitcases at the hotel since we were going back there anyway. We just took some overnight stuff and our purses. We arrived and got our tickets then got directions for where to catch the bus.
Carleana was first in line and that was a good thing because she was able to get us good seats. I was a bit further back and was getting squashed as I boarded the bus. Sitting beside us was a father and son from Holland, the mom was sitting behind us. They had walked from Pamplona and were going to Fisterra and walking back to Santiago.
The bus ride was like many if our taxi rides--it was a wonder we didn't end up over the side of a cliff or cars and the sides if buildings weren't being mangled. It was a workout for your core and your arms and legs as it whipped around corners. When you could actually look out the window there were many lively sights many winking in and out through the fog. I took a shirt video to share when I get home.
As the bus passed by sleepy fishing villages the ocean seemed to be kissing the very cliffs below. Many times I saw fishermen out in boats casting their nets or using poles; they were usually standing up in their boats. A couple of places along the way I saw stores displaying beach paraphernalia--balls, tubes, boogie boards, etc. It reminded me of the many beachside towns I saw along the Adriatic coast of Italy or the shops at Turkey Point.
The rocks that were on the opposite side of the ocean vistas reminded me if the Canadian shield in northern Ontario. It was a very similar landscape: with the pine trees and similar scrub. It made me think of all those drives up to Sudbury when I was in university. There were several places where huge. container ships were loading wood for transport elsewhere. There were enormous cranes and other pieces if equipment for working with these ships.
We got to Fisterra and looked around and bought a couple of souvenirs. Then we had an ice cream and decided to come to the hotel because this was what we wanted to see: the lighthouse and the cape. We discovered that our hotel was where the lighthouse was as well as the cape. We took a taxi up through the fog, catching tantalizing glimpses of the water and the cliffs. We arrived in the fog barely able to make out the steps that would lead to our hotel room. The breeze was chilly and felt so good after the heat and humidity if the last several days.
Our room wasn't ready and I left my bag while we looked around. We walked over to the lighthouse (a mere 10 meters away) and looked around. Then we walked back down the quay and stopped to take pictures of each other at the 0.0 km marker. Wandering further down there were vendors set up selling all sorts of souvenirs. There is a cross overlooking the one side and while taking a picture an Italian family showed up so I offered to take a picture of everyone, and we struck up a conversation. So I now have used all of my languages this trip.
We got some churrors with sugar and made our way to our room. We are on the 1st floor (2nd floor in Canada) and there are 3 windows 1 facing the light house, 1 facing the mountain and I facing the sea. We opened all the windows and there is a lively and fresh breeze. Our room has a name, it's called sotovento (under the winds)--how amazing is that!!!!!
We got settled then got a bite to eat but it was starting to get colder and the fog was getting heavier. So we went inside and I sat on the bed and did some blogging. After a while I moved to a little sitting area on this floor where Carleana was working on her blog. It wasn't as comfortable so I moved back to our room. When I noticed that the fog was lifting, I got Carleana and we rushed out to take pictures. The views were even more amazing and my pictures are so awe inspiring. I took so many.
I divided my time between walking outside and catching up on blogging. Before I knew it it was 9 pm so we thought we should get downstairs for dinner. We sat by a window looking out at the mountain and you could hear the rain falling outside. It was foggy in the distance.
My meal was delicious. It started with these croquettes and seafood mixture. Then I had razor clams and pork loin with fresh crispy potatoes and pedron peppers. I had a glass of white wine and some mineral water sin gas. For dessert I had torta de manzana and I finished the meal with a cafe con leche. The whole meal was mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned and totally worth 20€.
When we came upstairs the lighthouse was on and it was shining its light into our room. After midnight it was so quite that all you could hear was the wind blowing across the cape and the waves crashing down below the cliff. I wish I had the words to describe the peace and tranquility I feel just by sitting on the bed and listening to the sounds of the wind and the waves! It is almost as if they are having a conversation and I am privileged enough to be able to listen. I feel calm and rested. I breathe the air that smells fresh and clean with a ting of salt and as it makes it's way into my body it revitalizes my soul.
Good night and sleep well, I love you.
Camino Day 10 Down day in Santiago
Please be aware that I am writing this on my iPhone and any spelling errors are as a result of the the platform being used not necessarily of the operator.
7:30 am I was up with the first massive migraine of the trip--it was one of those that required medication, alka seltzer and an ice pack (in this case a cold compress). Then I opened the windows to let in more cool air and fell back asleep. My alarm woke me up at 9 am (did I mention I learned how to use my iPhone as an alarm clock- what a wonderful gift my husband gave me).
We got ourselves ready, went down to breakfast and then off to church for what we hoped was the pilgrim's mass. We got there at about 10:30 and there was a line up already to the top step of the cathedral. There was already a mass going in and we waited because the police were only allowing people in as people left. It was already blazing hot. We waited in line for 2 hours before we were allowed in, fortunately we did have some distractions.
First, in the line behind us was a group of women who had met on the Camino and two of the women had taken a vow of silence for the last stage if the Camino and until the left the church. They were all very nice and we chatted on and off while we waited. As we waited, they used the massive incense burner and I hit a bit of video of them swinging it back and forth. It was truly amazing to watch. The history behind this is that when pilgrims arrived they usually hadn't bathed for the whole of the pilgrimage so it was rather ripe, they made the butafico (giant incense burner) to deal with the odors.
Then just before we went in, I said something like I wish I was taller so that I could see and the guy in front if me moved and started taking in English. Turns out that he and his wife were from Wales and his wife had completed the Portuguese Camino being 7 months pregnant.
We got in for the mass and it was hot. We did manage to find a seat and for that I was extremely grateful. I was having problems following the mass because it was in Spanish and I haven't been to mass in a really long time. I was also very hot and my legs and feet were throbbing from my flip flops. We left our seats shortly before the Eucharist and wandered around taking pictures of the inside if the church.
We headed back to our hotel at around 2:30 and stopped at the trattoria for lunch. We split an order of garlic bread with cheese and I had the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach. It was very good, however, the wine I had was a bit on the sweet side and I didn't enjoy it. I finished with a really good cappuccino.
We went back to the hotel to drop off some things and then walked down to the train station. It is literally a 2 minute walk. We got the train tickets for the 28th--first class. Then we walked back to the hotel trying to figure out whether or not to walk our suitcases over or take a taxi--here's the problem: there is no ramp for us to walk down and there are about 40 steps from the street to the train station furthermore we didn't see any other option?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
From there we went to the bus station by taxi because it was on the other side if town and it was extremely hot. We get there and they don't sell tickets until the day of so we wasted taxi fare for nothing. We head back to the room because all the walking has finally caught up with me.
I spend the afternoon blogging, texting, and working in my zentangles. Later in the afternoon it starts thundering and lightning and then for about a hour it rains and things cool down considerably. I'm still full from lunch and have a couple of granola bars for dinner. Then I pack up for Fisterra and turn in early since we were going to get to the bus station early.
7:30 am I was up with the first massive migraine of the trip--it was one of those that required medication, alka seltzer and an ice pack (in this case a cold compress). Then I opened the windows to let in more cool air and fell back asleep. My alarm woke me up at 9 am (did I mention I learned how to use my iPhone as an alarm clock- what a wonderful gift my husband gave me).
We got ourselves ready, went down to breakfast and then off to church for what we hoped was the pilgrim's mass. We got there at about 10:30 and there was a line up already to the top step of the cathedral. There was already a mass going in and we waited because the police were only allowing people in as people left. It was already blazing hot. We waited in line for 2 hours before we were allowed in, fortunately we did have some distractions.
First, in the line behind us was a group of women who had met on the Camino and two of the women had taken a vow of silence for the last stage if the Camino and until the left the church. They were all very nice and we chatted on and off while we waited. As we waited, they used the massive incense burner and I hit a bit of video of them swinging it back and forth. It was truly amazing to watch. The history behind this is that when pilgrims arrived they usually hadn't bathed for the whole of the pilgrimage so it was rather ripe, they made the butafico (giant incense burner) to deal with the odors.
Then just before we went in, I said something like I wish I was taller so that I could see and the guy in front if me moved and started taking in English. Turns out that he and his wife were from Wales and his wife had completed the Portuguese Camino being 7 months pregnant.
We got in for the mass and it was hot. We did manage to find a seat and for that I was extremely grateful. I was having problems following the mass because it was in Spanish and I haven't been to mass in a really long time. I was also very hot and my legs and feet were throbbing from my flip flops. We left our seats shortly before the Eucharist and wandered around taking pictures of the inside if the church.
We headed back to our hotel at around 2:30 and stopped at the trattoria for lunch. We split an order of garlic bread with cheese and I had the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach. It was very good, however, the wine I had was a bit on the sweet side and I didn't enjoy it. I finished with a really good cappuccino.
We went back to the hotel to drop off some things and then walked down to the train station. It is literally a 2 minute walk. We got the train tickets for the 28th--first class. Then we walked back to the hotel trying to figure out whether or not to walk our suitcases over or take a taxi--here's the problem: there is no ramp for us to walk down and there are about 40 steps from the street to the train station furthermore we didn't see any other option?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
From there we went to the bus station by taxi because it was on the other side if town and it was extremely hot. We get there and they don't sell tickets until the day of so we wasted taxi fare for nothing. We head back to the room because all the walking has finally caught up with me.
I spend the afternoon blogging, texting, and working in my zentangles. Later in the afternoon it starts thundering and lightning and then for about a hour it rains and things cool down considerably. I'm still full from lunch and have a couple of granola bars for dinner. Then I pack up for Fisterra and turn in early since we were going to get to the bus station early.
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