Monday, 11 May, 2015:
DAY VII OF THE CIRCUMNAVIGATION
OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA
Before discussing Monday's leg of the Circumnavigation of the Iberian Peninsula, I must return for a moment to revisit Sunday's dinner in Espinho, Portugal. We dined at the Casa Meirles which was run by a father and son.
We were tired when we sat down to dine and the menu was in Portuguese only. What to do? Our friendly waiter, the son, suggested typical Portuguese tapas and we agreed to try them.
Only after he left the table did it hit me, we did not consider prices and were about to get soaked to be sure as we were obviously non-Portuguese speaking tourists.
Out came three gigantic, great fish tapas and a bottle of delicious, local red wine suggested by the father. Then out came another large tapa plate with a bottle of water and eventually two espressos and the required digestives.
When I asked for the tab, I was cringing.
Oh, it was only 18.50 Euros, about $20.
Life on the Iberian Peninsula is GOOD!
In the morning we were greeted by the
Atlantic Ocean pounding on our jetty
Surf's UP!!!
Our apartment had a cool
refrigerator in the kitchen
Rested, we were ready to head back into Spain by way of Porto, Portugal. Once in Porto, we were warned by our GPS that there was heavy traffic on the auto via and that she was taking us on an alternate, traffic lighter route called . . .
. . . the Circumnavigation . . .
No, really!
Spain that-a-way
200 meters to the borderless border
Back in Spain at last
Another of Laurie's bridge shots
Santiago de Compostela
today's goal city
We made it to Santiago!
Time for a well deserved café con leche at the Derby Bar.
The Hotel where our Camino Family
stayed after our 33 day, 500 mile
pilgrimage walk in 2010
Atlas NEVER rests
This is on OLD store
TRUTH!!!
El Caudillo?
Near the Cathedral
Santiago Matamoros
The Cathedral was getting
a facelift
Heavens!
Old but looking good
Random Ferris wheel
Ancient post
Official looking building
It was time to enter the empty Cathedral for a look-see.
These flowers still try to cover
up a few Moors that Santiago is
about to hack to death
Cathedral Dome
I'm not sure of the meaning
of all of this symbolism
Main Altar
Main Altar head on
Side Chapel
Laurie and the HUGE, swinging
incense burner's rope
The HUGE incense burner
Islamic looking Virgin
Another Side Chapel
The Camino Clam Shell logo
And yet another Side Chapel
Ornate Side Chapel
Really ornate Side Chapel
Relics of St. James are perhaps here
Alms accepted here
The Santiago Cross
Statue of Santiago Matamoros
Dome close up
Exit that way to the . . .
. . . outdoor plaza dining area
The Jazzman was still in the
same place five years later!
Pilgrims on the prowl
Not sure who this is
Ode to a Derby Bar regular
After touring Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral and historic center we finally got a chance to meet a long time friend for the first time.
How is that possible you ask? Simple really, the miracle of Facebook.
Our friend is Diego Pagnotta who is attempting to get a new American football club started in Santiago de Compostela. The former American football club in the area was mismanaged and fell apart this year. Diego and a group of fellow parents whose children love our great game have banded together to start this new project that will field teams in both American football and rugby.
As a bonus, Diego generously invited us to spend the night in his home in the suburb of Teo.
The view from our bedroom window
A former seminary turned . . .
Camino de Santiago Alberque
It is an old place to be sure
Today it also would serve as Diego's new project's practice field on a day of rugby training for the 20+ athletes in attendance.
Coach Alberto starting the
training session with a video
Alberto brings a combination of expertise, common sense, fun and love of rugby and kids to his practices. He is definitely a team builder!
Outlining the days practice
Practicing Gator tackling
Post practice photo-op
Where the new team
will play their games
After practice we returned to Diego's home where his Mother Graciela had prepared . . .
. . . a feast fit for King Pelayo himself!!!
Very satisfied diners!
L. to R.: Oscar, Nacho, Sandra, Andres, Diego, me, Laurie, Graciela and Pablo. Diego's brother Sebastian took one for the team by taking the photo.
Who are all of these people you ask?
Well, here goes:
Oscar is a member of another nearby American football club, the Estrada Bestas.
Nacho is Diego's son.
Sandra is Andres' significant other.
Andres is also a member of another nearby American football club, the Estrada Bestas.
Diego is our host.
I'm just an old hobo touring Spain.
Laurie is this hobo's best friend and very significant other.
Graciela is Diego's Mother and our feast provider tonight.
Pablo is Diego's Father.
A great home cooked meal, new friends and lots of American football talk around the dinner table. What more could you ask for on the road?
With Nacho
With Diego
Another great day on the road to be sure thanks to Diego and his family and friends!!! Thank you so very much!!!
Next stops on the Circumnavigation: Avilés and Gijón
Again we will meet old Facebook friends for the first time, a cousin in Avilés, and a Notre Dame loving football coach in Gijón.
This trip just gets better each day!!!
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