Friday, January 17, 2025
A much needed relatively quiet day was in order after a week of non-stop, go-go-go activities being "a tourist in my own town."
I started by breakfasting here
Eclectic decorations had caught my
eye in previous walks past this bar
Ted Williams in Gijón?
Why not?
The bar was clean, quiet and in
order at this early morning hour
AMERICAN FOOTBALL!
Now, THAT'S a solid Spanish breakfast
Was that Jobu?
All in all, a good spot that certainly entertained my sense of sight and offered a hearty meal to boot.
I may have walked on a little farther and stopped at another spot for a round of churros and chocolate.
Perhaps.
I will freely admit to boarding the #1 bus for the ride to one of Gijón's major sites.
Universidad Laboral de Gijón's
Laboral
City of Culture
The Laboral is the largest building in Spain
Under the rule of Fascist Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco, this massive structure measuring 270,000 m² was erected between 1946 and 1955.
Its original purpose was to act as a learning center for the orphans of people had worked in Asturias' vast mining industry.
Currently, it hosts several cultural institutions as part of the larger university that has several more buildings and facilities nearby.
Our Gijón Mariners practice field is one of the university's facilities.
In true Fascist architectural
style, it is purposely HUGE to both
intimidate and minimize visitors
This impressive entryway led
me to the Laboral Visitors Center
The Visitors Center had several interesting items on display.
One of those items was this Bandurra
It is one of the musical instruments used in a traditional Spanish Rondall ensemble of stringed instruments.
Also on display but I have no
idea what the deuce it might be
Laboral's massive courtyard
Half shadowed in the early morning
Powerful Crest
One of many silent guardians
overlooking the courtyard
The guardians are on the round
chapel at the end of the courtyard
What happened to his head?
John the Baptist?
Looking back to the entryway
Why all of these right hands?
The Clock Tower
From our nearby practice field, practice times are kept by means of this clock tower.
At 117 meters/384 feet tall, it is the tallest structure in the Province of Asturias and the tallest stone building in Spain.
Loving the St. George and the Dragon
mosaic found on the church's outer wall
La Virgen de la Covadonga
Asturias' Patron Saint
The Laboral's Church
The elaborate Laboral was well worth the visit.
On this day one could only visit and view the outside of this massive building. Organized tours of the inside of the Laboral are available three days a week.
I headed home before midday to spend the rest of the afternoon reading, resting and breaking down video of our next opponent's, the two-time defending Spanish National Champion Las Rozas Black Demons (1-0).
A reminder that the Gijón Aquarium
is only 300 meters from our flat
At 9:00 p.m., a small contingent of Mariners met for what was a spirited one hour practice that focused on fundamentals and competitive one-on-one drills.
There was big news today from the Paris Musketeers of the European League of Football.
The Musketeers have signed
Jack del Rio as their 2025 Head Coach
Del Rio was an outstanding linebacker who played collegiately at Southern California earning All-American honors before moving on to an 11 year NFL playing career with the Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys and Vikings.
After playing professionally, Del Rio embarked on a coaching career that saw him take NFL assistant coaching jobs with the Saints, Ravens, Panthers, Broncos and Commanders.
Del Rio was an NFL Head Coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-2011) and Oakland Raiders (2015-2017).
A good hire for the third year Musketeers and the ELF, I believe.
News from the net . . .
The Los Angeles Rams vs. College All-Star
game played in Chicago 1952
I'm loving both team's uniforms.
If you understand Spanish,
this joke makes perfect sense
Who doesn't love a good Three Wisemen gift mistake spoof?
Asturias
Good Night
A Hug
I endorse this sentiment 100%!
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