Sep – Oct 2023

Camino Santiago (from Sarria)

I will be walking the, short, section of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. I will be stopping at Portomarin, Eirexe, O'Coto, Arzua, Salceda, and Xan Xordo on the way. In addition, I will be visiting Bilbao and Barcelona. Read more

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Trip start
September 24, 2023
Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 1
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 12:25 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Australia Alexandra Canal -33.93628, 151.1661733°56’11” S 151°9’58” E
Heading out
September 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
I checked in online this morning and have just dropped off my suitcase at Sydney airport! The checked in baggage situation is a very stark contrast to my last pilgrimage - my backpack weighed in at 6.2 kilos when I set out for the first half of the Via Francigena, and this time, with the luxury of daily luggage transfers from hotel to hotel whilst I'm in Spain my suitcase weighted in at an astounding 18.2 kilos!!!!! I'll try to post again when I get to Abu Dhabi.Read more
TravelerSafe travels, Carmel, looking forward to being a part of your amazing adventures
9/23/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks Sue 😊
9/23/23Reply
TravelerSafe travels. Buen Camino. See you in Santiago.🤗
9/24/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenSame here and thanks Ann.
9/27/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 1
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 11:40 PM
🌙 34 °C
Altitude: 21 m
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi International Airport 24.429415, 54.64349124°25’46” N 54°38’37” E
2
Abu Dhabi
September 24, 2023 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 34 °C
Just landed in Abu Dhabi. It was a good flight but long. It's around 11:30 pm here. The smoking room is at the back of a bar. Next stop Madrid!
TravelerWhere are you heading from Madrid - I can’t remember 🤔
9/24/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenI'm going straight from Madrid to Bilbao.
9/24/23Reply
TravelerLucky you. Loved Bilbao!
9/24/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen😁
9/24/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 2
Monday, September 25, 2023 at 8:47 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 628 m
Spain Aeropuerto Madrid-Barajas T4 40.491947, -3.59374240°29’31” N 3°35’37” W
Madrid
September 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Just got to Madrid, caught a little tube train thing to the exit (Terminal 4), and have made my way to the bus to take me to Terminal 2 for my flight to Bilbao. I am having my first coffee (Cafe con leche) in Spain - not bad at all.Read more
TravelerLooking forward to those Bilbao photos
9/25/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
9/25/23Reply
TravelerI hope you had a good flight Carmel. I am looking forward to following you on your pilgrimage.
9/25/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
9/25/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 2
Monday, September 25, 2023 at 7:23 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Spain Bilbao 43.267834, -2.9281943°16’4” N 2°55’41” W
2 2 2
Day -2 - Bilbao
September 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
I arrived in Bilbao around midday. I walked around quite a bit this afternoon and found the city to be very beautiful. I arrived with no preconceived ideas or knowledge as I was only interested in one building: Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. What I found is a wide variety of building styles that work well together as, and I may find this all over Spain, there is an attention to detail, either a building feature or well considered, and placed, greenery that enhances the structures overall. I'm very tired now as I didn't get a lot of sleep on the plane trips over to Spain, so I'm really hoping I sleep well tonight. One thing I found a little confronting was the two machine gun armed guards at the airport in Bilbao! Oh, and I must share my delight at being greeted at the airport exit by a driver with my name on a sign (his iPad really) - just like in the movies - I've arranged a few of these pre and post Camino. One disappointment; I wasn't able to get into any churches!Read more
Traveler At first guess this had the hand of Gaudi 🥳
9/25/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenCould be. I don't know anything LOL
9/26/23Reply
Traveler WoW and didn't you get sunny weather
9/25/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenYes, absolutely! 28 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! What luck. And what a lovely welcome to Spain
9/25/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 3
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 6:36 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Spain Bilbao 43.268024, -2.92772443°16’5” N 2°55’40” W
3
1
Day -1 - Bilbao
September 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
What a great day! I've walked 27kms as I made my way around the city and loved every minute of it. The map I used is threadbare. The Guggenheim exceeded expectations, and the day just got better from there. I visited the Fine Art Museum, saw heaps of incredible buildings, I was able to get inside four churches (the Spanish really go all out on the altar decorations) and followed the Way of Saint James (just a little bit). I even visited the local Bullring (not active). I'm sitting in my hotel bar, having a well deserved beer and watching the foot traffic along the river (Ria de Bilao - the Nervion). I am so glad I came here and was able to explore. P.S. the photos I've shared are just the tip of the iceberg - I took heaps of photos today.Read more
TravelerLoving your photos Carmel 🤩
9/26/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks, Marian. I can't take take the credit - It's the place.
9/26/23Reply
TravelerCarmel thanks for sharing.... the depth and quality of your photos/descriptions has put it on my Bucket list.
9/26/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
9/26/23Reply
TravelerAgree. Thank you for sharing Carmel 🤗
9/27/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 4
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 9:14 AM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 339 m
Spain Santiago de Compostela Airport 42.904721, -8.42846842°54’17” N 8°25’42” W
Day 0 - Santiago to Sarria
September 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
I've just landed in Santiago airport and have hopped into the car that will take me to Sarria. I didn't see any pilgrims at the airport, but I did catch one sign.
TravelerHow's the jetlag so far?
9/27/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenUnder control (with alcohol) LOL. The first night wasn't too bad, but last night I wasn't tired at all and had two wines with dinner to help me sleep. That really helped.
9/27/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 4
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 4:57 PM
☁️ 24 °C
Altitude: 448 m
Spain Sarria 42.783825, -7.41870742°47’2” N 7°25’7” W
Day 0 - Sarria
September 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
The drive from Santiago to Sarria was pleasant. It was mostly freeway at 120 klms an hour, and I recalled when I was driving in Montana and the speed limit on the freeway was 120 miles per hour! It was quite a misty morning which always makes the countryside look great. The first town we drove through was packed with pilgrims, which made me a little concerned about how I'm going to be able to deal with the crowds - but I suppressed that thought. I got to Sarria before 11 a.m. and incredibly, my room was ready, so I was able to come right up. I dropped my things off and then set out to explore the town. As you would expect, there are references to the Camino everywhere in town, and I was very pleased to get some hat pins and patches. I'm now waiting for the rest of the ACU group that I will be walking with. They are all on the train from Madrid. I have everything ready to set off tomorrow.Read more
TravelerBuen CAMINO Carmel.... well organized... hope you get the weather you deserve 😆
9/27/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThank you, Bruce 😊
9/27/23Reply
TravelerWe've got hat pins as well. Glad you have arrived in Sarria and about to start your next adventure. Buen Camino. 😀
9/27/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks, Ann. I'm all keen to make a start now. 😁
9/27/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 5
Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 9:57 PM
🌙 19 °C
Altitude: 387 m
Spain Portomarín 42.806399, -7.61672842°48’23” N 7°37’0” W
2 2 2 2
Day 1 - Sarria to Portomarin
September 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 19 °C
I'm finally here. After all those years of thinking about and planning for a Camino; it's finally happening. There were so many of us pilgrims along the Way in the morning, and I have to be honest, it was a little intimidating. Then we got to the 800 year old oak tree, which was described by a friend, when he did the Camino, and I realised that I am just one of the cogs in a very large machine, i.e. we are all in this amazing thing together, and then I began to relish in my very small part of it and welcome the presence of those around me. After a delicious lunch, the crowd seemed to thin out, and I was able to walk alone and relax into the experience. Tonight, our small group was able to celebrate mass in the church at Portomarin (I mean, we had the place all to ourselves) - a church that was established in the 1200s. How awesome is that? And even though I only needed to obtain 2 stamps on my credential today , I ended up with 9! LOL.Read more
TravelerCarmel I recognised many of the places in your photos and I have several identical ones of my Camino passing through in June. Thanks for posting I am enjoying reliving it,
9/28/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenI'm glad Marian 😊
9/28/23Reply
Traveler Wow😲
9/29/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
9/29/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 6
Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:10 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 639 m
Spain Tarrío 42.84824, -7.81584542°50’54” N 7°48’57” W
2 4
Day 2 - Portomarin to Eirexe
September 29, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
We headed out just before 8 a.m. in the dark into a very thick fog. The climb out of Portomarin was lovely, and we seemed to climb for the rest of the day (exhausting). The fog stayed around for ages, and once it lifted, the day got very hot - never good for me. The scenery was amazing. We seemed to be walking above the clouds. I started to get a sense of the Camino today; all these people, including myself, are all heading toward the same place. I began to feel an underlying sense of excitement and to feel that I am a very small part of something huge. I discovered a new drink today: Tinto de Verano. It is made up of red wine (all the local reds we have tried have been delicious) and lemon and is very refreshing. Our hotel tonight is off the Way, and we were transported here this afternoon and will get a ride back to the Way tomorrow. The hotel is lovely and my room gorgeous.Read more
TravelerI love Tinto de Verano. The other drink I also like is Cervasa con limon (San Miguel Radler). It's been very hot today and we drank Tinto de Verano at our early afternoon stop.
9/29/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenI'm glad to find out that the beer with lemon is good. I've been meaning to try it 👍
9/29/23Reply
TravelerI don't like beer but it was so hot near Rabanal when I stopped for rest and drink. I saw sign Limon at the bar and pointed to order. As they were pouring I noticed the froth and realised I had ordered a beer! Must have been as Ann says San Miguel Radler. It was delicious. 😉
9/30/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍. I had one today and only 2%. I loved it.
9/30/23Reply
Traveler👍
9/30/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 7
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 5:41 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 439 m
Spain Orosa 42.881886, -7.94274942°52’55” N 7°56’34” W
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Day 3 - Eirexe to Porto de Bois
September 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
We left our accommodation very late this morning and did not start on our way until 9:45. It was quite a hot day, and I really appreciated the wood lined pathways. Not only are they beautiful, but they also provide a much needed respite from the sun. I caught my first sightings of gum trees - I noticed them after seeing gum leaves on the Way. Today's walk for me has been the most pleasant so far. Our accommodation tonight is outstanding. It is such a joy to have a shower after a very sweaty day. At lunch I got to try the lemon beer, Radler, I loved it (photo included). Apparently, it's available in Australia.Read more
TravelerCarmel, you know what I will be buying when I get home from Dan Murphy's. Oh and also making Tinto de Veranos.😀
9/30/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenFor sure Ann
9/30/23Reply
TravelerHopefully teaching me how to make tooo😅
9/30/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 8–13
October 1, 2023 at 5:54 PM - October 6, 2023
5 nights
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 395 m
Spain Arzúa 42.927998, -8.16056742°55’41” N 8°9’38” W
2 2 1 4
Day 4 - O'Coto to Arzua
Oct 1–6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Our 3rd day, and the hottest, where we have had to walk in over 30 degree heat. Staff at the hotel said it wasn't even this hot in July! All the same, and even though I'm never good in the heat, the walking was really beautiful. I took both of the complementary/alternative options that were offered along the Way; the first just after Melide and the second called the Jacobean branch, after Boente, as they seemed to offer more shade. Tomorrow promises to be cooler, so I'm looking forward to that.Read more
Traveler Well I enjoy all your adventures and photos, I've a slight bias to this one🥳
10/1/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
10/1/23Reply
Traveler Applause another mile stone 🥳😍👏👍
10/1/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenExactly! Thanks Bruce 😊
10/1/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 9
Monday, October 2, 2023 at 3:37 PM
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 349 m
Spain A Salceda 42.922155, -8.27568742°55’20” N 8°16’32” W
2 2 2 1
Day 5 - Arzua to Salceda
October 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
A very short walk today and in much cooler conditions 😄. Again, the Way was beautiful, with many tree lined pathways. We had a lovely foggy morning; always a nice way to start. My post yesterday failed to mention a Camino Angel story that happened to me; I was taking the first alternate/complementary path, which was very shady and, upon coming back into the sun, realised that I had dropped my hat! I was all for retracting my steps - no matter how far - to retrieve it as that hat came with me through the Via Francigena, and I've been walking with it for years! My walking companion (one of the ACU group) thought I was crazy and she, an Angel herself, was all ready to wait for me, but I was determined! Low and behold, I'd only gone about 300m and walking up the hill where my Camino Angels, a Spanish couple with my hat in hand! I was so grateful and enthusiastic with my "muchas gracias'". Also, today, I briefly talked to an 80 year old woman from Boston who is walking the Camino solo. She's staying in our accommodation tonight, and I'm hoping to speak to her some more tonight. Finally, I will mention how strange it is to see gum leaves under foot as you are walking in a European country and then see the gum trees alongside the path!Read more
Traveler More like checking your finger prints 😃
10/2/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen🤣
10/2/23Reply
Traveler 👋👋👋
10/2/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👋👋👋👋
10/2/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 10
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 3:20 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 291 m
Spain Bando 42.901662, -8.45525342°54’6” N 8°27’19” W
1
Day 6 - Salceda to Lavacolla
October 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
We left nice and early this morning before the sunrise and under a misty rain. The day overall was perfect walking weather, and I felt a sense of joy and excitement all day. Just outside of Brea, we came across a lovely little donkey, and we cut up an apple and fed it to her/him. We walked through a forest of majestic tall trees covered with moss and vines (Carballeira de San Anton), and a Canadian woman sang us Dan Mullins' song "Somewhere along the Way".Read more
TravelerGreat photos Carmel... I check out your photos to see if I recognize the scenes... can't say I do, but yes the location names.
10/3/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
10/4/23Reply
Traveler 💕
10/4/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 11
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 10:43 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 254 m
Spain Iglesia de San Francisco 42.883203, -8.54538142°52’60” N 8°32’43” W
5 3 2 2 2 2 4
Day 7 - Lavacolla to Santiago
October 4, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
I made it! What an adventure! Another dream has come true. There are so many things about today that were wonderful and incredible. Top of the list was attending the pilgrim mass in the Cathedral, meeting up with Bruce (an Aussie walking mate who just finished his 3rd Camino this year), and receiving my certificate! I am beside myself with joy. I even got to dance tonight in the Cathedral square!Read more
Traveler Great to catch up with BMCS friends.
10/4/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenIt was lovely and something I'll remember always
10/5/23Reply
TravelerCongratulations Carmel.
10/4/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks, Alex. It was only a short walk, but I'm so happy to have finally done it.
10/5/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 12
Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 7:47 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 254 m
Spain Iglesia de San Francisco 42.883206, -8.545442°52’60” N 8°32’43” W
2 2 2 2 5
Day 8 - Santiago
October 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
A very full day. Our group had an all day bus tour to Muxia, Finisterre, and a few other places. That was followed by our last communal mass, in a Franciscan chapel, our final dinner, and ending with dancing in a nightclub until the early hours!Read more
Traveler Looks like the onshore Atlantic wind was cooling things down.
10/6/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThe temperature was fine - just right and no real wind
10/6/23Reply
Traveler Remind you of the Coogee Bondi coastal walk?
10/6/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenSculpture by the Sea
10/6/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 15–19
October 8, 2023 at 7:24 PM - October 12, 2023
4 nights
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 240 m
Spain Praza do Obradoiro 42.880428, -8.54586142°52’50” N 8°32’45” W
6 2 2 2
Days 9 - 12 - Santiago (post Camino)
Oct 8–12, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
What a whirlwind! My time in Santiago was amazing, and, to be honest, a little overwhelming. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have made it to Santiago and to have completed my first Camino! The icing on the cake, of course, was the tremendous thrill to meet up with Bruce (on day one), Ann and Terry (on day 2), and Marian, Bernadette and Lyndall (on day 3). We all took different Ways to get to Santiago, but we were lucky enough to arrive around the same time. My accommodation in Santiago could not have been better (thanks to Jill for the second location), and every meal was delicious. Oh, and don't start me on the wine! I have so many things to be grateful for. A final shout out to Ann and Terry for putting us onto the Blessing from the Franciscans. I will treasure this document just as much as my certificate and stamped credential.Read more
TravelerCongratulations Camino on your Camino #1 where you experienced such wonderful Camino cameraderie and topping off with meeting up with some of your BMCS family. Your earlier VF of 60 days and 1220km is no mean feat, 👣 very different experiences. Well done you! x
10/9/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThank you, Carlene. I can hardly believe that all these wonderful things have happened to me. I can't believe how lucky I am.
10/9/23Reply
Traveler 🙏🫶would resonate with many in BMCS group, thks for sharing Carmel
10/9/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenIt comes from a book that I chanced upon in the Franciscan Chapel and resonated with me totally.
10/9/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 16
Monday, October 9, 2023 at 8:40 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 31 m
Spain Placa Sant Jaume 41.3829, 2.17743241°22’58” N 2°10’39” E
2
Day 13 - Santiago to Barcelona (post Cam
October 9, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
I arrived in Barcelona this afternoon safe and sound having taken my fifth flight on this trip. My hotel is fabulous. I am on the top floor, and I can see the Sagrada Familia from my private balcony! I've decided to get room service (wine included) for my evening meal and am currently sitting on my balcony, enjoying my white wine (as recommended by the taxi driver), as I take in the city lights (and the Cathedral). I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow.Read more
TravelerWe Done Camino Carmel... best of luck for your Barcelona stay 🤞
10/9/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThank you, Bruce 😊
10/9/23Reply
Traveler Awesome 🥳
10/9/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenI know. I can't believe I'll be in there tomorrow!!!!!
10/9/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 17
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 5:55 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Spain Universitat de Barcelona 41.38312, 2.16048141°22’59” N 2°9’38” E
Day 14 - Barcelona (post Camino)
October 10, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
What a day! Today, I experienced La Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) and Casa Mila, locally known as 'La Pedrera' (literally 'the stone' but named as such because the locals thought it looked like a quarry). I also walked around the Gothic quarter at a little bit but had to return to my room to recharge my phone (after having taken so many photos)! My eyes flooded with tears as I saw the exterior of Gaudi's genius for the first time up close. No pictures could prepare me for the brilliance of his work. Once I got inside, I was overcome by the sheer magnitude of the structure. But more than that; I have never been in a church more fit for purpose - the glorification of God. I went up the Torre de la Pasion (Passion Tower) and was so glad I did. Casa Mila was also fantastic. It is sun filled and cool and, obviously, incredibly beautiful. I learnt two things today; a church is made a Basilica by the Pope and Gaudi invented the first underground carpark in an apartment complex - Casa Mila was built in 1906 and so hosted both cars and carriages.Read more
TravelerCarmel your descriptions, photos and feelings are appreciated. Thanks. Travelling is about learning... applause to you for passing it on.
10/10/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks Bruce 😊
10/10/23Reply
TravelerWow, great photos Carmel. I can't believe I didn't have time to go inside, next time!
10/10/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks, Carlene, and I wish you a speedy return to Barcelona.
10/10/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 18
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 8:13 PM
🌙 22 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Spain Universitat de Barcelona 41.383073, 2.16049441°22’59” N 2°9’38” E
1 2
Day 15 - Barcelona (post Camino)
October 11, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
Another lovely day in Barcelona. Today, I walked just over 25 km. My first stop was Park Guell (I was there for hours with masses of people), then, after chancing upon another of Gaudi's houses (Casa Vicens) and a phone recharge (again, so many photos), I got to see more of the Gothic quarter as I visited the Picasso Museum and the Moco Museum (modern art). All three are 'must sees'. It was a genuine joy to see more of Gaudi's work as well as my first real life Banksy and a bronze piece by Dali (amongst many other amazing works). I clutched my bag and kept checking that I still had my watch the entire time I was in the Gothic quarter LOL.Read more
TravelerLove your bag clutching - thanks Terry for constant warnings about. bag safety 😆 we’ve been clutching our too 😳
10/11/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenI know! Terry added that extra fuel to my existing fears 😆
10/12/23Reply
Traveler ❤️
10/11/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 19
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 8:48 PM
🌙 20 °C
Altitude: 903 m
Spain Sant Jeroni 41.605995, 1.80943441°36’22” N 1°48’34” E
2 2 6
Day 16 - Montserrat (post Camino)
October 12, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 20 °C
It is a public holiday in Spain today; they are celebrating both the Day of the Virgin of El Pilar and the day America was discovered. Today, I took a bus trip to Montserrat. We got to ride on the Cogwheel Train (my first time on that type of rail), and I was thrilled. In our 'free time' I walked through the museum up there and it was fantastic (early Picasso, Dali, Monet, Renoir, Dega, Pissaro, even a Caravaggio, along with some Spainsh artists I didn't know). After that, we visited a vineyard for tapas and wine tasting. On the way back to my hotel, I stopped by Sagrada Familia to see it in the afternoon sunlight. Naturally, it was stunning! My big news, though, is that when I was rejoining my tour group, someone called my name and lo and behold Christine, a BMC walking mate, called out to me. She'd just arrived in Montserrat ready for more wonderful adventures! We didn't get much time to catch up as I had to go. But it was a real treat to see her. And lucky, as the place was packed with people.Read more
Traveler 🖐️ unbelievable run-in. BMCS everywhere! ❤️. Both looking great. Stunning photos Carmel.
10/12/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenWhat luck! Thanks Carlene 😊
10/13/23Reply
Traveler Like Mozart... he was a genius.... Thanks for these awesome photos. Your trip is brilliantly planned and proving to be so 👋👋👋
10/12/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenExactly, Bruce - genius.
10/13/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 20
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 8:29 PM
🌙 22 °C
Altitude: 29 m
Spain Figueres 42.26501, 2.9689742°15’54” N 2°58’8” E
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Day 17 - Girona and Figueres (post Cami
October 13, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
I took a very long bus trip today. We went to Girona to see a medieval township and to Figueres to experience the Theatre Museu Dali. We could also see the Pryenees from Figueres and therefore France. Girona has a lovely red metal bridge built by Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) - which was getting painted! But the most interesting bit of trivial for me was that HBO filmed season 6 of Game of Thrones there! Dali did not disappoint, and I must praise our guide for her extensive knowledge of Dali and the enthusiasm with which she shared what she knew - she really deepened the entire visit for me. I was seriously impressed by a special exhibit of jewellery designed and made by Dali - stunning and made with the most lavish gems and precious metals (mostly gold). What a wonderful day.Read more
Traveler Great photos
10/13/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
10/14/23Reply
Traveler Amazing
10/13/23Reply
Traveler😲
10/13/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenSurreal. LOL
10/14/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 21
Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 8:29 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Spain Universitat de Barcelona 41.38308, 2.160541°22’59” N 2°9’38” E
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Day 18 - Barcelona (post Camino)
October 14, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
I've run myself ragged over the past five days, trying to fit everything in. So, today, I took it a lot easier. I visited the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Cathedral, and ended my evening at Casa Sors to immerse myself in the Spanish art of Flamenco. Opulent is the best word I can use to describe the Palau de la Musica. Everywhere you looked in that building was a feast for the eyes! The stand out feature is the skylight - I have never seen anything so impressive and beautiful. The Cathedral was wonderful, and I highly recommend the audio tour and the lift to the rooftop. They keep 13 geese in the cloister to protect the building. And have a piece called the Monstrance, which contains the largest gemstones I have ever seen (no photos allowed in that section). I even got to see a small Matisse exhibition at the Cathedral. All for the modest price of 11€. The Flamenco performance blew me away. The guitar, the voice, and the feet all work together so well. I had no idea that the feet played the role, as well as the finger clicking of a third (and fourth) instrument. I met a lovely couple from Massachusetts there: Doreen and Herb.Read more
TravelerYou certainly have done lots of exploring!
10/14/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen😁
10/15/23Reply
Traveler 😲❤️wow opulence alright! Love your "taking it easier" day exploring Carmel. Still making the most of your post Camino days and packing it in! 🫶
10/14/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
10/15/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 22
Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 7:03 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 39 m
England Heathrow Terminal 3 51.470782, -0.45926951°28’15” N 0°27’33” W
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On the way home: Heathrow
October 15, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
I woke this morning to a cloudy sky and experienced my first real rain in Spain - as I was taking one last walk around the streets. The flight from Barcelona to Heathrow was uneventful. Next stop Singapore!Read more
TravelerSafe travels home Carmel. Looking forward to seeing you in Oz. 🥰
10/15/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenSame here Ann 😃
10/15/23Reply
TravelerCamel Happy Travels home and fingers crossed no delays due to the Israel Gaza war 🤞🤞🤞
10/15/23Reply
Carmel CarlsenThanks, Bruce. I'm flying Qantas the rest of the way, and they can delay without global unrest LOL
10/15/23Reply
TravelerTruthful hearts...but hopefully you can be lucky🤞
10/15/23Reply
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Camino Santiago (from Sarria)Carmel Carlsen
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Day 23
Monday, October 16, 2023 at 5:38 PM
☀️ 32 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Singapore Beting Kusah 1.363986, 103.9930441°21’50” N 103°59’35” E
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On the way home: Singapore
October 16, 2023 in Singapore ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
I survived the 14 hour flight from London to Singapore. Qantas has less leg room than either Qatar or Etihad (and, just quietly, the man next to me had no boundry issues). We are getting off for a while, then hopping back on the same plane; same seat.Read more
Traveler Promising 🤞
10/16/23Reply
TravelerI don't know why I've been so lucky as to passengers next to me. I fear my time will come. Maybe insisting on an isle seat. Best of luck your home soon 🙏
10/16/23Reply
Carmel Carlsen👍
10/17/23Reply
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Trip end
October 17, 2023