Trip to the north coast

Sunday, despite my cold, we took a bus tour to playa de las cathedrals or the Beach of Cathedrals. This is a protected natural monument in Spain and the citizens of the State of Galicia are very proud of it. It is on the north Atlantic coast in the Sea of Cantabria. It is narrow and due to the wave action can be dangerous so can only be visited during a low tide. The rock formations are very striking and look somewhat like churches, hence the name.

Phil and I took our crocs so we could wade without wearing wet shoes and socks the rest of the day. While we were there a man dressed in traditional costume was playing the gaieta or Galician bagpipes on the beach. We waded a bit and walked among the stacks of stone. It was difficult to see the arches which look like buttresses because you need to be further out from the shore. In any case, it was still beautiful.

After some wading, our group drove into Ribadeo, a nearby town on the coast to eat lunch. This town had a lot of influences from Galician people who were forced to immigrate to the Americas and other parts of Europe due to policitical and economic concerns. Many made their fortunes and then returned to reinvest their money in the economy. They helped pay for schools, and infrastructure like waterworks, sewer treatment, and electricity. Many built lavish homes. These returning Galicians were referred to as Indianas. Ribadeo is full of these lavish old buildings.

After a late lunch, we traveled to the walled city of Lugo. Phil and I had been there a few weeks ago and since I didn't feel well, we just went to get a quiet cup of coffee while the rest of the group walked around. It was really a lovely, sunny day, but the wind was chilly.

I learned a few things on the trip. Most of the bus group were Spaniards from other parts of Spain and they seemed really clueless about Galicia overall. We befriended one couple from Malaga who were from the far southern coast of Spain. There was a group of 4 Asian women who spoke English, but the rest of the group was Spanish. The tour guide spoke rapidly switching quickly and easily back and forth from Spanish to English. The bus was completely full and there were a few people who were late back to the bus every single time we stopped (which annoyed Phil and I since we are always early.) The bus driver was amazing, however, I had to really fight not to get carsick. I think if I had felt better, I would have enjoyed the trip more. Overall although it was efficient and rather inexpensive (60 euros each for a 10 hour trip), I think bus tours really are just not my thing. It would have been difficult for us to visit the special beach though without renting a car so I am glad we did it.

This week we both have morning classes. I stop at 11:30 and Phil goes until 1:30. There are three afternoon activities this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Easter processions begin on Thursday night. We will definitely go to the daytime processions on Saturday and Sunday next weekend. I expect Santiago will fill up with tourists and maybe more pilgrims by next weekend.Leggi altro