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Spain and Portugal 2023
  • SOBADAdventures
  • SOBADAdventures

Spain and Portugal 2023

We arrived in Barcelona this morning and will be spending a few days exploring here before heading close to Salamanca. I already have a feeling this will not be our only trip to Spain. So much to explore in this beautiful country! Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 21, 2023
    SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    Sagrada Família

    March 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, commenced in 1883 and is expected to finally be finished in 2026. At first sight, it brought tears to my eyes. Tomorrow we will be touring the inside, standby for more photos!Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    Touring Sagradra Familia

    March 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    The inside of the Sagrada Familia is truly breathtaking. Gaudi once said, “Nothing is invented; it’s written in nature.” His love of nature is apparent in what is known as “The Forest,” columns 560’ high that branch off at the top to resemble trees, stained glass to bring in the light makes you feel as though you’re strolling through a rainforest sanctuary. There is so much to look at and contemplate at every turn. You could spend hours and still not see it all.Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    Barcelona at Night

    March 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Last night we enjoyed a traditional tapas meal with our lovely niece, Sylvie, who attends school near Barcelona. It was a treat to spend some time with her and catch up! We strolled past both La Pedrera and Casa Battló, two of Gaudi’s works. You know a Gaudi piece when you see it; there’s nothing that compares to his style of architecture. We also couldn’t resist one more visit to the Sagrada Familia for a night shot!Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

    March 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Today we toured another Gaudi masterpiece, La Pedrera. Once again, Gaudi used nature as his muse from the spine of a whale to a butterfly’s wing. The rooftop terrace is guarded by warrior statues and the elements of nature in sculpture form. We took time to admire the views of the city on yet another beautiful Barcelona day.Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler
    1

    Park Güell

    March 24, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Today we walked about 1.5 miles up to Park Güell. In 1900, when Gaudí started the build of this 30-acre park that overlooks Barcelona, he intended for it to be a prominent neighborhood. Building stopped in 1914 due to WWI, thus only two houses were completed. Now people flock from all over the world to explore this Gaudí-signature beautiful park. Learn from our mistake and buy your tickets online in advance. We walked up to the park two days ago only to be turned away as tickets had been sold out for the day. Lesson learned.

    On the way back to our hotel, we strolled past Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Gaudí.    Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    Salamanca, Spain

    March 29, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    Today we rented a car and drove from Salamanca to Santiago de Compostela (four hours each way) to drop our excess luggage off to store while we walk the Camino. It was exciting to see several Camino de Santiago signs on our way. Tonight, we are staying near the beautiful Salamanca Cathedral.

    I will be doing a separate trip for our Camino Portugues commencing on April 1st.    Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    Livraria Lello Bookstore

    April 16, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    With our Camino journey on pause, we ventured to Porto for some bookstore and wine therapy.

    Though the Livraria Lello Bookstore in Porto was built in 1906, it has perhaps become more popular in recent years thanks to Harry Potter. Author, J.K. Rowling used to live in Porto and it is said that she got some of her setting ideas from this bookstore and it’s quite apparent upon entering what is known to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Though I’m a bit hobbled right now, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pay a visit to this exquisite bookstore. The bookstore has gained so much in popularity that they now charge 5 euros (buy online in advance), that can be redeemable with purchase of a book.Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler
    Sandeman was one of the first to label and advertise their wine
    Our guide dressed as the iconic Sandeman Don for our tour.French oak barrels can last 30-40 yearsKristi hugging a small barrel of port wine.The Sandeman logo in the cellar.This cellar holds over 5 million liters of port wine.This barrel alone holds over 20,000 liters. It'll just fit in our basement!Massive barrelsSome of the oldest vintage tawny port winesYou can see how much wine is in each barrel with the gaugeA history of the first wine bottlesAnd now for the tasting, yum!

    Sandeman Port Wine Tour

    April 17, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    In 1926, the Portuguese Government announced that all Port Wine had to be stored within a small area of Vila Nova de Gaia, which is located just across the Douro River from Porto. Kevin and I took a slow stroll over to Gaia to tour one of the many Port Wine Cellers, Sandeman.Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler
    This view doesn't suck
    The View From Here.Panoramic looking east from the lighthouse hill.Love the Rocky shores.Finisterre lighthouse

    Finisterre, R& R at the end of the world

    April 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Although the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain is considered the ending point of the Camino de Santiago, many pilgrims continue their pilgrimage on to Finisterre. The name Finisterre comes from the Latin Finis Terrea, which means “the end of the world.” Romans once thought Finisterre was the end of the known world, thus for some pilgrims it is symbolic to come here to reflect on what they just accomplished and the burdens they’ve left behind, perhaps now with a fresh outlook on life. Kevin and I were hoping to come here and spend some time at the nearby beach, but it has been rainy and cold, so instead we’re giving my knee some much needed rest time. Although the weather isn’t cooperating, I never tire of looking out at the sea.Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler
    Sunset at A Nosa Señora da Barca Sanctuary.
    This stone sculpture symbolizes the wound caused by the Prestige oil tanker spillI judge all villages by how they care for their cats. Muxia = A+1New Zealand Christmas Tree in the foreground of Muxia's beautiful beachAnother view of Muxia's pristine beachI lichen these rocks!2Pinchos and beer - the day before our stomach bugs hit2Sad little lighthouseA lot of places for leisurely strolls in MuxiaBack on the Camino - just for a slow stroll

    Muxia, Spain

    April 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We moved a little further north along what is known as La Costa da Morte, "The Death Coast," to Muxia, [pronounced moo-she-a]. We spent a few days here before both of us caught stomach bugs. After 2 months of traveling, it was bound to happen. We still managed to explore this quaint fishing village rich in legend and gooseneck barnacles.

    Some believe that Mary (yes, the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother) appeared along the rocky shores of Muxia in a stone boat to encourage the Apostle James to keep preaching. The stone boat then broke up into smaller stones. These stones are still here, and legend has it that they possess healing powers. Pagan legend predating Christianity’s takeover of Spain also regard the stones with mysticism.

    Perched behind the mystical rock formations stands the Sanctuary of “A Nosa Señora da Barca” the Virgin of the Boat, originally built in the 12th century to replace Celtic worshipping grounds. Whether you are a believer or not, seeing the cathedral along the rocky shores is a sight to behold, especially at sunset. To me, that’s when the real magic happens.

    Like Finisterre, Muxia is another finishing point on the Camino de Santiago. If you saw the movie, "The Way," this is where Martin Sheen’s character sat on the rocks and released the ashes of his son.    Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler

    San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

    May 3, 2023 ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    We left Muxia by bus and headed to Santiago de Compostela for the night. From there, we rented a car and drove to our next destination, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a surprise for me! Kevin happened upon information about the remarkable Monastery/Palace/Mausoleum, an UNESCO World Heritage sight and saw that within the palace was a world-renowned library and knew I would love to see it. He made secret plans for us to spend a few days here before heading to Madrid. The library was exquisitely constructed with painted frescoes and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, centuries-old books, many with gold inlay that I am amazed still exist (no touching!). Other than the library, there is an impressive sanctuary and mausoleum. Unfortunately no photos are allowed in most of the palace. It was interesting to compare the differences in architecture as compared to what we’ve seen in France and Italy. The Palace is surrounded by a forest with several walking paths that we took advantage of.Read more

  • SOBADAdventuresSpain and Portugal 2023Traveler
    Monument of King Phillip III of Spain in the Plaza Mayor
    Plaza MayorFlamenco is passionate, sultry and intenseFlamenco dancing at its best!Lion in front of the House of Congress.Weekend crowds on the famed Puerta del SolPrado MuseumBeautiful water fountainBanco de Bilbao BuildingMadrid used to be named Ursa, meaning Bear in Latin. This represents the resilience of the localsTio Pepe!Monument to honor Queen Isabel II in front of the Opera HouseBotin is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guiness Book of world RecordsLovely music to top of the day

    And finally…Madrid🇪🇸

    May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    I’m not gonna lie, Madrid was the city I was looking forward to visiting the least. In researching places to visit in Spain, I read several times to skip Madrid, sort of like Quito in Ecuador. After spending a day exploring Madrid, listening to talented street musicians, absorbing the art in the Prado Museum, and getting blown away by a spectacular flamenco performance, I must say, I am glad we made the time for Madrid. Yes, it is touristy, much like every other major city in the world, but there is beauty to behold, the sights you’ll want to see are very walkable and the metro is clean and easy to navigate.

    After two months of exploring Spain and Portugal, the time has come to make our way back home. This will be our final footprint on this journey. I thank all of you who have followed us along the way. We hope you will come along on our next adventure! 🐧    Read more

    Trip end
    May 8, 2023
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