I made the decision that this was not the place for me and instead headed back to Santiago for a few quiet days to process my adventure and to get ready for the next adventure.
My trip to Muxia and then on to Santiago was the first time in over five weeks that I had been involved with any kind of transportation other than my own two feet and it was a little unsettling to see how quickly things moved, how fast the landscape changed and how little of it you really saw, it was a very strange feeling.
Being back in Santiago just felt right however, I saw more people that I knew from the Camino and met some new ones and traded stories and impressions. I confess that I did treat myself to some nice accommodation however, while sitting in the bar having a mediocre bowl of soup and a glass of wine I did find the costs a little shocking as I would have had a hearty pilgrims meal with as much wine as I wanted for about thirty percent less, the price of "civilization" I guess.
After two very restful days it was time to meet up with Marilyn and so I headed off to Barcelona. I spent the first afternoon here on my own exploring and met her about noon on Tuesday of this week, we were not sure whether to stay in Barcelona until our tour begins on the 21st or if we should go elsewhere for a few days. We made the decision to stay and are certainly glad we did.
We have spent the last two days getting to know the city and what a spectacular city it is! We have explored much by bus to get a feel for things, have wandered some of the beach area, seen where the 1992 Olympics were held and of course have seen much of Gaudi's influence as well S many other notables. The architecture in the city is amazing, we have heard about it of course but to experience it is wonderful. Today we toured Parc Guell which was designed by Gaudi early in the 20th century as a real estate project, it failed in the twenties and was given to the city as a park. In today's real estate market it would be an enormous success but instead there are amazing examples of Gaudi's whimsy evident throughout the landscape and in the home where he lived for a number of years.
As I write this I am sitting on the top floor terrace outside the room of the little pension we are staying in for the next two nights, I can see the steeples of both the Basilica and the Barcelona cathedral from where I am sitting and the room is fifty percent cheaper than the tour hotel,we were in for the first few nights....value again.
Tomorrow we are off to explore the holy mountain of Montserrat, it should be interesting but now, it's tapas time....
Until next time
No comments:
Post a Comment