October 2024 – ShakeyJay

Porto

Unique and interesting place. Fun to explore.

Douro River walk. Full of cafes and restaurants. Musicians as well.

vibrant nightlife.

Vibrant city streets.

Douro River valley wine country

This guy couldn’t wait for the table wine!

Porto is amazing.

Ferdinand Magellan’s birthplace. Sabrosa.

Off to Belfast tomorrow.

Pilgrim homecoming. The Camino Frances end game. You see tired and beleaguered faces of the pilgrims, young and old and from all parts, gather in the square at the front of the cathedral to St James, congratulating one another and hoping the experience never ends. But alas it does.

In the garden

Standing on the clam shell in the middle of the square.

Leave for Porto in the morning.

Leon

Leon is the capital of the Spanish Province of Castile / Leon. Its origins go back to Roman times when the Roman 7th Legion was garrisoned here about 45 BCE. You can still see the remnants of their presence here in the ancient walls and fortifications.

Leon has a beautiful cathedral that was built in the 12th century. It is also the place where the Spanish Civil War started. It has a population of about 120,000 people. Today Leon is very cosmopolitan with wide boulevards that are graced with beautiful fountains, wonderful architecture and an old city core that has retained all of its charm. Streets are super clean, people are friendly and the culture is rich.

It is very cool here today. Lots of Pilgrims too. Off to Santiago by train tomorrow.

Burgos

Arrived in Burgos. Home of Charleton Heston erm I mean El Cid. It is also the capital of this part of Spain. You just cannot believe how clean this place is, as was Pamplona. It puts our cities to shame. They clean the streets here every night. The architecture is brilliant. They have real city planners. Burgos has a population of about 180,000 and is the capital of the province of Burgos, which is part of the province of Castile Leon.l

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Burgos cathedral at sunset.

What should I have?

Same place we ate at Gerry. On the square. Only takes cash.

Recognize the Albergue?

Wow!

churros.

Tympanum of the Burgos cathedral. Wow.

Me and Charleton Heston, I mean, El Cid.

View over Burgos from the castle. The Tapas and beer here are great.

Wow

Pamplona

Pamplona is a ferry tale city. The old city centre is full of history and culture, narrow cobblestone streets and the running of the bulls. It is also a primary stop on the Camino Santiago.