Observations

Been in Santiago Compestella for 6 days. Two would have been enough but I am on  schedule. Mind you Santiago is a beautiful city. It’s anchor of course is the magnificent Basilica of St James.

From the Alameda Park you can see beautiful vistas of the Basilica and supporting buildings. The park also provides a much needed respite from the enormous crowds here and the over the top commercialism.

Two women that were known for their silent protest. The statue sits at the entrance to the park. It is a peaceful oasis from the maddening crowds in the old town.

Terraces are everywhere to enjoy that European pastime of eating and drinking outside. You have to eat at some terraces. At others a coffee or a beer is good enough. Beer is relatively cheap. I have paid as little as 2 Euros and as high as 5. They will up you unless you specify little or grande.

It’s a cool place with cool dudes just like me.

Very few speak English whereas in Portugal most people spoke some English. Now that is not a criticism but an observation. I am told that the Portuguese people learn English at a very early age. The Spanish do not.

Santiago is very clean. The stone streets are cleaned every few days by a street cleaning vehicle. Just like we used to do in Canadian cities back in the day.

The food is good. Beer is wonderful. The Galician soup is full of flavor and their bocadillo with local cheese and ham is delicious. They also have a MacDonald,s, Burger King to have it your way, a Taco Bell and a KFC- all on one street. We call that the American quarter.

I will not go into my accommodations as they are cheap and very, very modest. Gerry and I discovered this place when we did the Spanish Camino in 23. We paid 25 euros a night. That says it all but the deaf landlady is a sweet ole gal who has to scream and shout just to understand herself. At night she lovingly screams at her husband like some impaired banshee and keeps the whole place awake. She is probably saying that she loves her husband but the tone would indicate otherwise.

Tomorrow? Rome. No more posts.

Thanks for following this adventure.

Luv ya     .