Well it has been a while since I updated my blog, sorry. I would say that I have been extraordinarily busy, but that wouldn't be the truth. I blame it all on the World Cup, 30 days of Football, 2 or 3 matches a day which one do you think I would turn my attention to? It was a good World Cup, Brazil got eliminated but so did England which kept it from being a great World Cup. Enough rambling more planning.
Santiago de Compostela I think this would be a good place to go next, not only for its historical significance, but it is also far enough away, that the train trip would be a good chance to get some sleep, and save money on a hostel.
A Pilgrimage SiteThe third most important city in Christianity behind Jerusalem and Rome, this where the body of the Apostle James is said to be kept, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the medieval period.
Pilgrimages have taken place to this area since the 8th century, more than a thousand years! Though the places that have enshrined the remains has changed, the idea that millions of people have come to this place for the same reason is incredible. I know that millions go to Disney, but this place doesn't have daily fireworks or rides.
The present
cathedral was built in the 11th century with additions through out the centuries that followed, as is the case for most cathedrals. The cathedral can be seen in the background of the picture above, towering over the typical clay roofs of Spain, or in a really nice pic if you follow the hyperlink above. A unique thing about the pilgrimage site is that there is a golden scallop
shell that pilgrims kiss when the reach the cathedral. The scallop shell was the emblem of Saint James, and pilgrims often wore one of these shells around their necks. The Cathedral is also depicted on Spanish
Euros.
A Beautiful PlaceSantiago de Compostela may be place with unique and interesting history, but it is also a beautiful area over looking the Atlantic Ocean, the capital of the Galician community. The Galician area has many hills, beaches and scenic areas. The coastline has many fjord like indentations, and numerous rivers through dense forest. The many hills, some up to 6000 ft., make for some beautiful hiking and some great watersports. This area may make for a more recreational part of the European experience.
The local cuisine as can be expected, contains a lot of seafood and paprika. The dish that I immediately recognized that originates from here is
Empenadas, a meat pie that most often contains cod or chicken. Empenadas are popular through out Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, though the meat is often wrapped as opposed to its original pie form.
Check out the pics below of various spots and scenery in the Galician area.
Next stop Portugal !!
