Santiago de Compostela (2)

Of course Santiago is most famous as the final destination for the pilgrimage routes known as the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James).

At times the square in front of the cathedral was thick with crowds. Luckily we went early!

The cathedral is beautifully ornate

There was a full congregation for every mass, several times a day. Naturally tourists were requested to leave if they weren't participating.

Santiago de Compostela (1)

We had another central Airbnb apartment in Santiago, complete with underground parking so ideal for exploration.

Towards the edge of the town centre we found the lovely Parque Alameda...

...with its huge trees...

...and views over the town

Later we walked to the Santo Domingo de Bonaval Park...

...with its ancient stacked cemetery

The cloisters at the University of Santiago de Compostela

Santiago by night

Muros

The westernmost point we reached in our travels was Muros, a small fishing port tucked away on the Muros y Noia Ria. After a picnic lunch watching harbour life, we wandered around the small town before heading for Santiago de Compostela.

The church of San Pedro de Muros

A 'horreos', a grain store built on stilts to deter vermin!

Strange man-made islands out in the bay: hopefully expert Nicole can help us with what these were. Mr Google hasn't helped me!

Outdoor life

As usual most of the time in the summer months is spent outdoors. Some of these photos were taken a little while ago, but I thought I would still share them.

Thanks to Lindsay S we had a beautiful display of montbretia this year, one of my Mum's favourite flowers

Tine's display on the new fencing is past its best now but here's when it was in peak condition

24th June 2016: the day we wake up to the disasterous news that the UK has voted to leave the EU. Our neighbours knew how to comfort us with a lovely note too.

Tine as a wasp/hornet-buster

Just in time, methinks

Love these photos of meadow flowers on display in the neighbouring town of St Michel en l'Herme 

Lugo (2)

We had quite a walk down to the river and the Roman bridge, getting slightly wet in the rain!

Although there was a Roman bridge here...

...very little remains of the original...

...except for this soldier, of course.

Further along the river we saw part of the Roman baths

Later in the day we visited the MIHL (Museo Interactive de la Historia de Lugo), not as exciting as it sounds! 

We loved the industrial look, though...

...and a scale-model of the town 

Lugo (1)

Lugo was our next destination and the Airbnb wasn't the best that we had. Nevertheless we got out and about, despite poor weather on our full day there.

Just inside the town walls, the shoe-repairer who came to the rescue with my rucksack

Lugo cathedral, not as picturesque as others we visited...

...but we loved the 'crazy' paving.

'All must go in retirement sale'  - don't you love that jubilación means retirement?

Very handy props

You can walk all the way round the town walls...

...some views better than others.

Just to show we were both there...

coats on in the drizzle!