We really enjoyed our time in Ponteverdra. It was a nice city with a beautiful active central plaza, where so much of Spanish life seems to move past. 
A pretty cool cathedral as well.
St. Jacques on the right. 
We found a very nice bar to drink wine, eat tapas and swipe potato chips from the next table. Hey, how far did you walk today? We waited around until a) we'd had sufficient wine, and b) until it was finally time to get a meal. Which was very good! We spent some time sorting through post Camino options, but things are still up in the air just two stages from Santiago. Things always sort out, and this will too.
Beautiful Spanish horses. 
And then into town...
The walk today was pretty standard, but very nice. The south coastal area of Galicia is different from the many other areas I've experienced. The view as we headed off out of town. Lots of peregrinos now. More than I've seen since the Frances. This is a very popular Camino from Porto onwards.
One immediately notices that Spain is definitely better off than Portugal. Sadly the impacts of the last 8 years of austerity are evident in Portugal. Roadsides are heavily littered and that's not usually the case in Spain. I wonder if they have tackled the unemployment in different ways? Anyway, there are noticeable differences in the areas we have travelled. Both are exceptional experiences.
Over the bridge and on our way.
A bit more from today.
Tonight Annemarie has again found us a spa full of elderly bathers to hang out with! I say again because we had this experience once before in Croatia. The spa...say that with lots of auuuuuuuu!
We must be the youngest in the place by some 25 years. Our free breakfast tomorrow is sure to include a few prunes...can't go too far wrong! Wonder if it's bingo or a shuffle dance tonight?! 
Excuse me while I now spaaauuuuu! Buen Camino!
Interesting thoughts on the differences between Spain and Portugal. We don't hear much about how Portugal has dealt with the aftermath of the financial crisis. Nor Spain, really. Did you see any ghost estates in Portugal? I remember walking through one in Spain--very disturbing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've found a place to soak away the aches and pains of weeks of walking. But Geoff isn't going into the water, only Annemarie? I don't take a suit with me when I walk so I'd have to exclude myself for that reason. Can't frighten the old folks with an al fresco appearance, you know.
Enjoy dinner at the spa, or wherever you end up wining and dining!
Bom Caminho!
Ken
No ghost towns in Portugal, but some tougher areas as we walked. A much smaller country. Space at a premium it sometimes seemed. Often didn't feel like we were walking through the open country side that one often finds in Spain. Neither of us ended up in a pool or spa. We worked on trip planning for next things after we arrive in Santiago. Will spill the beans on that decision shortly. Thanks for staying connected Ken!
DeleteHi Geoff and Annemarie. I usually pick up your blog through E mail and forget that I can also get it on the Internet where I can add a comment if I haven't forgotten how to send it after I have spent an hour trying to type it!! Such is the life of the uneducated computer buff! Any, I am delighted with the area you are walking through now - much superior to the busy road and rough terrain that you experienced earlier. Also, the sleeping pad tonight looks pretty good - don't worry about some of the older guests - you might just find that they are the life of the party and keep you up long after your bed time!!!
ReplyDeleteJust talked to Bryan and while he said he is bored with his "inactive" life he said today that he has hopes that something might develop between now and when we pick him up to go to Vancouver for Thanksgiving. Also, just received an E mail from Caitlin with a picture she took of the sunrise in Victoria on her way home yesterday after she had finished her night shift work. An outstanding picture and I have encouraged her to send it in to the Times Colonist.
Stay strong and healthy. Will be interested to hear of your next adventure destination.
Dad and Mom