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September 15, 2006
Santiago de Compostela
Leaving Portugal
I love Portugal. True Portugal doesn't have majestic cathedrals, churches or buildings nor does she has great museums like those of France and Spain. However I could not help loving the easy-going, unpretentious and unassuming Portugal. There is something charming about Portugal and it is one of those countries that is very easy to have fun. I didn't expect to spend as long as I did in Portugal and I have to tell myself to get moving as I am running out of time.
Santiago de Compostela
The first thing that I noticed as I arrived here was the number of people doing the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. They can easily be identified by their gears, chiefly the walking sticks :) I met a girl back in Portugal who is going to do it, I have to admit that talking to her about it sparks a bit of interest in me to do it. I have been doing some further reading about it and it seems to be one of those once in a life time journey.
I visited Museu Granell, a small museum but worth the visit for a few of excellent Granell's painting. This continues my crash course in art arch of this travel. I've discovered yet another of my favourite painters.
Caught up with the two Kiwis from Porto, and with two Germans and a South African we ventured to sample the nightlife in Santiago. First thing that shocked me was the alcohol price. I think the bartender was a bit offended when I was shocked at the price of the whisky & coke. I was still in Portugal price zone.
Day II
Day II began with me missing yet another breakfast. I then paid a visit to the excellent Pilgrim Museum and learned a lot about the Camino de Santiago. The most amazing thing is the guidebook written in the 12th Century by a Pope (forget his name) for the pilgrim. The book details the Camino Frances, which most pilgrims still follows until this modern days, where to get water and detailed information about Santiago de Compostela itself. This visit really inspire me to do the Camino myself, although realistically I probably won't.
After last night disastrous cheese purchase, I decided this time to ask which cheese is good for eating. The lady gave me the cone shape local cheese (which is expensive), as expected this one turn good (so it's worth id). I will certainly not write "Free .. rather tasteless" sign on it.
The cathedral museum is a bit expensive at €5 but it is well worth it. It's a good sized museum and has some fascinating items on display, including the tombs of the kings, the treasury, the big cloister and the partly reconstructed stone choir. The museum here is certainly the best cathedral museum that I've visited so far.
I'll be here another night then I have to decide where to go next. Current plan is to go to either Leon or Oviedo
Posted by vhadiant at September 15, 2006 07:58 PM
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