November 13th, 2015
After two days of rest in Santiago de Compostela we traveled to Barcelona. The days in Santiago were pretty relaxing. We visited the Museum of the Cathedral, impressive architecture, design and middle ages artifacts. The cathedral was built specifically to support the pilgrims after some dude found the remains of St James (the apostle) in the 9th century. Not sure of the validity of these finds but regardless there is now 1200 years of history built specifically about his remains!
After two days of rest in Santiago de Compostela we traveled to Barcelona. The days in Santiago were pretty relaxing. We visited the Museum of the Cathedral, impressive architecture, design and middle ages artifacts. The cathedral was built specifically to support the pilgrims after some dude found the remains of St James (the apostle) in the 9th century. Not sure of the validity of these finds but regardless there is now 1200 years of history built specifically about his remains!
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For Julie and I the best time spent relaxing was in the main square and the local eateries meeting the people we had met during our 5 week walk. Many of the people we met along the way came in within a day or so of our arrival and it was nice to hug and chat about the journey (and share a pint or glass of wine).
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Julie sitting in one of the main squares in Santiago de Compostela
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Monk Parakeets
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The trip to Barcelona was the milk run by train - 13 hours overnight. Not sure why I did that but it turned out to be fairly good. We slept most of the way and arrived in Barcelona around 9am on Wednesday (the 10th).
Given our short stay in Barcelona we decided to overdose on Gaudi - not that we could cover all his work but Julie was pretty stoked about the Basilica and his house. In true Simon/Julie style, we spent the last two days diving in to the Basilica, Guell Park, The House Museum, The Pedrera, The Casa Batllo... Tours and visits until we could no more! |
We did manage a long walk down to the old section of town with (another Cathedral), the large and fantastic markets, the parks with stunning fountains and the 'Arc de Triomf'.
What a great walking town which is a problem... we just aren't giving our body the time to recover. When we get to Ottawa - that's the promise! For now Julie is walking with a sore back that I massage everyday and our feet get fairly tired by the end of the afternoon - but enough about our problems - this is simply superb!
Julie was also in heaven because there are Monk Parakeets all over Barcelona!
Enjoy a few more pics - we will need to come back to this area (and further South) in Spain.
Cheers, Simon
What a great walking town which is a problem... we just aren't giving our body the time to recover. When we get to Ottawa - that's the promise! For now Julie is walking with a sore back that I massage everyday and our feet get fairly tired by the end of the afternoon - but enough about our problems - this is simply superb!
Julie was also in heaven because there are Monk Parakeets all over Barcelona!
Enjoy a few more pics - we will need to come back to this area (and further South) in Spain.
Cheers, Simon
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Simon said it all. 2 days in Barcelona can't do it justice. But I was glad that we got to visit so much of Gaudi's work. He is everywhere. The buildings, light standards, tiles on the boulevard, benches in the parks, it is all incredible. I am especially glad that we both enjoyed the visits equally. The Basilica is a work of art. Gaudi used the geometry of ancient cathedrals but his ideas of the use of natural sciences to create new forms of pillars, arches, and vaulted ceilings is just incredible. He truly used his love of nature to inspire an uplifting sense in all aspects of this magnificent church. Being a tourist after the Camino is a bit strange but Barcelona was worth it. |
Interior 'tree like' structure with amazing lighting.
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And to find these little green thieves (Monk Parakeets) was great! They would swoop in when someone would feed the pigeons and steal the food under their noses, hilarious.
Now we set our sights toward Paris for three days and then our family back East for two weeks.
Adios, Julie
Now we set our sights toward Paris for three days and then our family back East for two weeks.
Adios, Julie
Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's Basilica (100% Amazing)
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Simon and Julie at Gruell Park - an amazing Gaudi creation
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November 27th, 2015
Back in Victoria Wednesday night, actually Thursday very early morning. Usually after a few weeks away on vacation we yearn to return home and to our routine, not this time. Don't get me wrong, it was really good to come back to Victoria, it is our home! My explanation is simple; we don't own our home and we weren't coming back to a routine. What is exciting is that we are creating a new routine - mainly one focused on the next adventure (I think I can get used to this). More on that later... BTW, thanks to the many friends reaching out for a social call - we have time (lots of it) and we look forward to it. |
At the Parliament Bldg - yes, that's snow
for those in the West
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Back to our first adventure... we finished our trip with 10 days in Ottawa visiting friends and family. This was likely the best visit we had in many years (dare I say 20 or 30 yrs). Not just because it was longer but because we spent quality time with many people. We met old friends (some from high school) and others from work - had four really nice lunches and reminisced. We also spent time with both Julie's family and mine splitting our time pretty evenly. The gatherings and the quiet times were perfect. We even stopped by the Parliament Bldg to say hello to Justin but he's traveling (everyone has the bug!). Anyway, thanks to my sister Martine and Julie's dad for putting us up and for putting up with us :o))
Before I hit the next adventure topic... my VISA was compromised and the truck was broken into (no damage in either case). You would think that this might bother us but no - fixed and already moved on!
Now for the next phase... By Thursday afternoon, Julie and I had our exercise program in place and our memberships sorted out with the Y and Vibes. I will try Vibes and let you know (!!). We also did walk to the Root Cellar with our packs and returned fully loaded. We also had our first meal for drying done (lentils) last night and will start the drying process today.
Now for the next phase... By Thursday afternoon, Julie and I had our exercise program in place and our memberships sorted out with the Y and Vibes. I will try Vibes and let you know (!!). We also did walk to the Root Cellar with our packs and returned fully loaded. We also had our first meal for drying done (lentils) last night and will start the drying process today.
It's kind of exciting planning for the Arizona Trail. Julie and I will post a bit more information on the exercise program and the serious logistics required (food prep and drops, reservations, etc.).
For now I still have other details to tend to like healthcare plan transition, physio appointments and of course the many gatherings with friends. Oh... and I'm definitely not forgetting King Crimson's last stop in Victoria before their Asian Tour.
I put together a 6 minute video, just a bunch of pics with music, enjoy.
Simon and Julie
For now I still have other details to tend to like healthcare plan transition, physio appointments and of course the many gatherings with friends. Oh... and I'm definitely not forgetting King Crimson's last stop in Victoria before their Asian Tour.
I put together a 6 minute video, just a bunch of pics with music, enjoy.
Simon and Julie