August 22

We are now in the north of Spain, in the city of La Corona.  It is typically cloudy here and very green with temperate climate all year.  We expected rain, but it turned out sunny the whole time we were out and rained after we returned to the ship in the afternoon.

The city symbol

This is one of Spain’s busiest ports.  It is sometimes called the crystal city as they have a lot of glass here and the buildings that face the sea are notable for this.  Some is plain glass and some stained glass, and it is a beautiful sight.

We visited a market where the local people were buying their fish, meats, fruit and vegetables.

And the entrance to a lovely garden where John Moore is buried.

The cathedral here, the 12th century Church of Santiago – the oldest church in La Corona was the first stop on the camino ingles (English route) to Santiago de Compostela. St James is poised on a large column.  There are five smooth grooves here, formed by the millions of pilgrims who have placed their hands here over the centuries.

We saw one of the fortress castle -St. Anthony’s Castle – a 16th century fort.

We enjoyed the rehearsal of a symphony here while having the first two of our tapas stops at lunch.

We were lucky to sample many dishes in areas that the locals enjoy their tapas and wine or beer. White wine at the first stop and red at the second.

The second stop, the King of Ham! And it was all delicious

The inside of the second tapas place. The ham is all cured differently, which accounts for the different tastes

New friends from Dallas

First tapas place overlooking the courtyard and listening to the symphony practice

We were lucky to sample many dishes in areas that the locals enjoy their tapas and wine or beer.

There was a local arts exhibit and I bought a locally made necklace and earrings.  A beautiful day!