Vence

It's been wonderful.  I've been walking around Vence reminiscing.  The weather is wonderful.  Anne and Richard have left on their vacation to Spain and I am on my own.  The tenants in the cottage leave in the next couple of days.

 On the last night that Anne and Richard were here we went to dinner in Vence with Frank and Denise who own a place in Tourrettes.  Wonderful time.  I had mussels and fries (moules & frites).

I walked through the Old Town.

And then on Friday there was the market in the Grand Jardin.  The vendors that were there three years ago are still there.  I bought my Paella which is as delicious as I remember.  I also bought sausage, cheese, tapenade, vegetables, etc.  It sure adds up but so delicious.

Spent the rest of the afternoon working around the yard.

I have an appointment to get my hair done at the same place that I had it done three years ago.  I do like the way she does it.  Even got my eyebrows done.

Before I got my hair done I went to a shop where I had seen a pair of boots that I liked.  What is it with me and boots?  Couldn't make up my mind so I buy two pairs!  

Casual leather made in Germany.  So comfy!

And these, also leather, but made in France.  How I'm going to get all this home I don't know but I'll figure it out...I so love them.

 

 
 
 

 

Back in Vence!

After three years I have returned to Vence....I love it here.

Small plane from Madrid to Nice.

Sunset as we arrive in Nice.  Bit cloudy.

Next day it's beautiful out...sunny and warm.  This is the pool in the garden at Richard's and Anne's where I am staying for the month of October while they are on holiday in Spain.

A little lunch on the patio..

A walk into town brings back so many memories...I love the old town.

A bit of a market going on in Grand Jardin.
 

 

 

 
 

 

Last day in Santiago de Compostella..

I arranged for a tour to the coast on my last day in Santiago.  I get picked up and visit Muxia, Finisterre and the coast.

Beautiful Roman bridge.

The longest corn crib in Galicia..these are protected.  You cannot destroy them.  They were very important back in the day when corn was a main staple.  Corn is still a huge crop however mostly for feed for livestock now.

Rough and stormy...they used to believe this was the edge of the world.

A place to either leave a momento or burn your hiking boots!

Mile zero...the end..can't go further than this!

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Last day....we made it!

We had a wonderful night in our accommodation just outside of Santiago at the Pazo Xan Xordo.  This home was built in 1650 and is a family run business.  It was charming.

Lovely gardens.

We headed off on a cloudy morning to complete the last 10 km to Santiago de Compostela.  

A bit of a slog uphill.

But we make it!

More than 110 kms in seven days!

This is part of the renovated monastery we are staying in.  It's fantastic...

 
 
 
 

 
 

 

Second to last day

Today when we set off its very misty.  Supposed to be sunny by 10 am.

Our first stop for coffee.

Forests consist of pine, eucalyptus, chestnut and acorn trees.  Makes for a very fragrant walk.

Lots of grapes waiting for harvesting.

The sun has finally come through and the mist has burned off.  Another clear blue day.

Cathryn says we're really doing a pub crawl....each place we stop usually consists of a cold one!

For lunch I decide to try octopus and prawns.  This area is known for their octopus.  It was delicious.

Getting close to Santiago.  Tomorrow we have a 10 km walk mostly uphill!

Our accommodation for tonight.  Lovely property with a great garden.

This gentleman posing with Leesa came quickly out of his house when he saw her walking up the street in front of his house.  He does this for all women passing by his place.  He speaks Spanish and from what we could make out he try's to get you to have dinner with him and spend the night rather than proceeding to your hotel.  Can't blame the guy for trying!
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Another day on the trail

We are enjoying the walking but I really don't think I could do the whole 800 kms.  We do meet people who are doing it and several of them are travelling alone.  One lady, Gabriela, from Hanover, Germany, we met while staying at Pazo de Sedor which was one of my favourite places.

Beautiful 14th century renovated hotel.  We had two nights here and got to socialize with several great women.

The wine flowed freely and we had a great time.

The views from this property were gorgeous.

There are several ways to do the Camino and we saw them.  Several people using bikes others using horses.  There was even a donkey!

We're getting close to the end....only 28 kms. to go!

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Walking, walking and more walking!

Well, what did I expect?  We have 110 kms to cover so the first two days were approximately 20 kms each and today we did another 18 km.  We have passed the half way point and we're all doing just fine.

Meeting people from all over the world.  This is Shamus from Ireland.

We've had some questionable characters following us...

On top of the world (or so it feels) after a rigorous climb up a hill.

Typical lunch stop along the way...I had squid rings and salad today...of course with a cervesa too!

Offerings are made along the way.

This is where we are staying for two nights...lovely place.

And there's a pool....a little chilly but nice all the same..

Beautiful country!  Pine and eucalyptus trees.  The air smells divine!