Day 9 - Vigo, Spain

Vigo is in the most Northwest corner of Spain.

Founded by the Romans, this small port city is known for its seafood.  Rua de Pescaderia (aka Fish Street, aka O Berbes Market) is just two blocks from the terminal and is famous for their huge oysters, clams and muscles. A dozen will set you back $12.

What also makes Vigo famous is for it’s link to Christianity. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was constructed by King Alfonso II of Asturias and Galicia (791–842) after discovering the remains of Apostle St. James. St James is believed to have brought Christianity to Spain and Portugal. In 1075  construction began on this building and lasted for 700 years.

 

It’s Sunday. A ship tour of 200-plus people will cost $90 to see this visit this place. Since it is a Sunday the ship-lead tour guide cannot offer a tour inside the building. Some part of me hates the idea of both being tied to that large a group and paying full-price when I can get only a part of the experience. So instead I’m doing this on my own. Ship arrives at 7am, all-ashore at 8, walk 20 minutes, 8:50 catch a non-stop train, all for $14.

Helpful reminder about folks in Spain enjoying their nap time	Comfy 2nd class train car	Train station at Santiago
Very interesting door knocker	The original 1000 AD streets that people on their pilgrimage summit to complete their journey
	No crowds = beat the cruise tour groups
Amazing use of space for the organ		Botafumeiro
And there it goes. It’ll do roughly 10 swings	The entrance to hug the statue of St James. Did it 2x before the cruise tour line showed up	So much of the church is under renovation and will be for the next century
	The ‘old’, original part of the church, circa 1200	The believed crypt holding the remains of St James
	Cruise ship tour groups appeared

		That pie / loaf in the bottom left is actually all meringue
	Perfect lunch	4:30pm, back on the ship

Food continues to amaze me. No going hungry or getting bored on this sailing

	I said I was really hungry. They offered to make the chef’s special burger

Tomorrow – special tour of Lisbon, Portugal