Guarda Day Off 11/4/25

I took an off day to see the sights and rest up.

These Spanish (and Portuguese) hotels always have a breakfast buffet.  I have never seen this fruit before.  There was a basket of them. After doing some online research, I think it is a Mamoncillo.  It didn’t have a seed or seeds, and definitely was not a kiwi or a lime.  It didn’t have a lot of flavor, but I found it interesting.

When I left my hotel to wander the village, the weather was fabulous.  Warm, a slight breeze - just perfecto. No chance of rain. I easily found the Church of Iglesia de Santa María de A Guarda, also known as the Church of Saint Mary of the Fields. It dates as far back as the 12th Century, with additions and changes throughout the years.

Legend has it that in the Altar of the Souls, there is a Crucified Christ, an image recovered from the sea that was discarded by English Catholics during the time of Henry VIII.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Virgen del Carmen or "Star of the Sea". She is the patron saint of seafarers and fishermen, and her feast day is celebrated on July 16th.  Devotion to her is popular among seafarers who pray for her protection from the dangers of the sea.

Saint Andrew also protects fishermen.

I loved this. The English translation is, "May the Lord accompany you on your path, so that when you arrive before the apostle James, you will see yourselves enriched by the gifts of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Amen. Good way!” When I left the church, it was starting to sprinkle; it was cold and windy.  

I was going to walk to the Castello, but I made a wrong turn and spotted this tapas bar.  I had already decided to eat at the end of the lunch period.  The Spaniards eat lunch from 1:30 or 2:00 until 4:00. And dinner in most restaurants doesn’t start until 9:00 or 9:30. Waaaaaay too late for tired hikers.  Although it was edible, I did not want to repeat last night's meal from the grocery store.

I ordered Croquetas Abrula, which contained some chicken.  Croquetas are essentially mashed potatoes combined with other ingredients.    

I also ordered an ensalada mixta. Ensalada Mixta is a tossed salad with boiled egg, white asparagus, and tuna.  The tuna in Spain is the best.  Much better than our canned tuna. 

I met the most charming man, Carlos.  He was born in Guarda, but he moved to Puerto Rico as a child.  Many families migrated to Puerto Rico in search of better opportunities during those times.  He also told me that he was 80 years old.  He showed me a photo of his ID as a Customs officer with the U.S. government. He was very proud of his service and was highly commended because, through his investigations of people flying, he discovered a Venezuelan who was carrying a bomb. When his father died, he inherited the family home in Gaurda, which was right down the street.  His hand is pointing to a photo of his mother. 

I loved this little bar.  It had a rich history, and it was fascinating to look at the photos on the wall.  

So that is all the news that is fit to print.

Good night and God Bless.