Good Evening!
When I got up this morning, it was raining, and the rain continued for most of the day. Luckily, it was a light rain. I started at the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Oia, a former Cistercian monastery, founded in 1137. It was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural landmark in 1931. The monastery is permanently closed, so I couldn’t go in.
Most of today’s walk was along the ocean.
The walk was beautiful and remote. There were no bars along the route for a much-needed Coca-Cola Zero. That is my caffeine.
The windmill up close.
The trail veered off and up a small mountain for a period of time. It was well marked.
For Janet. He was very friendly, and I wished that I had an apple.
The ocean was roaring, and I saw surfers putting on wetsuits, but I didn’t see any actually surfing.
As I drew closer to Baiona, I came across a nun statue. She clearly was being windblown, and that seemed so appropriate since the wind was practically howling.
I wish I could capture the actual size of these waves.
At the summit of a small hill, a large statue of Mary stood guard over the sea.
The first thing I saw when I entered Baiona was a statue of Martin Alonso Pinzón, a Spanish mariner, shipbuilder, navigator, and explorer, the oldest of the Pinzón brothers. He sailed with Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the New World.
Baiona was the first European port to receive news of the discovery of America in 1493 when the Pinta caravel arrived.
Lots of boats still harbor in the sound.
My first Rotary sighting for Joann and the rest of my Rotary friends.
Life has just gotten better. This is the entrance to the Paradores Hotel. I love staying in Paradores Hotels. They are always in historical sites and are quite luxurious.
From their website, "The current Parador occupies the site of the old fortified town of Baiona, founded in 1497 by the Catholic Monarchs. Its strategic position made it a key factor in the wars between England and Spain; Francis Drake attacked the town in 1585. In the 19th c., the Marquis of the Pazo de la Merced bought the ruins of the town to build a beautiful Neo-Gothic palace, which was declared a National Monument in 1950. Between 1963 and 1966, it was restored and transformed into a Parador: the walls were repaired, and a typical Galician wine cellar was built in the old stables.”
More views of the beautiful Paradores
If I translate this correctly, it says the walkway is for the exclusive use of peons. Who they talkin’ bout?
Another view.
Since I have a dinner reservation at the Paradores at (OMG - late) 8:30, I needed a little sustenance to tide me over. I have discovered Cherry Gelato. YUM!
It was worth the wait. I had to most incredible dinner. The red things in the bowl look like cherry tomatoes, but they were pitted olives. Never have I seen a bright red olive, but they were meaty and not the least bit bitter. Since I love olives, these were the Rolls-Royce.
I showed you the bread because the server asked if I wanted sweet olive oil or sour olive oil - not a clue?
I picked the sour. It tasted like good olive oil. Tomorrow night, I am going to pick the sweet. The things I learn on each trip.
My amuse-bouche was served in a shot glass, and the waiter announced that it was cherry. It was like thick, pulpy orange juice, only fresh cherry flavored. Tasty!
I was going to order the shrimp ravioli, but they sold out at lunch. Then I spotted something with beans, and as anyone who follows me, I do love me some beans. I ordered "el tradicional caldo gallego con sus tropezones," or Galician broth with beans, meat, and vegetables. So delicious. It had some potatoes, Spanish Kale, Chorizo, navy beans, and a little mystery shellfish.
For dessert, I ordered "conelón de piñio y coco,” or pineapple and coconut cannelloni. The shell was made from fresh pineapple, and the interior consisted of a coconut cream mixture, accompanied by mango sauce and a raspberry coulis. Absolutely delicious, and it felt healthy. I didn’t order it for its health benefits. I ordered it to be dessert, and it surprised me with its rich flavor.
If I win the lottery, Dennis and I will spend two nights at every Parador in Spain. Then we will spend a month at some fat farm. LOL
So I bid you buenas noches and Dios te bendiga!
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