In order to celebrate those
two Thanksgivings, I spent a weekend visiting my best friend in Santander. I now understand why she would leave Lugo for such a place.
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| Endless stairs |
Santander is a coastal city which isn't very big. But it does have its hills--and also outdoor escalators, moving sidewalks, and a funicular to help you on your way up. And my friend's apartment has simply marvelous views: not only because it's a top floor at the top of the hill, but you get sea views from both sides of it. Well, one is ¨the bay¨ and the other is the coast, but they´re both water and absolutely dreamy on a clear day!
On Saturday we took a train trip to the small Cantabrian town of Liérganes. One thing I truly envy about the rest of Northern Spain (Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country) is that their towns are all well connected by local trains. Why does Galicia (Lugo specifically) have to be so isolated?! Agh. Anyways, the town was pretty, right next to some mountains. But I also have the pleasure of seeing mountains in the distance from my high school every day so...the awe has worn off. It was nice to spend an hour or two walking around though.
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| Ye Olde Bridge, Liérganes |
We seem to have mostly grown out of the Spanish party-til-dawn lifestyle, and didn't hit the town too hard. One night we went to a Nirvana tribute band concert. They were much better than I expected; the singer sounded just like Kurt! I definitely enjoyed myself rocking out to the soundtrack of my high school years...along with a bunch of Spanish high schoolers and 30-somethings. And after preparing and celebrating Thanksgiving, there was no way I was leaving the house. But no matter, Santander, I shall return for you!
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| Also in the park: carved trunks |
On Sunday it was unbelievably warm for being practically December. We trekked to a lighthouse along the coast. Not a hike, but a nice little walk. On the way we observed a lot of beach football matches going on. They were wise to take advantage of the weather! Later we went to a royal park between beaches:
Real Sitio de la Magdalena. There they have penguins and seals in areas right next to shore. And in the wooded area there is the royal family's old vacation dwelling. A delightful park for a stroll or picnic, for sure. Then we watched the sun set at a beach bar terrace. A pleasant end to an equally pleasant weekend.
