 |
| Valadouro |
I am enamored! There's a new village on my list of favorites. Galicia is full of countryside and villages, so it's hard not to find something you like. We spent this Easter weekend on the northern coast of Lugo (
A Mariña Lucense) and explored a new area: Valadouro. You could tell me this gorgeous valley was in the Pyrenees and I would believe you. Sure, the mountains are a little lower. But I daresay the wide, green valley is just as beautiful.
 |
| Part of Monte da Frouxeira |
We went to Valadouro's capital, Ferreira. Walking around, it seemed like an ideal village. Not miniscule, but still just shy of being a ¨town.¨ It had around 8 bars/cafés, and they all had people in them (One of the great mysteries of this country is how there can be so many bars/cafés and yet there are people in each one!). Later we were informed that all that ambiance was mostly due to people being on vacation for Holy Week. But having the options of that many places to get a drink is enough for me. Ferreira also has a bakery and hotel! Gadzooks! In regards to the bakery, I had gotten used to the bread van driving by the country house every morning. So a real bakery with treats to choose from seems like a city advantage. When I looked up Ferreira's population online, however, I was shocked to see that only 800 people live there!
 |
| Giant camellia tree |
The reason for our trip to this undiscovered (to me) valley was to visit a friend. His house/yard itself is awesome, right at the edge of the valley. So in his backyard starts the hill. There's also a century-old camellia tree which had left tons of petals on the ground. I suggested he get into the event business, because with that tree, in that valley, with those fields-- who wouldn't want to get married there? In his eyes, city slickers from Madrid would probably be the only customers, since ¨everyone has their own fields.¨ I must have been really showing my (sub)urban side with my amazement.
 |
| Some Galicians pointing to the encroaching Spanish troops |
The peak (pun intended) of our visit was going up Frouxeira mountain. Apparently this is a very important place for Galicians. It all goes back to when Galicia was its own kingdom, centuries ago. This mountain held a key castle (
Castelo da Frouxeira) which resisted Spain's army under the Catholic Kings. Perched upon the mountain it was invincible. Until a betrayal brought its downfall. Hmph! Nowadays, there are only a few bricks left from the castle, as well as steps carved into the rocks. The best part though, is the view of the entire valley of Valadouro. On the other side you can see the sea and some coastal towns. We just happened to go at sunset which made it even more magnificent. I know I'll be back to see this epic sunset again.
