Sweet Santander

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.

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.

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!

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.

Picos de Europa: Or the 7 Natural Wonders of Northern Spain

Oh the wonders I have seen! This weekend on our Girl's Trip to Picos de Europa in Asturias and Cantabria, I honestly believe I've seen what should be considered the Seven Natural Wonders of Spain...or something like it. Incredible views both in the mountains and on the beach-- and on beaches surrounded by mountains. At times I felt like I was on another planet with the interesting rock formations. On the drive home we stopped at about four beaches, which might have been excessive but every time we got out to explore, I was left more impressed and intrigued than by the last. Obviously we're not talking about just sandy beaches, but ones with sick rock formations and little grottos. Since between the four of us we probably took 500 pictures, instead of writing I'm just going to include a plethora of photos. So if your computer is slow, you might just wanna skip this post. :) However I will say that after passing through many a-town, we would all say "If I had a country house it would be here" I've decided on the ideal: Cangas de Onís for during the week, and then San Sebastián or another coastal city for the weekends.