Today we had an outing to Santiago de Compostela. We felt quite disorientated this morning as it was really dark. We ate breakfast at 8am wondering if we had altered the clocks the wrong way. The large clock on the train station entrance confirmed the time; it was just a dark, grey, drizzly day. Our journey was easy with stations conveniently located at each end and a short walk took us straight to the town centre. Luckily Si had been there before and as usual was an excellent guide. The town was wonderful with quaint narrow lanes leading to architectural masterpieces in squares at every end. Traditional style shops sold hats from beautiful wooden boxes and delicious cakes decorated the pasteleria windows. Ornate wrought iron and painted shutters added character to the living quarters above. Above the shops metal signs swung from swirly hinges along backstreet alleys.

�� I have seen a fair few cathedrals in my time but this one was something else. On the remains of other buildings its construction began in 1075 and parts were added for seven centuries. The deepest sounding bell I�ve ever heard rang as we approached. It was absolutely stunning. The whole town was alive with pilgrims who come from all around the world to touch the tomb of St. James. They arrive on foot with backpacks, sturdy boots and staffs with shells or gourds on the top, some took their dogs along who were also kitted out with their own backpacks. So sweet! Inside, the cathedral was glowing as golden light reflected from the alter. Sleepy priests were nodding off in confession boxes. Apparently the massive rope suspended from the heavens is connected to a giant incense burner and swung by eight priests on holy days: We paused to take in the amazing sight.

�� I took many photos but would never be able to capture all there was to see. The sounds will only remain in our memories too for who would think to record the hymns in the chapels, the bells, the costumed Galician bagpipe players and the many musicians along the lanes. (My dad used to!) We wandered up and down the picturesque lanes stopping to sample Tarta de Santiago and buying San Simon cheese. Just as we decided to head back the skies brightened so we took another look at the cathedral in different light then returned to Brindabella via the supermarket. We sampled our first Rioja with pasta for dinner. ���������������������������������������� ---Lini---