Bus tour in the Rain

Saturday 11 March 2023

Today we were supposed to take a boat ride. wine and seafood tasting tour.  With the prospect of bad weather, that tour was canceled.

We then booked an alternate bus tour.  BUT FIRST! Breakfast with a national champion barista. Curros, Chocolate, and Espresso.

 

The first stop was the seaside town of Muros. Muros has a long history that dates back to ancient times, with traces of human settlement found in the area since prehistoric times. The town was founded in the 13th century and developed as an important port and fishing village during the Middle Ages.  Unfortunately, the bad weather prevented us from experiencing much of that.

We moved on to visit The Hórreo de Carnota, estimated to have been built in the 18th century, although its exact date of construction is unknown. Hórreos were used in Galicia and other parts of northern Spain as raised storage structures for grain and other agricultural products, protecting them from moisture and rodents. This one, held the tithe collected by the church.  It measures about 34 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height.

The next stop on this rainy day was Fervenza de Ézaro. It is unique because it is the only river waterfall on the Iberian Peninsula that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.  It is approximately 40 meters (131 feet) tall, making it the highest waterfall in Spain in terms of vertical drop. The water rushes down the cliff with great force, creating a mesmerizing display of mist and spray.

The Faro de Fisterra, also known as the Fisterra Lighthouse or Cape Finisterre Lighthouse, is a historic lighthouse located on Cape Finisterre.  It has a rich history that dates back to Roman times when it was believed to be the "end of the world" or "Finis Terrae" in Latin, as it was the westernmost point of the known world at that time.

We stopped for lunch in the town of Fisterra, where our tour guide said "The driver and I always eat at Restaurante Anduriña,"  Almost everyone on the bus followed them there.  Amy and I started looking in other directions. and found Alara, an amazing restaurant full of locals.

Continuing on our rainy-day tour.  a stop that is probably beautiful when it is not in the rain: The Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Barca is associated with a popular Galician legend that claims that the Virgin Mary appeared on a stone boat to the Apostle James (Santiago) when he was preaching in the region. The legend also states that the Virgin helped to calm a storm and saved the apostle from drowning. The Sanctuary is considered a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking healing, protection, and blessings.

The final stop is the village of Ponte Maceira, situated on the banks of the Tambre River, surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. highlighted by its medieval bridge, which is believed to date back to the 14th century. The bridge, made of granite, features three arches and is adorned with a small chapel dedicated to Santiago, the patron saint of Spain. The bridge is considered an important example of medieval engineering and architecture and is often photographed and admired for its beauty and historical significance.

Notice the stylized Scallop Shell and the Arrow.  These are to direct pilgrims on their way to Santiago.

After the rainy day touring and cleaning up at the hotel, we headed to yet another 'cat' restaurant: O Gato Negro.  This highly recommended restaurant was not easy to find, and once there, provided the least satisfying and most disappointing meal so far.  Again, visit the diningwithbarney.blogspot.com blog for a full dining review.  For now, be satisfied that the local specialty, percebe (aka barnacles), we never need to experience those again.