Spain: Santiago de Compostela

Tuesday December 28 we headed to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela which is about a 15 minute walk from the hotel we were at. Next to the cathedral we ran into a bagpipe player in a covered stone alley (read: loud). I don't care for bagpipes but I do like the fact that every single culture known has created a bagpipe instrument independently. Interesting to think that animal intestines strike people as potential musical instruments.

This is a view of the cathedral. Very intricate and completely decked out with statues and carvings on every surface and then some.

Karen and Colin from one of the cathedral's platforms, overlooking the Plaza del Obradoiro.

A view of the interior, facing the altar from the main doorway which is currently under renovations. The altar is generally inaccessible but you can see how gold-tinted everything is there.

This is the line waiting for the next mass. There's several masses per day at this cathedral and wandering around is restricted to non-mass times so we had to stand in line also but our line was not this long.

We frequently saw these type of doorknockers - a hand holding a ball or an apple. Obviously significant to the area but I didn't know what it is. Just after a bit of research right now, I learn it's "the hand of Fatima holding an apple." Fatima was the daughter of the prophet Mohammed. There's some story which you can read here explaining the significance. The Moorish symbol is meant to ward off the evil eye.

The next day (Wednesday December 29) we headed to the daily market. There were all kinds of things here: fish, clams, squid, octopus, cow heads, live chickens, vegetables. Some of the crustaceans were still twitching! And these fish may look alive but they were dead.

Also at the market (and in many storefronts along the streets): Queso tetilla! It's a specific kind of cheese, in the shape of a *ahem* specific kind of human anatomical ... shape.

Next, we went to the Museo de Pobo Galego where these awesome staircases are found. There are three of them and the stop off at the same floors but in different rooms. It is a bit confusing to navigate them but that's how you get around to see the wide range of exhibits about life in historical Galicia, from seafaring and education to farming and housekeeping.

Some of the farming equipment on display.

Back in the plaza to see the cathedral again. The next day (the 30th), Mr. and Mrs. Alworth along with Sarah and Rachel left Santiago for Madrid. Their flight was early in the morning of the 31st and they made it safely back to Minneapolis where Sarah lives and the other three went home to Duluth. Next up: The Camino (mis)adventures!