a visit to Pontevedra

Our return to Cangas from Islas Cies was done in a foggy fret which completely enclosed the islands. it presaged a deterioration in the weather for a couyple of days and food became a priority. we had been impressed by a small restaurant called El cactus and we returned so Lynne and Alex could sample the burgers.

They are huge and cost 3 euros or so.
After a day of rain the skys began to clear and we ventured out to catch some festivities celebrating arts and crafts in support of African charities. There was a small collection of stalls and we went back in the evening to watch some dancers and bands at the bandstand.

There was a dance troup of young people who were great, and later a group of three musicians and a female vocalist played some fascinating music unlike anything I have ever heard, Alex videoed them and if he posts it I will post a link.
We had agreed that sailing south would have to be postponed as Lynnes damaged ankle was giving her some trouble (she had tripped awkwardly on Islas Cies) For Alexs last day therefore we caught the bus to Pontevedra.

Pontevedra is a lovely town especially the old town. In order to walk in to the old town from the bus station you follow a path of linked park areas that follow a small stream. Alex had spotted a skating spot from the bus and was keen to try it out.

The smooth looking concrete turned out to be very rough and Alex took one tumble that took a great deal of skin off his hands.

The old town is a very pleasant jumble of narrow streets and leafy squares, we found a pharmacy and dressed Alexs wounds. Lynne had spotted a likely looking resteraunt/ bar and we decide it was time for lunch.

This turned out to be a real find, if you get the chance, its O Furancho De Bora and is excellent.
The chef spoke English and the food was superb, we opened with a Gallician fish and rice dish with mussels cockles and octopus in a rich sauce, Alex isn't too keen on shellfish so he had a salad.

 Lynne and I had huge cod for our mains and Alex had a steak and chips. beer, bread, ice cream and cheesecake for afters cost a frankly ridiculous 9 euros each!
We walked around town heading towards the circular church of Senora de los Peregrinas.

We enjoyed showing Alex the fabulous views from the gallery around the dome and whispering across 20 metres like the famous whispering gallery of St Pauls. We then moved to the main square of the Plaza de Espana.
Since our last visit some artist had created an optical trick of a chicken that could only be seen from one spot.

We spent some time having a drink of coke in a cafe on the square, the tapas consisted of three empenadas (slice of pie) bread and Russian salad and a bowl of olives, Alex thinks that no one in Gallicia has any idea of profit margins!

we continued our exploration of the old town and looked at the church of the Basilica de Santa Maria La Mayor before reluctantly heading back for the bus station.

As usual in Spain the interior was stunning with rich carvings and a fantastic alterpiece, unfortunately a funeral was scheduled so we left before the service began. we began the longish walk back to the  Estation de Autobus which passes through a residential area of high rise apartments and parks.

Alex insisted on being photographed against some graffiti thinking it would make great cover for his album!
The following day we took Alex to the bus station in Vigo and put him on the bus to Porto to get his flight home. It was a sad day we had so enjoyed spending time together. We would have to make sure it could happen again soon.....