Tuesday in Ferrol

This morning, Tues, July 2, we left Santiago de Compostela and took the bus to Ferrol. The Camino inglés / English route officially starts here in Ferrol. We walked to the Hotel Suizo from the station, dropped our packs, and then walked all over the city for six hours.

It has a naval presence and is a quiet city with very friendly people. Fishiing is a major occupation and there's lots of activity along the waterfront, reminding me a bit of a big Portland.

So much to write. but it's almost 1 a.m. and am still not quite over jet lag. Tomorrow we start hiking the Camino Inglés and we plan to leave at 8 a.m., early for Spanish standards.

Some photos from today...

At Plaza de Fonseca in Santiago de Compostela, just checked out from hostal, 9 a.m., about towalk to bus station for 11 a.m. departure to Ferrol.

Katie and Lindsay walking to bus.

Above - Town Hall Ferrol, Below, bay in Ferrol

Actually start of Camino Inglés, walking around on Tues afternoon to orient ourselves and find mile 0km  of this Camino. We'll start here on Wed a.m., with gear and ready to hike the 30km on our Wed plan.

Arrived in Spain, Monday

Smooth flights, no problems. Arrived in Santiago de Compostela at about 10 a.m. Monday, after a 5:30 p.m. Sunday departure from Logan. (+6 hour time change here)

Walked around a bit, trying to get over jet lag. It's almost 8 p.m. here, time for businesses to close and people on way home from work. Tapas time at a local cafe/bar starts soon, followed by a light supper, anywhere between 10 - 11 p.m. Main meal of day is from 2-3 p.m., we  missed it today due to travel adjustments. In general, they are good hours for us, although not good for some tourists used to different meal schedules. ( aka, Gringos)

Still very light outside. You can hear gaiteros (bagpipers) and a harpist busking in the plazas. This is a region proud of its Celtic history.

Great new film about the Camino

Last night I saw a documentary entitled Walking the Camino, Six Ways to Santiago.  It played at the Nickelodeon in Portland to a sold-out theater. They had to turn people away. The Nickelodeon manager said that Corporate only wanted to show it one night, saying there would be little interest in the film. Now Nickleodeon is hoping to bring it back for a longer run. (Note: This is NOT the Martin Sheen movie about the Camino)

The visual footage is breathtaking and film gives an oveview of the historical, religious, and cultural importance of the Camino since the Middle Ages. It just skims the surface of the significance of Santiago de Compostela but it's good for someone who wants to learn more about it. The plot follows six people as they walk the original camino route, from France to Santiago de Compostela. They are from different countries and they're walking for unique, individual reasons.

The director /producer, Lydia Smith, was at the screening and she had a Q & A session following the film. She's a dynamic, energetic person who is the driving force behind the movie. The film is having good success and has won numerous awards. See it if you get a chance, if nothing else, for the beautiful Spanish scenery.
 NYT film review
Camino Documentary FB page

The film's trailer:

Two more weeks until Spain

YAHOO! We leave for Spain on July 6, flying out of Boston. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela the morning of July 7. We'll bypass Madrid completely, just a one hour layover in Barajas Airport, then on to Galicia.

Looking forward to hiking the Camino Inglés, eating pulpo, tortilla española, tarta de Santiago, drinking good café con leche, and more. Also, hearing gaiteros and great Celtic music, as well as exploring new places in northwestern Spain with great companions.

Photo: Pre-trip planning get together in Boston area, June 2014, including a corporate business lunch at Legal Seafoods.  :)