Astorga
Astorga is a lively city which sits atop a steep ridge. It is both modern and quaint and surrounded by medieval walls and ancient architecture. It's notoriety began in the 11th century where the convergence of the French Way aka The Camino Frances, the Roman Way aka The Calzada Romana, the southern route from Sevilla aka Camino Mozarabe came together. It became a very popular trade route and a place known for its care of pilgrims along the way.
In the late 1800's the famous architect Antonio Gaudi was summoned to Astorga to oversee the building of the palace for the Bishop at that time. It was built in the traditional Gaudi fashion and interestingly enough is the current Museo de los Caminos (Museum of the Pilgrims Way).
Astorga is also the home of some of the best chocolate in Spain and I can personally attest to that. We enjoyed a lovely day and evening in this area. Many of the locals insisted we try the food specialty in the area and so we conceded. We enjoyed Cocido Maragata. It is a four course meal which consists of (and in this order): sliced tomatoes with olive oil and vinegar, fresh bread, seven different kinds of meat and I can only identify one of them-chicken (I think), a plate of chick peas, cabbage, and potatoes, chicken vegetable soup, custard with cinnamon and wine,water and a liqueur drink and coffee. It was phenomenal and we will not need to eat for three days.
Tomorrow we head to Rabanal del Camino. We will begin the upward trek over the mountains and toward Galicia. Galicia is the region that first feels the winds of the Atlantic Ocean. Change is coming...we are ready. We think of you each and everyday.
Wishing you a Buen Camino.
In the late 1800's the famous architect Antonio Gaudi was summoned to Astorga to oversee the building of the palace for the Bishop at that time. It was built in the traditional Gaudi fashion and interestingly enough is the current Museo de los Caminos (Museum of the Pilgrims Way).
Astorga is also the home of some of the best chocolate in Spain and I can personally attest to that. We enjoyed a lovely day and evening in this area. Many of the locals insisted we try the food specialty in the area and so we conceded. We enjoyed Cocido Maragata. It is a four course meal which consists of (and in this order): sliced tomatoes with olive oil and vinegar, fresh bread, seven different kinds of meat and I can only identify one of them-chicken (I think), a plate of chick peas, cabbage, and potatoes, chicken vegetable soup, custard with cinnamon and wine,water and a liqueur drink and coffee. It was phenomenal and we will not need to eat for three days.
Wishing you a Buen Camino.
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