Our view got even better

When we first arrived in Salamanca, the view from our apartment amazed us ( look at the first blog entry). Our apartment is not fancy (look at another posting). We thought we had an amazing view since we were able to see the new cathedral and the tip top of the old cathedral. Last week we thought they were going to renovate a building and instead, they tore it down. It was a difficult process. The had to use pull it down piece by piece (Gabe was so fascinated that he could hardley tear himself away from the window and the destruction to go to work). They took the whole building down and now we have an even better view (see third picture).

Bilbao

Six years ago Gabe and I visited Bilbao while Robert and Teresa stayed home and watched the kids in Salamanca. We loved Bilbao when we visited and really wanted the kids to see the Gugenheim. After our peaceful time in Asturias, we drove to Bilbao to see the Gugenheim which had two shows-- Over 200 years of American Art and Surrealism. We really enjoyed our time in Bilbao even though it was short. Last time Gabe and I ate at a delicious French restaurant--thanks to Robert and Teresa staying with the kids--this time we had Subway. The kids had eaten in a lot of restaurants that they loved in Santiago and Ballota, but couldn't pass up a Subway. It was combined with Ben and Jerry's.

Asturias

We loved Asturias. We stayed in a rural cottage where the house was heated by making a fire in the fire place which heated pipes of water and made the radiators produce heat. The kids loved exploring around the cottage. We also went to Silencio Beach. Clay and Ella wore bathing suits while Gabe, Peter and I bundled in sweaters and sweatshirts.
















Peter and the Face he made with rocks!














Gabe playing with rocks

Silencio Beach

We parked our car at the top--and then walked all the way down to Silencio Beach. Can you find our car?

Santiago de la Compostella

Gabe and I got a great rate on rooms, but we also ended up with twin canopy beds. The Parador in Santiago was beautiful and huge. It was once a hospital for the sick pilgrims who reached Santiago.

We visited the morning outdoor market--Gabe and the kids are taking a rest after viewing all kinds of fish, octopus, cheese, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables. We ate lots of fish while we stayed in Santiago. We also visited the pilgrims museum which told the history of the St. James pilgrimage to Santiago. Someday I would like to take a pilgrimage. I am just looking for some to carry by back pack.