Sunday 9 October 2011

Clear skies in the City of Crystal

Galicia is an autonomous region in northwest Spain, erosion by the Atlantic Ocean has contributed to the many capes on the coastline.   Best known is Cape Finisterre said to be considered by the Romans (along with Finistère in Brittany and Land's End in Cornwall) to be the end of the known world. 
    
Our port, La Coruna, a political capital from the 16th to the 19th Century, is characterised by glazed window balconies called galerías. This solution for the challenging weather, particularly rainy days, dates back to the 18th Century. The finest examples face out to sea from Avenida de la Marina.   Shortly after Fram moored, stunning morning light bounced off the windows as hundreds of local runners streamed past in a weekend road race.
     Santiago di Compostela, only one hour away, drew many passengers to see the Cathedral. Dedicated to the apostle James, this final destination of medieval pilgramage routes is also surrounded by many other historic buildings.
     Heading back out to sea it was easy to see the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that has been in continuous operation for nearly 2,000 years.  It is easy to understand how its nightly beam can be seen for 24 miles.