Our tour started at 10:30am and we were quickly met outside
by our guide Orchidia. Unfortunately as
soon as we got outside, it began to rain and didn’t stop for the entire
day. The sky was gray and the
surrounding areas weren’t nearly as pleasant as they would be if it were sunny,
not to mention it was extremely cold.
Nevertheless, we boarded the bus and were on our way to Santiago,
Spain.
The journey lasted about an hour and our guide made small
conversation with us in an effort to pass the time. When we got off the bus, it was still pouring
and there were numerous vendors selling umbrellas. We eventually caved and bought two large
ones.
Upon entering the Cathedral, we were impressed by the
immense size. There was a mass occurring
and there was not a single seat available in the expansive cathedral. Everyone was soggy from the downpour and
everyone was elaborately decked in ponchos, umbrella canes and rain
slickers. Hundreds of backpackers came with their large
packs and were joining together in the worship.
Most of the service was conducted in Spanish, however the priest also
made references in German and English.
It was a great experience to be able to hear the organ play
and the hundreds of people worshiping together.
Our guide tried to talk to us several times while in the cathedral, but
monitors kept telling her to be quiet and respectful (I can completely
understand this quiet policy). The door
to the crypt under the alter was open during the service, so we were able to go
underneath the priest and look at the prize possession of Santiago Cathedral ,
the remains of Saint James. The church itself was founded on the place called
“Field of Stars” where reportedly several shepherds saw many stars pointing to
the grass where St. James was buried centuries before. The church was started
in 800 AD and the village of Santiago developed around it, mostly during the
time of 14th century. We spent about 40 minutes walking around and
observing the church, and finally we left the area.
Orchidia gave us a quick tour of the grounds, but I
requested to go to a café for some coffee because we were all quite cold,
especially Hildy. She obliged and we
soon found a café where we sipped on some delicious Spanish coffee.
Orchidia talked to us about green wine, which is similar to
white, except it has bubble and is a bit lighter. Jessie and I were interested in trying this
so she took us to a winery where we could purchase a bottle. By this time, everyone was cold and
uncomfortable, so there was a large push to get back to the bus.
Our guide gave us a hurried run through of the surrounding
areas and we made our way back to the bus.
Jessie spent the ride home talking to Orchidia, while I tried to warm up
in a nap (unsuccessfully). The driver stopped
the bus just outside of Vigo, on a hill where we could oversee the
cityscape. Jessie and I got off the bus
to take a few photos and the rain was finally stopping. After a couple shots, we re-boarded the bus
and made our way back to the ship.
Once we were onboard again, Hildy went to the room to warm
up in the bathtub and Jessie and I hit the buffet. We had a yummy lunch and brought Hildy back a
roast beef sandwhich which she happily ate in her warm bed.
We didn’t do much for the remainder of the evening. Jessie rented the movie Thelma and Louise,
but Hildy wasn’t that interested in it… she didn’t approve of the sex scenes,
but it was pretty funny to watch her face twist in horror.
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