My diary notes remind me that 'the weather again was perfect'. We enjoyed joining up with another couple whom we had befriended and once we had disembarked, grabbed a taxi to take us to the lighthouse - known as Hercules, to enjoy the views from there. It was a good place to start exploring La Coruna which is claimed as the leading city of the region of Galicia.
Torre de Hercules Lighthouse
Sculptures are part of the scenery!
The walk back from the Tower of Hercules was about 5 kilometers allowing us plenty of opportunities to enjoy the village life style that included little cafes and shops.
The coastal views from the lighthouse
Good use of space to market products.
The Spanish know how to cure Prosciutto!
Hmmm. The choices are too many. Looks yum!
In contrast, we loved the churches and beautiful buildings!
The Church of St Barbara
I love this restful scene!
Plaza di Maria Pita
The Castle of San Anton, formerly a 16th century fort,
told us a lot about La Coruna....
......including a protecting watch over the city.
La Coruna Fort has an interesting museum
with artifact from centuries before
Bilbao in Spain was our next port. In some ways, it is just another city and harbour. We set out by ourselves trying to get a feel of this city. Once we were dropped in the city by the shuttle bus, we just walked and found the river Nervion. It immediately gave us a better idea of the city layout, with the new commercial area - including the fancy Guggenheim Museum, and the 'old' city.
The 'new' city on the background of the River Nervion.
Bilboa is the capital of the Province of Biscay and, like so much of Spain and France, has a long and colourful history. Having only a few hours, we could only get glimpse of what Bilbao is all about, but made the best of the limited time available. Crossing the river, we found ourselves in front of the Artxanda Funicular that appealing invited us to join the locals and make our way to the top of the hill that has a scenic outlook. It was fun to join young people who were also heading to the top and tried to chat with them in English. It was quite hilarious!
Meeting the locals. They must have wondered about these Aussies!
A new experience for Jeanette. The Funicular!
The return gave us uninterrupted views from the front!
Once on top, we were not disappointed, finding the views outstanding. We were grateful for a clear and sunny day. So, let us share the views with you!
Great view with the Guggenheim Museum at the bottom left.
(which sadly, we did not have time to visit.)
(which sadly, we did not have time to visit.)
A closer view! Certainly different and impressive!
Back at river level!
This finally led us to a delightful park close to where we enjoyed a lunch outside. Lovely place to relax and recover from a solid morning walking!
The pleasure of exploring this place is evident!
The old city is a big contrast with the more modern Balboa. Narrow streets, many small boutique shops, churches etc etc. I finally leave you with the following photograph where a wedding had just taken place.
It is time to leave Spain and head back for France. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit, especially Bilbao. Our ship awaits to take us back into the Gulf of Biscay:
Farewell!
An iconic picture to complete our Spanish visit!
Next........ Bordeaux in France. We received a huge build up from our Cruise Director who considers this to be his favourite city. Hmmmm. Just as well we all have different tastes. Our experience of Bordeaux was not quite as enthusiastic, though we recognised its history and character.
It was a most interesting trip sailing on the River Garonne to Bordeaux from the Gulf of Biscay - approximately one hundred kilometers! Even passed another large cruise ship. There were contrasting scenes along the way, including:
With Bordeaux in sight, Insignia had to navigate through this bridge
that just looked a bit tight for comfort
To my eyes, it looked awfully close, but no problem!
Or less enjoyable was the painful sights of pollution - something that simply will NOT happen in Tasmania. Believe me!
Yet, by contrast the following peaceful scene:
Still showing polluted water!
Finally......Bordeaux!
Time to start exploring!
We believe the only way to understand a new place is to walk and mix as much as possible with the local population. It was not difficult in Bordeaux on a Sunday when the locals were out in force with their families enjoying good weather at 28 degrees centigrade. Warm enough for most people.
We were rather delighted to see the following scene of a misty atmosphere, water and people thoroughly enjoying splashing and dancing to their hearts content. I was quite happy to share it with them, even though it had almost finished.
Sunday market was beginning to close. Always good to wander through.
I am sure that there are many wonderful stories about Bordeaux, eloquently told and described by researchers. Let me just limit myself to three structures that caught our eye and is evidence of city's history. I acknowledge with appreciation the information provided by http://www.visitacity.com
'The Pont de Pierre bridge connects the historic city centre on the left bank of the Garonne River to La Bastide on the right bank. It was commissioned by Napoleon but only inaugurated during the Bourbon Restoration in 1822. It was the first bridge to span the river in Bordeaux.
'
Pont de Pierre. A rather beautiful structure. Love the lights on the bridge!
'The Cathedral of St. Andrew is a Gothic-Romanesque church which was one of the stops along the Way of St. James; a pilgrimage route through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. The church is part of Bordeaux’s UNESCO area.'
We were glad to see that restoration of this church is in progress.
It is interesting to note the connection this church with the Cathedral of St Andrew - see further.
Cathedral of St. Andrew
'This famous bell (below) was a 15th century addition to the remains of the 13thcentury Porte Saint-Eloi. It was also called Gate of St. James as many pilgrims passed through here following the St. James’ Way on route to Santiago de Compostela. The bell would be rung to warn residents of fires, foreign attacks or important events. This Big Clock” or “big bell” is one of the oldest belfries in France. It bears the inscription:
“I ring the hours and my voice is a call to arms. I sing for happy events and weep for the dead.”'
Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux
On our way back to the ship, we came across the monument of Girondins that has a history record by http://www.visitacity.com as follows:
'This Monument aux Girondins commemorates the Girondists who were originally a political party within the first National Convention from 1791 to 1795 of the new French Republic. Most of the Girondists were from Bordeaux. The Girondists were interested in discrediting Paris and its leaders and less interested in bringing the former king to trial. However the leader of the revolution, Robespierre declared “ Louis must die so that the nation may live” and “ if the king is not guilty then those who have dethroned him are.” So the king was brought to trial and executed. This only brought to light the chasm between the Girondists and other Convention members. Enmity grew between the different parties and the Girondins alienated themselves more and more as they grew closer to the royalists. A Revolutionary Tribunal was formed and sectional activists were arrested. Robespierre ordering the execution of 29 Girondin leaders and this began the Reign of Terror when enemies of the Revolution were sought out and punished. In 1793 the Girondists were executed by guillotine.The monument was erected in the early 20th century to honor the Girondists who were considered political martyrs. A figure of the statue of liberty stands at the centre of the monument upon a 43 meter high column. The statue is surrounded by two pools each adorned with beautiful statues. Interesting features includes the webbed feet of the horse statues and the mermaid-like tails coming out of their backs. The fountain’s water comes out of the horse statues’ noses. The fountain statues include women representing eloquence and history and allegorical representations of the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers.'
Monument of Girondins
Time to move on. My feet are killing me and I am ready for a drink. On the way back, a shop window caught our attention and I just had to include a photo in this blog:
Cute!
Not cute, but different!
MCS Insignia
Relax!
The photographs in this blog were all taken by Jeanette and myself.
I gladly acknowledge her excellent work!
1 comment:
Henry will love to see the funicular pictures!
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