Monday, November 27, 2017

Fisterra, Galicia, Spain.

Fisterra (in Galician) or Finisterra if you want to be imperial about it, is called this odd name for a reason. Enter Wikipedia:

 "The name Fisterra comes from Latin FINIS TERRAE, meaning "Land's End". This name stems from the fact that this area is on a remote peninsula that is one of the westernmost points of land in Galicia, and hence in Spain." 

Yes, it means that originally people thought it was the end of the world. Well, the world they knew. The interesting part, is that people now still walk the Camino De Santiago and continue on from there to Finisterra, a place where there was the allege discovery of St James' remains. It is amazing to see these people finish a very long, and shall I dare say, spiritual journey at the Faro (lighthouse). It is almost as if they feel it is the end of the earth, even though we very well know it is not.

That said, Finisterra, although in some ways attractive, has turned into a classic tourist trap. The cost of meals is quite high, there are many, many hostels, hotels, B&Bs and buses taking people to and from places around. It all feels a little soul less. However, we had a great and well priced empanada (yes, again) from the fabulous Panaderia German in the middle of town. Also, we stayed a little out of town right near to the Praia de Langosteria a beautiful place to wake up.

The view in the corridor of our hotel. Just lovely.
We couldn't resist swimming at the end of the world. Who could? 

Well in 14C water many could. But, we still paddled around for a while until we started to change colour, but it was great!
The view from the room.
When the 70s meets cancer
This guy looks like he has walked a few kms
I almost want to be electrocuted if this is how cool I'll look. Check out the shoes and jacket combo.
The symbol of the Camino is a scallop shell, in theory you are meant to receive it at the start of your walk, but many who don't walk just buy it somewhere as a souvenir. Kind of fitting that Fisterra has it as a manhole cover.
Apocalypse or end of the earth?


These people are burning their clothes, a tradition that has been banned but, is clearly not enforced so much.
Lighthouse land.

Our hotel being almost right on the beach, and on therefore the camino route, allowed us to watch walkers pass all day long. These were some early morning strollers.

Their marks are left on the beach.... temporarily.


Continuing the beach collection.
So, to show you it is hard it is for stitching programs to work with waves, here is a small jumbled series.



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