Lounging around Łódż part I

Ok, so we are really delving into history now. I have decided to finally get back into some blogging shenanigans. Let's head to the nearest city of repute to Warsaw, Łódż. No folks, I didn't just smash my keyboard in anger, that is the name of the town. It is pronounced Woodch, and actually translates as "boat", odd as the name is it was once a thriving industrial town, making loads of textiles, pre war it was also a third Jewish. It is now shrinking a lot due to people not having work, they are moving to Warsaw (even though it is an hour by train away), or further afield. That said, the movie industry of Poland is based here, and there are some really cool old buildings that would make, and are making, some great loft style apartments.

The new station.

Old school neons, as we were there in the day, I don't know if they work.

a dash of mural art.

A classic example of an old building that with a lick of pain and some love would be imposing.

More crumbling facades. A sight you see throughout Łódż.

Just stretching out the carpal tunnel.

'Tis Grand. To see some the few updated buildings try strolling down Piotrkowska street.

Windows in windows. Microsoft new product.

Eye, eye captain.

Hallway highlights

I'm not sure you should be leading blind people into a pole....

numbered corner.

This just feels heavy to me.

always love a bit of gate work.

Grannies windows reflecting windows.

A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. Day three.

So the last day is upon us, and again, we must start with some food. Some lovely Gallego ham, local cheese and eggs plus fresh bread, what could go wrong? Nothing. That is the point, it was a great start to the day.

First stop was a picnic with Picasso. He lived in A Coruña for 4 years while his father was a professor at the Fine Arts School. This is is the start of a tour through his apartment which you can visit for free!

After accidentally ringing bells for a couple of other apartments we found the right one. 

The view down the street.

His old camera and papers.

His living room, oh no wait, it is some dolls house toys.

Old school light switches are pretty cool, no?

The way back down.

I love that nature will always sneak back in to these concrete jungles of ours.

Another fantastic warning sign.

The world of liqueurs, coffee and herbal. Nice at lunchtime ;)

One of the world's greatest delights Pulpo!

On our first morning we found a fabulous cafe Abarrote. I cannot recommend it high enough. Great coffee, the best I found in Galicia, and when you order one for breakfast you get a shot of OJ and something small, cake, mini-croissant. Amazing.

Sandwiches at the bar?

Down the street from Abarrote is the market, and shops around it selling the most amazing canned seafood. I know it sounds probably "not food" to think things in cans are good, but in Spain it is a different story. Not just beautiful packaging but also very high quality goods in the cans too.

In the market we returned to the lady who sold us the empanadas previously.

The variety of bread here was some of the best in Galicia. Spelt, rye, wholemeal, salt free. There was a wide variety.

She would answer questions, and was really proud of her bread.

I didn't eat anywhere near enough cheese there, so I will have to return with pockets fat and belly ready.