Don’t cry, Angelita. Tonight I’ll buy you a house, or I’ll dress you in mourning. – Manuel Benítez, “El Cordobés,” to his sister before his bullfighting premiere in Madrid The promise of a matador to his sister summarizes the high stakes game of fighting bulls on the world’s grandest stage – get rich or bleed … More Or I’ll Dress You in Mourning
He who has not seen Seville has not seen a marvel. – Anonymous After Reid finished her 500-mile journey along the Camino del Norte she needed some much-deserved downtime so we plotted a three-week stay in Andalucía split between hunting for free tapas in Granada and Seville, a city we hadn’t seen in more than … More Seville Cathedral and Real Alcazar gallery
The air soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was delicious to breathe in. – Christopher Columbus At the end of the 15th century Seville was already known for its rich culture and dynamic history. Located 55 miles up the Guadalquivir River from the Atlantic, Seville was founded by Rome, … More Center of the world
Spain is love served on a plate. – Anonymous Blame it on Anthony Bourdain. When Robie and I saw a rerun of CNN’s Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown during a trip to Mykonos last December, it set the course for what we would do after the Camino. At the time we knew we were heading to … More In search of free tapas
Santiago is not the end of the Camino, but the beginning. – Paulo Coelho Though the Camino ends in Santiago de Compostela, the things we learn on the journey shouldn’t stop there. On the Camino – as in life – there are a few lessons to live by. Keep it simple, stupid Life’s complicated enough. … More Lessons from the Camino
Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. – Steven Wright For many the Camino ends in Finisterre, a three-day hike west of Santiago where views of the boundless North Atlantic give the cape its name as the End of the World. But the rightful terminus is in Santiago de Compostela. So why … More Santiago de Compostela
Every hike feels like discovery. – Anonymous Traversing the Camino del Norte means crossing four distinct regions of northern Spain each with its own history, personality and cuisine. Basque Country (País Vasco) Beginning at the French border, the Camino del Norte starts in Basque Country where Spanish is the second language on signs and menus … More Four regions of the Camino del Norte
I think everybody has their own way of looking at their lives as some kind of pilgrimage. – Eric Clapton Mondoñedo cathedral at daybreak Three weeks ago I finished walking 514 miles from the border of France to Santiago de Compostela. It was quite the journey. While I still haven’t wrapped my head around the … More 15 Things to know about the Camino del Norte
Any Portuguese town looks like bride’s finery – something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. – Mary McCarthy Hello, Robie once again. I am happy to report that Reid has completed the Camino del Norte and is currently working on new articles for the website. While she is resting and writing I’m bringing … More Portugal: The Sixty-Fifth Country
If you’re in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you’re still in a bad mood, go for another walk. – Hippocrates As my sister and I make our way across northern Spain here’s a description of the countryside from a scouting trip Robie and I made to the region a few years ago. … More Riding the rails beside the Camino del Norte
