Wednesday, August 2, 2023

23- Logroño

Logroño, the capital of the province of La Rioja, is located in northern Spain with rich history and vibrant traditions. The city has been a significant stop for pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago. Logroño is renowned for its wine production and its delectable gastronomy, particularly the pintxos (Basque tapas) bars.

Upon checking into my Albergue, I wasted no time and set out to explore the city. The old town charmed me with its narrow, colorful cobblestone streets, reminiscent of other medieval Spanish towns. The vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by the numerous colorful flags hanging on the streets, hinting at some ongoing festival.

As I strolled further, I reached the modern part of town and enjoyed a delightful lunch at a restaurant, with doves eagerly eyeing my meal. Afterward, I made my way to Puente de Hierro to take in more of the city's picturesque bridges and the majestic Puente de Piedra over the Ebro River.

Returning to the old town, I continued my exploration, delighting in local delicacies and marveling at architectural gems like the Churches of Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda and El Parlamento. I also watched as local children prepared for the upcoming festival and enjoyed various street activities.

Before calling it a day, I visited the Churches of Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda and observed the activities happening on June 8th.

However, that night in Logroño was a bit noisy, and the celebration on the streets outside of our window continued until around 3 am. Unfortunately, the next morning, I woke up with a mild cold. The Albergue where I stayed had a large room with many beds, and I suspected that I might have caught the cold from one of my roommates.

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In many Spanish cities and towns, including Logroño, you will often see decorative flags hanging on the streets during festivals and special occasions. These flags are an essential part of the festive decoration and contribute to creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

These decorative flags are usually called "banderolas" or "banderas" in Spanish. They come in various shapes, colors, and designs, adding a touch of beauty and charm to the streets. During festivals like the San Bernabé festival in Logroño, you will find the city adorned with these flags, creating a festive ambiance that celebrates the occasion.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

22- Day 10 Walking Camino- from Viana to Logroño

 Day 10: From Viana to Logroño

(June 8, 2023)

This is a short walking day for me.  I began my walk by passing through the town center, revisiting some of the places we saw last night. The route was straightforward, and I quickly left the town behind, entering the tranquil countryside once again.

During my journey, a friendly local man in a red jacket approached me and warmly shook my hand, complimenting me as a beautiful lady. His kind words brightened my day as I continued walking alone, relishing the peaceful surroundings.

The weather was cloudy, casting a somewhat gloomy ambiance over the scenery. As I continue my walking, I admired the usual vast, wild open fields adorned with colorful wildflowers. The terrain transitioned from open fields to a pleasant, shaded area with scattered trees from time to time. Along the way, I crossed a charming bridge.  Approaching Logrono, I saw a beautiful house stood adorned with an array of flowerpots.  The city of Logroño is right Infront of me!

Eventually, I arrived at Longo, and the city welcomed me with a serene park and magnificent trees. Adjacent to the Puente de Piedra bridge, I found the Camino information office, where I obtained a city map. Following the bridge, I soon located the Albergue where I planned to stay.