Sorry I haven't posted in so long!
I finished the
500 mile hike across northern Spain in a little less than one month. It
was a fabulous spiritual, religious, and cultural journey where I made
lasting friendships (I hope!) and learned about myself as well. I stayed
in many monestaries and convents and shared meals in churches. My
favorite places were Samos, one of Europe's oldest monasteries, and
Saint Nicolas, a no electricity hostel run by Italians (food was
great!). There was also a free wine fountain in the La Rioja region,
known for it's hot climate and fruits and vineyards.
After
I arrived in Santiago and prayed to St James' remains, I set out an
extra 88km to Finisterra. Finisterrra in latin means, "end of land"
because it was believed this is where the earth ended. It was also the
closest I'll be to Maine for a while!
I activated my
Eurorail pass and took a train to Pamplona where I met up with friends
for San Fermin's Festival aka Running of the Bulls!!The festival was
huge- with everyone from babies to grandparents enjoying the party. I
didn't run....maybe next time!
Next I took an overnight
train to Paris and explored Musee d'Orsay with works of Van Gogh and
Monet and more. I went to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Coer and
Arc de Triomph. I enjoyed the fabulous French capital and especially
their crepes! I was only in Paris 12 hours but will be returning in
August! That night I took an overnight train to Munich, Germany. This
Bavarian city lived up to it's reputation of beer, schnitzel,
ladderhosen, and did I mention beer?
After recovering
from the German beer, I took a train to Vienna, Austria. Though it
rained a lot while I was there, I really enjoyed the city. I visited the
Hapsburg's summer palace, the Spanish Riding School which trains
Lipizzner horses, ate apple strudle and weiner schnitzel. Vienna is home
to Mozart and the waltz too!
I took another overnight
train to Krakow, Poland last Friday night. I'm really started to enjoy
the trains, especially the overnight ones; they are cheaper than a
hostel and no time wasted! My grandfather's family is from Poland, so I
met my distant relatives and went to a Polish wedding! It was fabulous
and wild! There was lots of Polish vodka involved, TONS of food,
dancing, drinking games, a flaming cake, and they even tossed the bride
and groom in the air a few times!
After recovering from
the vodka (seeing a trend??), we explored the beautiful historic city
of Krakow. I stayed with my relatives in the town of Wronin, Poland,
where there have been Marcineks for years. It's a precious town
surrounded by beet fields. As expected, they are feeding me well and I
am loving the Polish food! We explored a castle, and I tourned Auchswitz
as well.
Next up: Budapest and back south to Italy!
