1700 km of Northern Spain – part II

Next to the airport I take a turn to the freeway and towards the city of Santander, on the northern part of the Spanish coast. Despite the rain I notice that driving on Spanish roads is not a problem. The roads are well marked and you cannot take a wrong turn. The wide two-lane street is a real pleasure to drive on. You only need to mind the speed and avoid the photo shooting sessions, as the penalties are expensive and the speed limit is 110km/h. Slowly my four wheeled friend and I got used to each other and by the time we arrived to Santander we were the best of friends.

While my family back home still enjoyed their Easter breakfast, eating their ham, horse-radish and boiled eggs, I was looking for a parking place on the northern coast of Spain. I parked in a parking house, which was not really cheap, but there was no alternative. From the distance I’ve heard the sounds of drums, which were inviting people to join the traditional Easter parade. I followed the people and just a few steps further I was in front of the main cathedral, towards which the masses were migrating in long lines of traditional costumes. Unlike yesterday, there were no pointed hoods, which reminded me of the KKK. As a winding snake with a sad Virgin Mary and the tail, the line slowly moved towards the cathedral. Little girls with bows in their hair were proudly passing me by and shyly peeked at me while I was trying to capture them in the objective of my camera. I found a nice spot with a view of the whole commotion, sunk into their tradition and let the procession pass me by. I was lingering around the town for some more and then sneaked off to my car and were on my way again.

I was saddened by the raindrops that kept pouring on the windshield of my car. I wanted to see the northern coast, but it was clear, the sea was not meant for me this time. Every now and then I got a glimpse of the restless sea with tall cliffs and the rain persisted in wetting the road ahead of me. I had no choice but to give in and press on towards the city of Oviedo.

Upon arrival the city felt festive, for the streets of the outskirts were empty and lonely. With the help of GPS I had no problems in finding the hostel Oviedo – Ramon Mendendez Pidal, where I was kindly accepted and placed in a comfortable apartment. I didn’t lose any time and quickly unpacked, and got ready for a stroll around the city. It was still raining, so I was very grateful to the receptionist, who gave me an umbrella and a city map upon leaving the hostel. My four wheeled friend took me downtown to a free parking (it was Sunday) near the city park Campo de San Francisko, just a few steps away from the old centre. Since I was tired of the long road I found a cozy place in one of the cafes, which gave all the homely warmth to its guests. A small round table at the large window where raindrops were leaving their snaily tracks offered me a nice view of the happenings on the street. The sounds of coffee cups, chattering among the guests, the humming of the coffee machine and my own cup of hot brew in front of me gave me new strength. I could sit there for hours on, playing with pleasant thoughts and listening to the sounds surrounding me. The change of the environment and a few days on my own, helped my internal battery to slowly start recharging. While I was enjoying the moment, the rain started calming down and it was time to explore the streets of the city. I left a tip to the waiter and headed out to the wet streets. The red pavement was shining due to the rain, as it was freshly polished. Numerous squares allowed me a pleasant walk through the city that inspired many Spanish writers. 

Next morning the weather was still depressing, be there was no rain anymore. Hoping the clouds would stop following me, I passed over the tall Cantabria range towards the inner Spain. The higher I was, the worse the weather was and it started raining heavily. I slowed

 down and was slowly making my way over the mountains. Reaching the highest pint I got lucky and the sky cleared up. To the left and right a view of the huge lake, bathing in the sun, opened up. It was magical and unexpected. The sun followed me all the way to the city of Leon, warming me pleasantly, while I was walking among the walls of the city with rich heritage. 

Continuing towards the city of Valladolid I enjoyed the wide road and green meadows that were endlessly stretching to my left and right, until I noticed a village that awoke my curiosity. I took the first exit and went towards the ruins, standing proudly on top of a small hill, controlling the life inside the village. It all seemed mystic and mysterious. I got intrigued. I arrived to the village at the time of the afternoon siesta, so the streets were empty and quiet. It was quite unusual. I drove slowly through the village and found a path leading towards the ruins, that appeared very attractive from the long way off. The road was ascending slightly and I got a view of the ruins of an old church and a lookout tower. The view of the rocks with the background of the blue sky was outstanding. I got out of the car enjoying the gentile breeze that hugged my body. Surrounded by mysterious walls and green straights a feeling of calmness and fulfillment arouse in me. I felt as free and relaxed I could fly with the gentle wind and sway on its currant. 

The day slowly turned into the late afternoon and I had to press on. After a few miles I reached Valladolid and got caught in the traffic with no way of getting back or forth. I had to stay calm and wait for the city police to sort out the jam and got me out of the unpleasant situation. I wanted to park at one of the city parkings, but when I saw the prices of 4€/h I changed my mind. Just a few streets further I found a free parking, smiled, and took my camera to the city center. The late sun opened the city to me in a whole new beauty. Numerous churches, cathedrals, historic buildings and the Plaza Mayor from the 16th century took me to the days long by. 

The evening was here, so I had to go to the near by town of Palencija, where I spent the night at the nice Hostel Palencija.