Europe 2019: Trip Notes # 7
Santander, Spain - cont.
There
were several situations on this trip when we showed up at a tourist site and
found that the visiting hours had changed. The website was wrong. The Magdalena
Palace was such a place. It took three tries to get to see this place. When we
finally got in, we were surprised to find that (for such an important site for
Spain), there was ZERO English - not even a simple pamphlet.
Front Of Palace
Looking Toward Beach Area From Palace Front Door
Lots of Ornate Woodwork
Living Room
Family Dinner Table
Asian Influence
* * *
What a pleasant surprise! Santander has an interesting building (Centro Botin) which can be used for concerts and art exhibits.
Modern Architecture On Beach Front
This Visit Was A Wow!
 |
| He Needs To Learn How To Smile When Pictures Are Taken |
Friends
Timing was good. Botin was hi-liting Calder as well as other interesting artists.
We asked at the ticket counter how many Americans have come to this fabulous place. We were told that (perhaps) 3-4 Americans purchased tickets. (They always ask about the "home country.") This reinforces what we were thinking. We have not seen (or heard) any Americans on our travels. Financial reasons?
Post Impressionist Style By a Few Years
More Modern Feeling
Look What We Found!?!?
Walking around town allows us to find all sorts of interesting things to see and do.
Central (Botin) Bank - Donated Money To Botin Art Center
Central Post Office Has Interesting Mail Boxes
Steps To Cathedral
Cathedral Alcove
Manhole Cover
The town has many beautiful gardens. It also has a "marine park." Besides sea lions, penguins and other ocean animals, it also has a variety of boats.
Replicas Of Pinta, Nina and Santa Maria. These Small (Built To Size) Ships Were Actually Used In a Trans-Oceanic Experiment.
* * *
* * *
Crossing into Spain provided views of beautiful Mountains reminding us of Switzerland as well as a picturesque countryside that could easily be France
Near Santander is Santanilla del Mar - a medieval village. This was an interesting place to spend a few hours.
Village Church
Nearby are farms specializing in raising bulls
Interesting Road Sign
When Trying To Pass On The Road, Which One Has The Right Of "Weight?" A Car Or A Bull?
We ended our trip to Spain by visiting Comillas - another historical village. Besides being quaint, having narrow alleyways, etc., it is also where Gaudi designed his first major project.
Who Would Believe That (In A Small Spanish Village) We Would Find Gaudi?
A New Friend
Unbelievable Situation
There Was No Parking Close To Gaudi House
Parking Was About Two Miles Away
Arlene "Made Friends" With Neighbor In Front Of Gaudi House
We Were Allowed To Park In Neighbor's Driveway
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