23 October a perfect day for banana fish

A bit of catching up today as, for the first time since before Leon, we have a good net connection. Nice hotel in the center of Astorga, an old town of Roman heritage situated on major East-West and North-South Roman crossroads.

In Roman times it guarded the mountain roads to the mines. Pliny lauded it as Urbs Magnifica. It has had a Bishopric since at least the 3rd century. Many conquests and finally the reconquest around 850. Blossomed in the 11th century with the growth of the Pilgrimage. There were even two Jewish neighborhoods here until they were expelled in 1492. The synagogue dates back to 1072.

Another in a long line of hilltop cities with walls, the wall here is much intact. Central squares still have their clean lined arcades. Steep climb up to get to the main part of the old city.

In addition to an old wall it has a chocolate museum. Seems as though there is a long history of chocolate production – leading later to equipment for chocolate items.

Apparently the food dish to have here is Cocida Maragato, a reverse meal. First a large pot of meats, maybe six types, all cooked together. Then the tomatoes are served, followed by veggies, mostly cabbages, and then the soup using the broth from the meat dish. Finally desert. One story has it that the order was dictated by eating the best parts in case outlaws or others attacked and meals not consumed.

On the way here one passes through Hospital de Orbigo site of the historically preserved XII or XIII century bridge. One of the oldest preserved bridges in all of Spain. Pic included

Shout out to Randy – interesting article on gadgets and traveling but note that I am using the WordPress App on the iPad; buggy but still quite usable. He complains too much – and is writing about use in the USA where all things net are easier.

Shout out to Bill Park for his wonderful comments on a picture of QB in one of the blog posts. Bill points out that two items are missing: car chases and ‘splosions!

Gripe of the day, smoking. Have avoided discussing this for a while but this morning it just became too much. Woke up with smokers cough. QB has as well. Traveling here is like working in a restaurant where everyone smokes. Invades the rooms in the hotels. Have to sit outside in the wind to avoid wheezing. We will not miss this aspect of Spain. Next year is the vote on whether to adopt more EU minded smoking rules.

Finally for the Medievalists: pictures put on on Flickr, this date. Usual location. In the order you will see them.

Flickr pics loaded on 23 Oct.

In order from the top of the photo stream
– four shots of Leon cathedral

-two shots of San Isadoro

-One shot of Leon

-Gaudi Palace in Astorga

-QB outside San Isadora

-Six pics of Astorga cathedral and Gaudi palace

Above find boogs getting ready to set forth for the day.

Above a piece of the road QB found and walked on – big rocks abound.

And finally an attempt at a picture of the old bridge. Morning light and construction both hamper the view. Could not get a shot of the 20 arches.