AUGUST 2016 : SPAIN : A Coruña

Another tourist day in the coastal Galician town of A Coruña.

                                                        

We forgot to mention yesterday that it was the special saint's day of San Roque. A 13th century saint, born in Montpellier. We love him because he is the patron saint of dogs (one bit him on the leg), dog owners, knee problems (!!), surgeons, invalids, bachelors, diseased cattle, cholera and plague sufferers, skin rashes, pestilence and epidemics!

                                        

We found a local statue of San Roque outside the church of St Jorge, with the obligatory dog and scar.

                                                  

We began our day at the Plaza Maria Pita, booking a free tour for tomorrow. Mark sitting near one of the classy cafes.

        

There was an orchestral rehearsal for a free concert this evening. We made a mental note of that.

                                      

Light showers today. We walked through the business district, noting popular eating spots.

                                        

In a large modern building right in the centre of town in Plaza de Lugo are the markets.

       

All manner of fish and seafood.

Second floor was the meat section.

                                      

                        Some dogs were inside the markets and some sensibly stayed outside.

                                         

On our walk we came upon Picasso's house. He only lived here for a few years but A Coruña claims that he became an artist with his art education in the town.

                                         

                                            Up the staircase..

                                         

                                             A light airy apartment

         

        

            Picasso's painting of the lighthouse, The Tower of Hercules.

           

Our favourite Picasso print representing Don Quixote (Mark) - he really needs the horse this trip and Sanchez.. his hapless companion..

        

The beach is close to the city centre. Despite the weather we decided to have lunch In one of the beach cafes.

Seafood pizza ...lots of tuna in that tomato sauce..a national obsession. It seems to be the option given to vegetarian walkers...despite  them protesting that tuna is not a vegetable.

The modern Science and Technology Museum. A large building with rather scant static displays.

      

Except for a robotic exhibition.

                                       

                    We have been able to take advantage of the Maria Pita summer festival.

      

        We enjoyed the youth concert this evening.

        

         Seating in the plaza. Many families out supporting their talented children.

        

          Professional performance.

                                        

                                           By some young performers.

     

      Deep concentration 

        

          Older group who played parts of Teleman's Don Quixote Suite!

                                    

                                       First violin

         

           As we left the city centre there were families out enjoying the evening.

        

           Ice cream cafes (heladarias) doing the best business.

M&M