En Espana

I'm not wine obsessed really but this is the free drink we got when we arrived here at our main destination for this holiday, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, North West Spain.

I don't know why but I've had it in my mind to come for a few years now and here we are on my birthday. A special treat for the occasion is to stay at the Paradores Santiago Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos ( that's a mouthful) right next to the cathedral.
It is possibly the oldest hotel in the world as it was commissioned by Catholic monarchs in 1499 to be a hospital for sick pilgrims. It's been a Parador since the 1950's.

We had another drink, I had tea this time honest, and just sat and enjoyed the atmosphere. It was raining for a while but never mind (bet your jealous in the UK) but it was fun watching the water pouring out of the gargoyles! Rain doesn't seem too bad when it isn't cold.
We did a bit of exploring around the hotel, there is a museum route which we may follow tomorrow to find out more, and as there are three more courtyards similar to this one it's quite tricky finding your way back to your room.
Very different from yesterday's very modern place on the Douro which was all glass.
Looking forward to a celebratory meal here tonight and I may have a little more wine.

(Birthday greeting from Eda - extra)
By the way we haven’t walked!!