Spain: Zaragoza

On to Zaragoza

Early in the morning, we (choir and others, a group of about 45 people) piled onto the bus to Zaragoza.  It was an interesting drive through the Spanish country-side. 

 

Rest stop along the freeway

What's with the bulls? you ask.  It's a long story.

Back in the 1950s Osborne brandy company decided on an advertising campaign by placing fighting bulls, with the Osborne logo on them, along the highways in Spain.  Rules changed and advertising along roadways was banned.  But the bulls had become an icon and remained, without the brandy logo.

We pulled into Zaragoza, crossed the bridge over the Ebro River and then saw this huge cathedral. No, this would not be the concert venue!

Wow!

As soon as we were settled in the hotel, Dave and I set out to get a closer look.  We followed a small print tourist map and found our way.  On the return though, we were momentarily lost in a labyrinth of cobblestone streets.  It felt like we were in some sort of Medieval movie set. 

Construction of the Cathedral- Basilica de Neustra Senora del Pilar was begun in the 1600s although other churches stood on this site for centuries before.  It was incredibly beautiful inside, but we weren't allowed to take photographs.  

In the evening, the entire group went out for a traditional Spanish meal.  It began with tapas - salads, sausages, migas (a breadcrumb dish), white asparagus and breads.  We ate heartily, and then they brought out the main:  a large serving of lamb and potatoes.  That was a lot of food.

The restaurant had a unique decor and yet
some of the antiques looked like what we have in Canada.

We continued exploring the Old Town the next day, poking into a few shops and the big food market.  Zaragoza was founded by the Romans in the time of Ceasar Augustas.  Next it was part of the Muslim conquest of the Iberian peninsula.  Then it became the Kingdom of Aragon.  All along there was a thriving Jewish community too.  It prides itself as a city of many religions and cultures.

     

rubber ducky anyone?

Marilyn found her favourite shop

best dates I've ever tasted

seafood options.  At the restaurant,
the calamari rings were the best ever.

all those things you weren't sure were edible

Marilyn bought some delicious strawberries for a snack.

In the evening was the concert at the San Gil Abad church.  While the choir was in rehearsal, a few of us non-singers went exploring for dinner options, otherwise it might be McDonalds or KFC again.  We found a pub across the street from the church which offered 100 different tapas.  Perfect. These were tiny bites, a reasonable price, but we probably needed to order a second round!

The entrance was built in 1640.

It was another beautiful concert, with the sound carrying you away.  There was a large appreciative audience.  Apparently the word had gotten out in the local choral community and they came to hear a choir from Canada.  An 8:00 pm performance wasn't quite such a late night and we had a leisurely walk back to the hotel.