Girona ramblings

Today we:

- joined a walking tour to see the old jewish quarter and tramp around more cobbled streets!
The tour guide came across a nun who is only one of 6 left in her order: all of them elderly . She said , very philosophically, that when they all die their convent wil become a monument to their order. Only 14% of Spaniards attend mass regularly these days so not many are willing to be nuns anymore.

- resisted the temptation to climb a pole and kiss the backside of a lioness sculpture! It's supposed to mean that you will return to Girona

- bought some new shoes - photo attached for comment by the fashion police (aka Erin & Lauren).

- visited the Jewish Museum ( audio guide : 8 out of 10 as it ran out before the end!) which chronicled the demise of the jews who had lived within the city walls for centuries. In the late 15th century they were forced to leave or convert to Christianity. Narrow streets and multistorey stone dwellings characterised their part of the city.

- ate a savoury pastry and an apple tart for lunch in our apartment whilst we recovered from our ramblings!

- visted the Saint Filou Church which celebrated the patron saint of Girona , Saint Narcissus. The story goes that after he died and Girona was being besieged by the French, poisonous flies came forth from his coffin and killed the French and their horses and saved Girona.
The big marble foot is a tribute to him and you can see some flies engraved in the sculpture.

- enjoyed a fascinating exhibition at the History Museum about  25 women travellers who came to Girona in the 19th and early 20th centuries. At a time when women found it hard to be independent and publish books in their own name  these women went travelling, often alone, and sometime dressed as men! There were some great old photos, their travel attire and copies of the books many had written. No audio guide though! And the descriptions were in catalan, not  the usual spanish. We thought it was french, but even Google translate couldn't cope! Ewan was impressed with a pushbike that was made of metal and looked almost impossible to ride.

- had crepes for dinner served from a bus! And thoroughly enjoyed thier salted caramel ice cream for dessert.

- realised how fiercely Catalan the locals are, rather than Spanish. Everywhere we went the distinctive red and yellow flags were flying and we have one on the balcony too.

- saw bright blue gelati : what flavour is that???

- had another HUGE G&T to finish off another successful day.

your happy and  tired correspondent

Dianne