Seeing the other side of Spain . . .

There is a five Euro note hanging on the wall of an apartment in Valencia waiting for me to share a beer with my friend Pablo who had joined us on my Camino walk in 2016.

So I decided to visit during Las Fallas, a festival celebrating, well, celebration, I guess.  Festivals are an important part of life in Spain, and in my desire to learn more about my about-to-be-adopted homeland, I am taking advantage of Pablo’s hospitality to learn more about festivals.

Featured Paper Constructions around Valencia to be burned the last night

A central feature of Las Fallas seems to be creating larger than life three-dimensional art from flammable materials and burning them up on the last day.  Oh yes, it is many days of festivities, all for Saint Joseph.  Yes, that Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, the earthly father figure who raised Jesus.

An example of the finale of Las Fallas

Traveling to Las Fallas is really a good excuse to walk around Europe again, this time with my wife, Ann, and my son, Jack.

At the conclusion of our days with Pablo in Valencia we will fly to Porto, Portugal and walk about 150 miles north to Santiago de Compostela, allowing Jack and Ann to experience a Camino and  to once again allowing me to enjoy the special experience of seeing new things and new people each day, live a minimalist life and discover secrets that lay in plain view.

I invite you to follow along with us as we post our thoughts, lovely sights and portraits of beloved friends.  Our plan is to walk starting on March 22 and arriving in Santiago on Saturday, March 30 to be there for Easter morning, April 1st.

After our walk, Ann and I will be exploring a couple of towns that hold promise for our first home in Spain later in the year.  Please travel along from the comfort of your home as we fly, walk, train and bus around meeting new people and seeing new places.