When I arrived in Astorga the first time on September 25th of 2016 I stayed at the Albergue run by the Federation at the entrance to the town. Just up the street was an entrance to a park marked by an iron arbor covered in roses. I had been in the habit of sending Ann a picture of a flower each day to mark my progress and to appeal to her love of flowers.
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| 2019 Version |
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| 2016 Version |
I asked someone to take a picture of me smelling a rose at the arbor and sent it to her. I thought nothing of the place or meaning of the pathway into the park, it was afternoon and I was on my way to find food. What I found was much more, but let’s stick to the park and flower-covered arbor for this post.
Fast forward to our arrival in Astorga on May 13, 2019. We were following Google Maps directions to our Airbnb and it took us out on the walkway atop the Roman wall! Cars are not supposed to be out there and a construction worker kindly showed me where to park and guided me to a safe path off the wall. The park was right near our Airbnb and we walked there daily. On one of our walks, we exited the back side of the park right through that arbor!
Later in the week, I asked Ann to take a photo of me smelling a rose in the same position as my 2016 picture. The roses are amazing in color, size, and variations. And of course, they smell great as well.
But here is the kicker for The Other Jew: This park was the site of one of the Synagogues of Astorga before 1492. There was another as well, but I haven’t found that location yet. The park is known as Jardin de la Sinagoga in remembrance of the Jewish community that once existed in that corner of the city. It is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the view, have a conversation with friends and, of course, stop to smell the roses.
Here are some other pictures from the park.
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Beautiful roses and a sweet story as well, Ron.
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