My Experiences in Spain: Austurias

I have recently gone on two trips that I have yet to update you all on. The first one was to another region in the north of Spain called Austurias. I was there two weekend ago on. We arrived Friday evening and left Monday morning. (February 26-March 1). I went with two other Auxilliares, Dana and Brooke, who I have also traveled with a few times this year. We spent most of our time in the city, Gijon. Gijon is right along the coast and has a beautiful beach with a board walk and a church along the edge of the beach that overlooks the water. There are many pretty green parks too. (Meaning it must rain a lot!) On Saturday afternoon we did a beautiful, long walk along the water over looking the mountains, the open green space and farm land. It was seriously a view that I don't think I have seen anything like before.

The Church on the edge of the water.

In one of the parks

Brooke, Dana and I on the port

Brooke and I on the beautiful walk along the water

A view of the beautiful, blue water at the beginning of the walk

While in Gijon we also went to the center plaza known as the Plaza Mayor. Around the Plaza Mayor are a number of restaurants called Siderias where you can drink their Sidra (Cider) which is a drink made in Austurias and what region is known for. The cider is a drink that is somewhat similar to wine except a little bit more dry and bitter. Definitely something you have to try while in this region of Spain. It is poured for you in a special manner by the waiters holding the bottle from overhead to a glass at knee lever. It is actually a really cool process to see.

Plaza Mayor

On Sunday we made a short trip to Oviedo, the capital of Austurias. My friend, Mary, lives there so we met up with her. It was great to see her. We went out to lunch at another Sideria. One of the main street in the center of Oviedo is filled with Siderias. It is a long, downhill street. There we tried a typical dish called Fabada. It is a bean and sausage stew. It is actually very good but filling. After lunch Mary showed us around the city. Since it was Sunday most things were closed so we weren't really able to go in any where. However, we saw some cute plazas, the outside of the Cathedral which looks really nice and some pretty parks. We also went to this one pretty park along the outskirts of the city that has a really pretty view of all of the mountains and green land with long sidewalks to walk, run or ride your bike on. Overall, I think the city of Oviedo has more character and more to offer than Gijon. However, the beach and the views along the coast of Gijon make it beautiful.

Outside of the Cathedral

A pretty church

Mary and I in the park

Fortunately, we lucked out with beautiful weather. Sunny and in the 50's-60's. It was great to explore everything this region had to offer. While there we were in the eye of a cyclone. On Saturday while we were walking along the board walk the waves were extremely strong hitting the side of the board walk. Surprisingly where we werethere the weather conditions were perfect and more dangerous in the surrounding areas. In Vitoria, there were extremely high winds and people were unable to go out at night. So we really did luck out.