My published piece on the Camino de Santiago

Here is a link to a piece I wrote about the Camino de Santiago.  There is an English version and a Spanish version.  Let me know what you think. :)

p.s. All the photos in the article are mine and I would like feedback on them as well.

http://www.entremaresmagazine.com/2014/01/the-rock-and-the-stream/

http://www.entremaresmagazine.com/2014/01/la-roca-y-la-corriente-una-sinfonia/

Casino, Hotel, Palace, Church, House - Santander has it all

I was in Santander with a friend during the grand re-inauguration of the beautiful and historic Gran Casino de Sardinero. I really like how they did the lighting.  The building can literally change colors. They had a live group playing music and they did an amazing light show on the facade of the building.  It ended with fireworks off the roof.  The casino is located just across from the beach.  Next to it is the new building of the old Hotel Sardinero.  It is also a lovely building.

Gran Casino de Sardinero - Santander, Spain

 

Hotel Sardinero - Santander

El Quijote - Santander

 

La Casuca - Santander

One of my favorite parts of Santander is all the old houses.  There are so many and they have a unique style that is just found in the north of Spain.  Here is one of my favorites, La Casuca.

Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón
My favorite church in Santander.  It is worth the visit.  The colores (to which the photo doesn't justice) are lovely, peaceful and divine.  Stop by to rest your feet after walking around town.

  

Palace of the Magdelena - Santander

Anyone visiting Santander should visit the palace.  Its location, views, architectonic style, presences, and history are all very interesting and pleasing.  Take the tour it is worth it.

 

Astorga, Spain

Palacio Episcopal de Astorga, Spain

architect - Antoni Gaudí

Hearst Castle - San Simeon

 

Thanks to William Randolph Hearst we have the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA.  It truly is one of the most enchanting places in the western United States.  I love all the antiques, art, and architecture.  Some think it is a shame that so many items were removed from Europe, but after a visit to the Castle, I can honestly say that I'm grateful that Mr. Hearst was such a great collector and that we can still see and enjoy his vision.  Visit if you're in the area.
 

 Neptune Swimming Pool

Indoor Swimming Pool

The library at Hearst Castle (the photo doesn't do this room justice)

Denmark - Frederiksborg and Helsingor

These three pictures are from a daytrip to Frederiksborg Castle (very impressive) and Helsingor Castle (also known as Hamlet's castle).  It was a fun trip and very much worth the time and money.

Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle

Rocky Beach near Hamlet's Castle.  People have stacked these rocks into towers.  It is a very cool place. :)

Denmark - Copenhague

I meet up with two friends from the USA.  They were traveling in England and I was in Spain at the time.  We met up in Copenhague and had a great time exploring the city and doing day trips into the surrounding areas.  The photo to the left is of the water front.  Below are several pictures of Rosenburg Castle, which I highly recommend to anyone visiting Denmark.

Rosenburg Castle, Copenhague 

Rosenburg Castle, Copenhague 

Garden by Rosenburg Castle, Copenhague 

Rosenburg Castle, Copenhague

The Old Exchange Place

Stirling Scotland

Stirling Castle, Scotland

I have family that lived in Stirling several hundred years ago.  It is such a charming place.

Chimneys in Stirling

View from Striling Castle

Haunted Room in Stirling, Scotland (it was creepy)

Old Campell-McGregor House in Stirling - I have relatives from both clans.  (It is supposed to be haunted.)

 

Scotland Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cementary

Scotland Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Museum

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh from Carlton Hill

Salamanca

I always enjoy walking around Salamanca. Here are a few of my favorite buildings and places. To the right the Duarte Palace.  It is a city that is full of history and life.  Much of the life comes from the student population that has been coming to Salamanca for centuries.  It was a great trip this time, because on of my local friends was free to walk around and show me the city from a local's point of view.

Casa de las Conchas

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

Salamanca

San Francisco

I love the old houses in San Francisco

California Coast

Here are a couple pictures from a nice drive up the Coast and Big Sur. Beautiful scenery, good company, nice music, good times.

It doesn't much better than this!
Julia Pfeiffer State Park, CA (McWay Falls)

Looking North along the Californian Coast


Bird at McWay Fall, CA

Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay

The capital of Uruguay has many charming areas.  It has some areas that are very refined and european.  There are other parts that fill a little more gritty.  I am glad that I have some wonderful friends in the city.  I truly enjoyed my time visiting and hope to return soon.

Here are a few pictures that I took all in the same day while I was out and about in the city. Parque Rodo always reminds me of Spain.




 

Patio Andaluz in El Parque Rodo

Parque Rodo

Montevideo, Uruguay

The Cannon store as seen from the bus

The Gaucho statue on Avenida 18 de Julio