After finalizing my first Camino in Spain, Camino Francais, I met my wife Ingrid in Barcelona. We had a wonderful time exploring Antonio Gaudi’s garden and buildings and many more attractions. After Paris and London it is Europe’s most visited metropole. No surprise.
Antonio Gaudis famous Garden:
Beauty might be in the eyes of the beholder, I am a true admirer of his creativity, his ideas, breaking conventions, insuring perfect functionality and purpose.
Actually in Austria we had comparable artist and architect, Friedich Hundertwasser. Is famous, but an edge behind Gaudi.
Sagrada Familia from Antonio Gaudi as well.
My web site is namend “Time-Trave”, time stands still when roaming Barcelona.
The panel above the public library was designed by Pablo Picasso on three pieces of nappies in a restaurant. Fake or true?
As I am a true travel fanatic, Christoph Columbus is quite an inspiration of perserverance and bravery. He had to head West.
Apparently Barcelona had an offer from a guy called Eiffel to build them a steel tower for the world exhibition then. They preferred the Arc 🙁 At the end of a long stroll around Barcelon we found a wine tasting festival with fine examples of Spanish wineries. Envious? 🙂
On route to South Africa we visited family and friends in Dubai. Magnificant buildings, surprises after surprises all along. Possibly crossed over into a different universe.
Cruising along the shore line.
We could not escape astonishment and fascination.
The obvious luxury and splendor of Dubai are accompanied by structure, order, safety, generosity and beauty. There might be prejudices, but only after a visit one can experience reality.
The castles of the Loire Valley are famous around the world. On our bucket list for a long time, we took our Opel Cascada convertible and headed for Orleans to start downstream the Loire river. Our selection of castles to visit was more or less one after the other on route to the town of Tours. We saw some which were larger country houses and then the breath taking architecture of the time. Ironically and actually sadly somehow, many of them were used only once or twice a year for a week or two.
Travelling in style:
Off we go:
Cathedral of Orleans.
Sully sur Loire
Chambord, involvement of Leonardo da Vinci, apparently with the “starecase to heaven” (top right image, left). Top three 🙂
Bloise and Villasavin
Viscounty and Cheverny
Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci lived here his last years in a side building (also top three 🙂
The Kruger National Park is one of the largest and best managed National Parks in Africa. I will provide some statistics further below. I go there during every visit in South Africa and always enjoy my game drives and exlporing new routes.
Kruger National Park (Tsonga: [ˈkrúːɡà]; Afrikaans: [ˈkry.(j)ər]) is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 km2 (7,576 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to south and 65 km (40 mi) from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa’s first national park in 1926.
Great days in South Africa during the annual visit to familiy and friends. We started in Cape Town, moved to Johannesburg and Pretoria and finally to Nelspruit.
Golf at Milnerton Golf Club heading south to Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. At the water front to get into the frame for Table Mountain back drop. Oysters and sparkling wine at the harbor front. Hiking up Lion’s Head with Sara.
Visit to the wine lands around Stellenbosch to Delaire Graff Wine Estate and Spa. Golf in Nelspruit.
In Gauteng we booked the Kingdom Ressort near Sun city, met my friend Corry, my son Simon and Tanja with Sergio, and finally played Golf in Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.
As every year we enjoyed every minute in the Cape, the former Reef now Gauteng and in former Eastern Transvaal, today Mpumalanga.
A pilgrimage on a Camino in Spain is so special to me, that I needed to do a third one this year. After the Camino Francais in 2016, the Camino del Norte/Primitivo in 2018 I took the challenge of the Via de la Plata. This one would be more demanding and rewarding than the ones before. I feel I can talk from experience to state that one needs a very clear and strong focus on the goal. About 1.100 km in 33 days is demanding and could easily tempt you to put in a break or even resign in case of doubts. I am grateful to say I had a stable mindset and that the amount of endorphines all along the way and foremost at arrival in Santiago and 3 days later in Finesterre are insurmountable.
View at the route:
Actual distances and times:
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Day 1, Saturday, 11.09.21 – Sevilla – Guillena – 22 km
11.09.21 – 07:00 a.m. – Take off in SevillaAt the cathedral all on my ownTraditional way of transportMonestry of SantiponceA surprise in that cafe – unknown other guests payed my bill !!
The day become the entrance ticket to the Camino: Temperatures rose to easily to 35 dgr and only the tough survived.
About 10 km in the heat without a hint of shadeNot one of my best photos, but the naked truth. Almost finished.Albergue La LuzAlain from France – Norbert from Berlin and myself after recovering from tough day 1.
Alain from the foto right above on the left hand was at the sime time at the cathedral in Sevilla as myself, but on the other side. We met a short time later and walked briefly together. But I lost him by testing an alternative route. I had to turn around and never cought up with him as he is a fit fellow. After a few days we then walked together for about two weeks but then lost sight of each other. Norbert I “overtook” on that day one, but he joined up with me only now and then. He preferred his own pace and peace of mind. But we had great conversations about his life in old East Germany.
Day 2, Sunday, 12.09.21, Guillena – Castilblanco de los Arroyos – 17,5 km
A shorter distance to recover from tough day 1.
Summary of day 2: Not as hot as day 1, a bit shorter and still a very good mood to meet the challenges. One had the feeling, day 1 was the entrance ticket to the Camino via de la Plata. It was close to make it or brake it. And speaking for myself, it was a matter of a strong will and a “can do it” attitude. So after day 2, I knew, I am in the game.
Day 3, Monday, 13.09.2021, Castilblanco de los Arroyo – Almaden de la Plata – 29,4 km
Early start as for most of the days.
Between the start and the finish on day 3 was a an uphill stretch of +/- 300 m. It was cloudy and therefore not too difficult.
Looking down from the top of the hill I could already see Almaden de la Plata, as mall and quiet village. I met a Portueguese couple with whom I am still in touch on FB and a young woman from Germany whose name I did not note down. But they invited me for a pasta dinner Portueguese style and bananas covered with chocolate German style. The Portueguese did already a lot of Caminos, especially the connections between the longer ones and the not so popular ones. They had a firm pace and clearly set goals day by day.
Day 4, Tuesday, 14.09.2021, Almaden de la Plata – Monesterio – 34 km
This image 0f coffee and toasted white bread with jam would repeat almost daily on this Camino. Not too healthy, but lots of energy for the start of the day. In the oak forests were plenty of semi-wild pigs and we spoke nicely to them, hoping for a safe passage 🙂
Alain and I originally wanted to stop here in El Real de la Jara. But the village was tiny and we were very early. So after a nice coffe we moved on – into a thunderstorm.
We were hopful to escape the storm, it moved in a distance on our left and behind us. But suddenly we were cought and loughed it off. The Albergue was closed as in so many of the villages after the Pandemic and we had to book a hotel room. We were a bit worn out from the rain and rewarded ourselves with a fine dinner.
Unexpected smart dishes in Monesterio.
Day 5, Wednesday, 15.09.2021, Monesterio – Calzadilla des los Barros – 27 km
What a peaceful morning with company next to the path and a small river guiding the way.
After a while I realized I missed a turn-off and tried a short cut to come back to the Camino by crossing over a pig farm. Met the farmer, in broad Spanish he explained I cannot cross but can turn left a few km later. Good luck.
The Camino displayed its beauty and tranquility day by day. I met the German lady again and we walked together to find an albergue in the next town.
We were unlucky, all hostels and albergues were fully booked or closed. After some snacks and phone calls to the next village we moved on and found a nice surprise.
A suprise reunion with the Portueguese couple and lots of fun that evening.
Day 6, Thursday, 16.09.2021, Calzadilla des los Barros – Zafra – 21,4 km
I am accompanied by my shadow.
Short stop in Puebla de Sancho Perez – meeting with Norbert – and a visit in church.
Comfortable albergue in Zafra – secure bed firstThen go sight seeing to town
Zafra has style, charm and tranquility and friendly restaurants with great food. Ask for more?
Day 7, Friday, 17.09.2021, Zafra – Villafranca de los Barrios, 19,4 km
A short stage and we arrived shortly after lunch at Villafranca. We found a comfortable simple hotel Extrenatura Alojamientos. In this small town was no albergue for pilgrims left.
Day 8, Saturday, 18.09.2021, Villafranca de los Barrios – Merida, 43,8 km
m
Good startGood mudGood mood
There are days with great landscapes and days with rather flat ones. I was lucky to find some shade under the olive trees for a rest and picknick.
Download from GoogleDownload from Google
I was looking forward to Merida based on the notes in my tour guide. I underestimated that beauty and the attraction to tourists. All albergues were full and it took quite some time to find a hotel. That reduced my time to stroll and visit the amphitheatre and the Acueducto de los Milagros from Roman times. Still, I found many of the temples where theater performances were prepared. A place to return at a later stage.
Day 9, Sunday, 19.09.2021, Merida – Alcuescar 40 km
The day was fine until the last 3 km. There I lost the plot and added unnessery 3 more km. Below right: Happy End at Albergue San Andres.
Day 10, Monday, 20.09.2021, Alcuescar – Aldea de Cano, 18 km
That makes the Camino Via Plata so special: original Roman milestones and roads and bridges, around 2.000 years old.
Day 11, Tuesday, 21.09.2021, Aldea del Cano – Casar de Caceres, 34 km
21.09. is Solar Solstice (Sommersonnenwende), beginning of autumn, the full moon still high at sunrise exactly opposite.
The nurse of a small group from a “Kindergarden” insisted we make pics together in Caceres.
Placa de major in CaceresTorre de BujacoCasar de CaceresAyuntamiento de Casar de Caceres
Day 12, Wednesday, 22.09.2021, Casar de Caceres to Canveral, 36 km
The first half of the day quite picturesque again, the second half rather one dimensional.
Canaveral
Day 13, Thursday, 23.09.2021, Canaveral to Galisteo, 26,6 km
Morning stretch rainy but tranquil, afternoon clearing up. Difficult to find a restaurant in Galisteo. Isabel from Belguim joined Alain and myself from time to time (center image through the gate)
Day 14, Friday, 24.09.2021, Galisteo to Carabasco, 10,5 km
The short distance indicates a light tiredness after two weeks. Also mentally. But great company with “new” friend Arthur and with Laurel & Hardy reinvigorated lots of energy.
Day 15, Saturday, 25.09.2021, Carabosco to Aldenueva del Camino, 39 km
Early birds catch the flies, we cought lit crosses and magic reflections in an oak tree country.
Highlight of the day was finding “Arco de Caparra“, an impressive Roman arche in the middle of nowhere, from first century.
Endless and tiringstretch after the Arco de Caparra
Before meeting Isabelle (and Arthur) in the evening, Alain and I had an endless stretch mostly on tarr after the Arco until Aldenueva. Great service in Albergue Turistico.
Day 16, Sunday, 26.09.2021, Aldenueva del Camino to Calzada de Bejar, 22 km
A day with a rather short distance to enjoy. the three of us went different paces so that I was on my own most of the day. Just the very first stretch was on a busy road with Sunday cyclists, etc. But after Banos de Montemajor ( one of the oldest spas in Spain from Roman times), it was all forests and meadows.
Out of Banos de Montemajor we found a remainder of the original Roman Via Plata again. And a view back to Banos.
The “Circels in the forest” with sunlight breaking through the treetops and giving light on the path produced lots of endorphines in my mind.
Albergue Alba – Soraya was bigger than it looks. The three of us had a room with 5 bunk beds all for us. After some snacks and washing clothes we went to town for a wonderful Pilgrim’s Menu.
Day 17, Monday, 27.09.2021, Calzada de Bejar to Fuenterroble del Salvatiera, 20,6 km
Still highly motivated by pleasant landscapes and greayt company.
The three of us, Alain, Isabelle and myself were an efficient and supporting team.
Day 18, Tuesday, 28.09.2021, Fuenterobble del Salvitiera to San Pedro de Rozaros, 29 km
Peaceful morning, a little chilly, warming up soon.
A day smooth as silk
Cloudy means balanced temperatures providing great rhythm matching the landscape.
Pre-dinner snacks, good mood and good fun, comfortable beds in the Albergue 🙂
Day 19, Wednesday, 29.09.2021, San Pedro de Rozaros to SALAMANCA, 23 km
Needless to say we were looking forward to this famous city – and we were not dissappointed at all. Reality surpassed imagination by far 🙂
Perfect weather and mood.
There are hundreds of Placa de Major in Spain – but none like in Slamanca. And we enjoyed every moment.
A place to come back sometimes.
Day 20, Thursday, 30.09.2021, Salamanca to Calzade del Velunice, 16,4 km
Out of Salamca, still fascinating old Roman Puente
Lovely villages and tough straights…
According to my notes it was an eventful day with heated discussions about Politics and more. Should not have happened. And in the evening we waited long for our food in the restaurant, but were rewarded with great quality.
Day 21, Friday, 01.10.2021, Clazade de Velunice to El Cubo, 20,7 km
Short distance, early arrival, Isabelle left us to catch up on her schedule. We met up with Norbert from Berlin again, had some beers and later a set dinner in “Hotel” La Ruta (rather a normal hostel 🙂 )
Day 22, Saturday,02.10.2021, El Cubo to Zamora, 31,5 km
Isabelle was ahead from the next town, Alain, Norbert and myself found and lost each other a couple of times. Company and privacy, just as it suitds you best sometimes.
Rovering towards Zamora, breathing freedom.
We met all together in the Albergue and strolled around Zamora. Isabelle left neyt morning for Belgium.
Day 23, Sunday, 03.10.2021, Zamora to Riego del Camino, 36 km
Alain from France opted to start later and at a differernt time table then myself and Norbert. Time to say farewell. Challenging plain countryside and long straits…
We passed Castillo de Castrotorafe and stayed in a Albergue Donativo (asks only for donations) for dinner, bed and breakfast. Met Igor from Laibach in Slovenia.
Day 24, Monday, 04.10.2021, Riego del Camino to Tabara, 32,9 km
Igor was the President of the Camino Ass. from Slovenia. Norbert and I again had a different pace and lost and found each other. Picture with guy with blue cap was at the fork between Astorga and Ourense. We opted for Ourense, the quiete route.
Crossed Rio Esla and I missed the turnoff left at the bridge. So I had lots of tarr roads and endless straits, but did not have to climb an aquqard hill at the lake.
We found a Hotel in Tabara which offered also an Albergue. Was a great choice. At dinner I broke a small piece from a rather new crown 🙁
Day 25, Tuesday, 05.10.2021, Tabara to Santa Marta de Tera, 23,3 km
Day 25 mostly together with Norbert. Pic second from top right is the entrance to and underground botega (wine desitllery) from about 200 years ago.
The romanic church in town dates back to 11th century and is well kept. Small birthday dinner with omlette, baguette and beer with Norbert.
Day 26, Wednesday, 06.10.2021, Santa marta de Tera to Monbuey, 36, 5 km
Day 26
Day 26
Day 26
Day 26
Day 27, Thursday, 07.10.2021, Monbuey to Pueblo de Sanabria, 35,9 km
Day 27
Day 27
Day 28, Friday, 08.10.2021, Pueblo de Sanabria to Lubian, 34,4 km
Day 28
Day 28
Day 28
Day 29, Saturday, 09.10.2021, Lubian to A Guidina, 24,6 km
Day 29
Day 29
Day 30, Sunday, 10.10.2021, A Guidina to Laza, 37,6 km
Day 30
Day 30
Day 30
Day 31, Monday, 11.10.2021, Laza to Xunqueira de Ambia, 33 km
Day 31
Day 31
Day 31
Day 32, Tuesday, 12.10.2021, Xunqueira de Ambia to OURENSE, 22,4 km
Day 32
Day 32
Day 32
Day 33, Wednesday, 13.10.2021, OURENSE to Cea, 24,9 km
Day 33
Day 33
Day 33
Day 34, Thursday, 14.10.2021, Cea to Laxe, 37,8 km
Day 34
Day 34
Day 34
Day 35, Friday, 15.10.2021, Laxe to Ponte Ulla, 33,5 km
Day 35
Day 35
Day 35
Day 36, Saturday, 16.10.2021, Ponte Ulla to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, 21,7 km
Day 36
Day 36
Day 36
Day 37, Sunday, 17.10.2021, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA to Negreira, 22,3 km
Day 37
Day 37
Day 38, Monday, 18.10.2021, Negreira to Olveiroa, 35,3 km
Day 38
Day 38
Day 39, Tuesday, 19.10.2021, Ovleiroa to FINESTERRE, 38 km
Day 39
Day 39
Day 39
Day 39
Day 40, Wednesday, 20.10.20.21, FINESTERRE to Santiago de Compostela by Bus
Day 40
Day 40
Day 41, Thursday, 21.10.2021, Santiago de Compostela to Sevilla by train
Day 41, Back in Sevilla at the motorhome, which was kept well and safe 🙂
Travelling to South Africa was only possible under strict adherence to all Covid rules and regulations. I used Emirates Airlines which provides top service even in Economy Class. Again I visited my childern and grand children including to celebrate Vera’s 40th birthday and also had enough time to roam around the country. I opted for a road trip from Pretoria to Cape Town and later back via the Garden Route and the Drakensberge. On the first leg to Cape Town via Graff Reinett I had a welcomed co-driver my daughter Sara who was on her way home.
#First Family Time!
Road trip to Graff Reinett, Valley of Desolation and a wonderful cactus farm
Climbing Signal Hill for a view of a life time
Climbing up Signal HillClimbing up Signal HillFrom the top of Signal HillDown at Harbour FrontBusy in Cape TownI missed the ARGUS cycling race, but cycled from Muizenberg to Greenpark Stadium short by 24 km. Nevertheless.
Gallery Special in Constantia Cape Town
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With Sara and her friend Cherice
Further on the road trip back via the Garden Route
Nature’s Valley
At Nature’s Valley, the end of the famous 5-day-hike “Otter Trail”
Strom River Mouth, start of the Otter Trail
Strom River MouthBeginning of Otter TrailThe TrailThe TrailThe TrailThe TrailSunparks Camp Storm River
Addo Elephant Park at the end of Garden Route
Golden Gate National Park in the Drakensberge
Top of Golden Gate Mountain
Outing with Simon to the X-Gorge west of Pretoria in the Magalies Berge
Last but not least a Golf Special from the places I enjoyed my game:
Needless to say amongst so many other choices, South Africa is an all year Golf destination with all kinds of courses.
For a short summary I could say it was once more a rewarding visit formost with the familiy. But also South Africa’s nature remains unmatched attractive and admirable to say the least.
In 2020 about 2 years ago I visited Flandern and Normandy already on my way back from the Lofoten in Norway. When Ingrid saw my pictures and from her own research she always wanted to visit that region as well. For me it was a pleasure to come back, because in one visit you never can explore everything of interest and four eyes see more than two anyway.
On the way back we visited Switzerland and Germany to find an economic route back to Austria. Although the weather was a mixed bag in the second halfe of the trip, we enjoyed every minute of the beauty of this part of Europe.
Our routing was the following:
Average driving distance / day was 248 km which means an average driving time / day of 3,1 hours. That leaves plenty of time for the sight seeing and coffees and sports.
07.08.22, Haag – Koblenz
Departure from HaagCastle EhrenbreitsteinCastle Koblenz“German Corner” – merger of river Rhein with river MoselEnd of a long day with 710 km driving
08.08.22, Koblenz – Aachen – Antwerp
Aachen
Departure Koblenz from river RheinAachen City HallAachen DomeAachen DomeAachen CityRelaxing stroll around downtown
Antwerp
Center of AntwerpThe Railway StationFarewell Antwerp
09.08.2022, Antwerp – De Haan – Bruge
De Haan at the Channel
Above De Haan
Bruge
Bruge CenterAfternoon stroll in Bruge
10.08.22, Bruge – Gent
Bruge
Bruge Center
Gent
Fascinating architecture all aroundGent is overwhelmingBy day and night
11.08.22, Gent and Lille
Gent next morning
The Lamb of God was a must to visit
Lille in France
Center of LilleLille is lively
12.08.22, Lille – Amiens – Giverny – Rouen
Amiens
In Amiens is the biggist Cathedral of FranceAmiens is also colorful
Giverny – The garden of Claude Monet
A garden of a lifetimeThe lilys and the bridgeAnd inside the house
Rouen
Smooth end of an exciting day
13.08.22, Rouen – Etretat – Honfleur
Rouen
Jeanne d’ ArcAnd her judgesin RouenRouenLines all over in Rouen
Etretat
Breathtaking cliffsCelebrating a day to remember
Honfleuer
Honfleuris romance pur
14.08.22, Honfleur – Mount St. Michel
Honfleur in the morning
Harbour basinSome arts and craftAgain lots of lines 🙂
15.08.22, Le Mont Saint Michel and St. Malo
Le Mont Saint Michel
Mystical bautyA center of positive energy all over
Saint Malo
A castle at the seasideBusy and charming inside
16.08.22, Near Saint Malo – Les Gesnios
A round of Golf in Le Tronchet near St. MaloCamping area in Les GesnoisSome sports inbetween the city tour
17.08.22, Les Gesnois – Dijon
Dijon
A dominating cathedralVery medieval and stylishSmart bag and hats 🙂
18.08.22, Dijon – Geneva – Lake Neuenburg
Geneva
At Lake GenevaDowntown
At Lake Neuenburg
Tranqulity for a change
19.08.22, Lake Neuenburg – Solothurn – Zurich
Solothurn
Downtown SolothurnAt the river Aare
Zurich
Above: River Limmat exits Lake of ZurichLooking for colors in dull lightBack to the River
20.08.22, Zurich – Rapperswil – Memmingen (G)
Rapperswil
A donintating castleFrom castle to lake promenadeQuiet at Lake Zurich
Memmingen in Germany
Lined up beautifullyBack to the CentreFrom the Golf course nerar Memmingen
21.08.22, Memmingen – Kössen (Tyrol)
22.08.22, Golf in Kössen
Leading Golf CourseMost enjoyable game of golf at the end of an epic journey
