ribeirasacra

I wonder how new the no photo signs in the Cathedral of Santiago are? I have never seen them. I hope not as I have some magical photos of some events inside. I would love to take more.


Maybe videos are different to photos. ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7BE3euV2s4

kja

@ ribeirasacra -- what a wonderful video! Thanks for sharing it.

Personally, I am sure -- absolutely SURE -- that every single one of those devices that LOOKED like they were functioning as cameras were simply sending that last message from their owners, "Sorry, gotta' go!," and the owners must have then been SO distracted by the thurible that they forgot to turn them off. No other explanation comes to mind. ;-)

Honestly, if I am fortunate enough to see the Botafumeiro, and if there is a prohibition against photos, I will probably (and regretfully) comply -- just one of my quirks . But it could be for the best, as it would force me to actually focus my attention on what is happening, rather than whether I am capturing what is happening.

I do hope I am fortunate enough to see the Botafumeiro. (And if I AM lucky enough to see it, I hope it isn't at a time when it is needed because of it's original purpose. ;-) )

annhig

I watched a feature film recently about a bereaved father [played I think by Michael Sheen] who walks the camino in place of his son who died on his first night of the walk.

it's surprisingly moving and ends with the Botafumeiro in the cathedral at Santiago. i'd no idea what it was called or its significance before this thread, so thank you.

joannyc

The Botafumeiro is kept in the library of the Cathedral when not in use... you cannot take pictures there. You can take pictures in the Cathedral.

kja

@ annhig -- I saw that film recently, too, and agree that it was moving! I think it was called The Way and starred Martin Sheen.

@ joannyc -- thanks for clarifying!

annhig

that's it, kja. I was expecting a real potboiler but in fact it was very well made and acted.

joannyc

I enjoyed that movie very much also.

joannyc

kja,

No, I don't think there is anything that I would do differently.... except spend more time there if I was able to! But, I was there for 3 1/2 weeks (or more) so I really can't complain.

I do wish that I hadn't missed the exit for O Cebreiro! Duh! I was too far along my way before I realized it.

Of course, there are probably many charming places that I did not see because I didn't know about them. But, you just can't do everything and everywhere in a limited period of time. Sigh....

kja

@ joannyc -- thanks so much! If I decide to visit O Cebreiro (its pallozas and ethnography museum sound interesting to me), and if I'm using a rental car when in the area, I'll keep my eyes peeled. ;-)

mamamia2

And if you do rent a car, please be alert to speed reduction... They don't let a driver much time and space to slow down before their camera will produce a ticket...

kja

@ mamamia2 -- good to know! I appreciate the warning.

LuisJp

I have never been to northern Spain in May. All mine were later than June. The best months would be July and August, I think. Before that we would expect some heavy rains there.

Many names are already listed, but I here add some for sure.

Gernika
Laredo
Santander
Santillana del Mar
Comillas
As Catedrais
Viveiro
A Coruña
Fisterra
O Grove
Vigo
Torla (Ordesa)

I have used a car. Some might be hard to access by public transport.

mamamia2

We've been to Northern Spain on the 3rd week of August, and it was chilly with few drizzly days.

kja

@ LuisJp - thanks for all the ideas! Among other things, I'm glad to see that you listed Santillana del Mar, as that was looking interesting to me. So much too see!

@ LuisJp & mamamia2 -- I will be traveling in May, and I seriously doubt if I can change that given the number of moving parts that have to align for me to get away for a long trip. At least I should be able to avoid the worst of the crowds!

Michael

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/4266366249/in/photostream/

This was taken in June, but on the whole we had nice weather.

mamamia2

I wasn't discouraging you, just made a note about the weather there (and what to wear)... Actually it was nice to have LUSH GREENERY all around, while Madrid and its area (Segovia, Toledo) were baking in the sun and the prevailing color was BROWN...

kja

@ Michael @ mamamia2 -- always good to be forewarned! I'll hope for comfortably warm with wildflowers, but I'll take a rainy vacation day over a sunny work day anytime. ;-)

ribeirasacra

This bit of information http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...omment-9013860
Does not make any sense.
No year given, so it just could have been a bad year. and no part of Northern Spain given either. So some parts of Northern Spain could have been happily basing in the sun.
Just the other day we had a guest from Valencia. Whilst we had drizzle and some sun, oh a a bit of mist first thing. The rest of the family in Valencia had storms rain and power cuts. Does that mean one should visit Galicia rather than Valencia in the 2 second week in December. I doubt it. A short vacation does not say anything about the weather experience. One can be lucky or unlucky

LuisJp

If you are interested in Santillana del Mar, then I should name La Alberca as well. This village could not fit in this trip and you might have already done it. I prefer La Alberca to Santillana, with its bonus at the other side of the mountain, Las Mestas.

kja

@ ribeirasacra -- in these days of climate change, I think it wise to expect the unexpected, so while I hope for the best, I try to prepare for the worst. As the person who posted that particular comment later added, it can be helpful, when it rains, to remember that rain can mean lush vegetation.

@ LuisJp -- When I looked at La Alberca on google maps, it appears to be SW of Salamanca. Is that correct? I don't expect to be in that part of Spain this time around.... Santillana del Mar came up in my preliminary research on the Altamira Caves (yes, I know I will only be able to the museum and reproduction); it sound picturesque and interesting, and it has a parador that several sources I've consulted recommend. I've read that it can get swamped by tourists, but thought that it might be bearable in May. BUT I haven't made a decision about whether to include it yet....