Photo: Pazo Pias was first built by a wealthy public notary in the early 17th century that was part of the Spanish I nquisition. It was burnt and ransacked by Portuguese invaders in 1665 so walls were fortified and built taller than most Pazos. It was eventually given to the Apostolic order of nuns to care for the sick and in 2015 became a hostel for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. 60 euro room was fantastic. I loved this stay!
Spanish people eat dinner even later than the Portuguese. I tried to find dinner tonight at 6 and all I could get served at a bistro was wine and olives until 8. I thought about skipping dinner but decided to get a small Pizza Hut pizza, as they serve all day, and took it back to my comfy room at Pazo Pias. (My family knows I must have been desperately hungry to do this!) My room looks out on a nice yard and the city (image below). This is the first time rain has threatened! Up until now the weather has been mostly sunny with mild 70-75 degree temperatures, rarely reaching 80.
Just out of Viladesuso I found a special spot to leave some of my mother’s ashes (image below). This invited an opportunity to hold my mom, Barbara June, prominently in my heart today. I made a long list of words to describe her including “sincerely loving, a joyful hard worker, spiritual, devoted to family, patriotic, compassionate, value driven, independent, humble, and earthy.” She loved animals with a vengeance and told me she felt more comfortable in their presence than with humans. I loved her dearly and I know deeply in my soul that she gifted me with her love too, Thank you mom!
