Essentially, their preparation involved tarps, cello packing tape, duct tape, zip ties, measuring, and some wrenching. Pedals must be removed, handlebars rotated 90 degrees, and the front wheel removed to make the package more compact. They found out at the train station today that they can load the bikes themselves on a reserved space in each passenger car. Every bike was packed unpacked, measured, and pondered, and discussed. Fortunately, a Bike Friday with a case seldom poses issues, leaving an extra day on each of my tours to explore by bike or on foot.
After a brief lunch, I walked the Girona city walls, exploring the areas where Nancy and I had previously visited. I looked, to no avail, for shallow, ceramic tapas ceramic bowls (we broke one that we had purchased on our prior trip).
Regarding the tapas bowls, the ones we purchased and repeatedly use for hors d'oeuvres, about 4 inches in diameter, are standard in nearly every southern France and Spanish restaurant, but are hard to find. None were at the Saturday market, most shops carry gaudy painted souvenir bowls. I found 6-inch diameter bowls at a kitchen supply store this morning, larger that the ones I'm seeking to match. I'm still looking.
Most of the sights, odors, and sounds of old town Girona are pleasant. Speaking of odors, the pâtisserie and restaurant smells are great, the urine and pet feces, not so much.
A light mist fell for about an hour this afternoon, just enough to feel damp without getting wet. Again, with little explanation, enjoy the photos of my day in Girona.
Tomorrow morning I plan to cycle about 20 miles to Besalu:
Besalú is a town in the comarca of Garrotxa, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. The town's importance was greater in the early Middle Ages, as capital of the county of Besalú. Wilfred the Hairy, credited with the unification of Catalonia, was Count of Besalú. The town was also the birthplace of Raimon Vidal, a medieval troubadour.
Besalú was designated as a historical national property ("conjunt històric-artístic") in 1966. The town's most significant feature is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river, which features a gateway at its midpoint. The church of Sant Pere was consecrated in 1003. The town features arcaded streets and squares and also a restored mikveh, a ritual Jewish bath dating from the eleventh or twelfth century, as well as the remains of a medieval synagogue, located in the lower town near the river.
Public Support for Catalan Independence is prominent.
As the following photo shows, the Basilica is on the left and the cathedral on the right. So, this is the basilica in the foreground and the cathedral's tower is visible in the distance.
Coffee roasted on site. Michael swore it was some of the best he's tasted.
We think this business rents/leases apartments or lofts. Their marketing features trendy, single-speed fixies, or fixed-gear bikes. I prefer gears, the wider the range the better, especially low gears.
Michael and John strolling through Parc de la Devesa on our way to the Saturday market.
Girona's Saturday Market. The first straight section featured hundreds of food items. Then a large circular road comprised clothing, hardware, and most anything else one might want.
Dog of the Day #1. Exhausted shopper?
Athenou's Apartments Entrance. Do not be deceived by the outside appearance, as the following five photos show. Athenou was significantly neater before we scattered things about.
Much of Old Town Girona and the surrounding medieval walls were built by the Moors. The following photos show the walkable sections. Girona’s medieval walls, the Passeig de la Muralla, date from the 14th century. Portions of the walls and towers were destroyed during the late-19th century to allow the city to expand. Many missing parts have been reconstructed.
The large building with the many arches is part of Girona University. Other portions of the University are in the new section on the west side of the river.
Michael's Find. I guess if one cannot leave their post on guard duty, one posts where they can.
The child appears about to land on his face while mom takes a photo.
The three most common pro-independence signs.
On nearly every visit to Spain, I have encountered weddings, this one outside the Cathedral.
Write Your Own Story? Surely, at least a short story based on this scene.
A classic car is a must for a memorable wedding.
Dog of the Day #2
Spigot or Pacifier?
No Place for a Car. Nancy and I struggled to drive here with our rental car, certain that we were not permitted to drive on these streets. Nancy will relate the story if you ask.
Lodging for Nancy and I on our first visit several years ago.
Entrance
Our lodging featured the large Juliette balcony
Refreshing the laundry.
Enchanting views every way you look.
Nancy's Favorite. Yes, I enjoyed some last night. Someone had to.
Dog of the Day #3. A lot like #2, but cleaner, dry, and fluffier coat.
Girls have thoughts as well.
Dogs of the Day #4. This loosely tied pack was patiently waiting for their people.
Found the Elevator. We missed from the top, but today I found that it takes one up 5 flights and exits perhaps 100 feet from our apartment. Built to serve the University students it closes at 8 pm.
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