Day 8 - Shopping July 23

I don't usually shop when I travel, especially not for trinkets and mass produced kitch. However, when I run across some unique items that are hand crafted I sometimes make an exception. Last year when my daughter and I were in Istanbul, they had constructed an Artisan's Village in one of the plazas by the Blue Mosque. My daughter and I bought several lovely items that we saw made before our very eyes. I also drank some brine by mistake, but we'll leave that story for another day. My daughter tells it much better than I and always has everyone rolling with laughter, including me. When I tell it I'm trying to explain why I did such a stupid thing. :)

A couple of times that I've been in Southern Spain on the Costa del Sol I've come by guys or gals sitting on the the boardwalk or sea wall weaving bracelets and I have bought several over time.

Today was another such shopping exception. in one of the plazas by the Cathedral they were having a II CERTAME FOLC. Which was a hand made craft fair with games and crafts for the kids. There was a woman spinning yarn to make kitted goods, handmade tambourines, lots of jewelry, leather boots and all manner of charming items. I bought a handmade leather wallet with room for my cell phone and money. I needed to replace the one I bought at Target a couple of years ago which is falling apart. And I bought a wonderful bracelet made of leather and metal with a flèche amarillo.

After that fun adventure, I bought a yogurt, went to the park, sat on a bench and savored it. I found a yogurt place here that has the yummiest yogurt. It tastes like the frozen Greek yogurt I had in Boulder once and haven't tasted anything like it since. After this I went to work and had more fun and excitement. I met a woman who lives in Irvine, a stone's throw from me and her mother lives in my community, by the creek where I live in a unit like mine which means she is within shouting distance, what a trip. I met another American from the Bay Area. There were three separate groups of Spanish Scouts, from different provinces. It must have been Scout week. One group was even coed.

Like everyday, I saw people shedding tears of joy, kissing their mate, hugging their friend and walking companion, just flat overwhelmed at receiving the Compostela and probably happy they made it. I saw one woman with one foot twice the size foot
Of the other foot, bravely limp to the counter to receive her Compostela. I offered an arm, but she proudly declined. I suggested she might need a hospital and she said she was going to one after she received her Compostela. I saw one of the employees take time out to go downstairs because there was a 74 year old woman with blisters so bad she could not make it up the stairs. It is very moving to be witness to so many people's kindness and special moments

I worked from 2 to 8 then went and had some caldo gallego and pimientos de padron. Oh so yummy. Then on my way home I stopped by the plaza where they had they craft fair and listened to La Voz de Galicia, which was various traditional Galician groups. Additionally, I saw and heard a guy playing a harp today. And a small marching band. There is music everywhere in Santiago this week. I don't think I've been on a street where there is not at least one street musician, usually two or three. It is a trip, the streets are alive with the sound of music.

So now it's time to hit the sac. I have to be to work at nine, so I need my anti cranky sleep.