It's a rough life...

I never though I would like eating octopus ("pulpo").  After a lovely week up in the northern Spain (Galicia) where I had pulpo at just about every meal, I can surely say I LOVE IT! This simple recipe involves just a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Delish!

We were spoiled rotten on our program sponsored trip staying at arguably the finest parrador (5 star hotel) in Spain, just meters from the Cathedral where Jesus' apostle Santiago lies.  4 course meals twice a day ensured we could just roll from church to church.  We stayed in the town of Santiago de Compostela, a famous pilgrimage sight for those searching for a life-changing experience.  In fact, my buddy Ari Davis walked for two months this summer from the south of Spain culminating in Santiago de Comp. as his summer project.  While our group was not nearly as enthusiastic as Ari, we did enjoy a lovely 8km stroll on the road from France near the end, and celebrated that night as if we had completed the whole endeavor!

  

Here's one of our casual lunch spots; private beach in a gorgeous resort.  The salt level of the water was so high that we floated without even trying.  (1. With fellow CMC-er Jeff   3. My house-mate Becca)

We also scrambled all over ancient Celtic Castro ruins (from before and during the Roman invasion).  The circles of stone are the foundations of what used to be huts.  Naturally, my favorite part was scurrying up to the top of the giant rocks to enjoy the view!

My Spanish is coming along well and I started classes today, but more on that later!