It's always nice to experience things for the first time, were it new tastes, new occupations or new sights. Spain was pretty high on my personal Must Visit list of countries, so when the opportunity to join my work and love for travelling arose, I couldn't say no. That's how I ended up in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of piligrims of catholic faith. With it's narrow streets, filled with clacking of walking sticks, Santiago found a way to my heart.
I came to the city with my colleague to participate in SIEF (Société Internationale d´Ethnologie et de Folklore) 14th Congress "Track Changes: Reflecting on a Transforming World". I spoke on contagious/infectious diseases and their prevention with magical barriers in Lithuanian folklore. It felt really rewarding to be able to share my research with other people who are interested in vernacular (folk) medicine. It was my first time of being in such a large event as a participant, so there you go, another of these "first times".
Since the congress took all the day time, exploring Santiago was left to the early mornings and late evenings, when me and my friends would scroll through the Trip Advisor and search for local restaurants and cafes that are serving good coffee and churros. I have tasted so many versions of the famous grilled octopus, that I even don't know which one was the best anymore - they all were incredibly tasty! With my head full of ideas and thoughts, and belly filled with local delicacies I wandered through the streets of Santiago de Compostela, where the spring is already in full bloom.
Would I like to go back to Spain once again? Yes, of course! There's so much to explore! I hope that maybe next year I will be able to go there with my husband and enjoy this country a little bit more.
Photos © Aesthastic
Comments