Waking up to the light peeking through the bottom of the curtains I am reminded of my days in warmer climates. Andy and I are dressed and down for breakfast by 9.15am and out into the glorious sunshine of Old Girona by 10am-after a quick check of emails etc, as being students of the modern world we are totally reliant on our technology.
Andy and I left armed with our cameras and ready to explore the old city. We spent the morning walking along the remains of the wall, proof that Girona was once a fortified city. If I thought the views from ground level were amazing, I was mesmerised by some of the views from the wall! I couldn't resist stopping frequently, either to take the view in more or to take a snapshot. One thing that I noticed was how the city had splashes of colour dotted around it. From the patterns on the wall to the different coloured walls to the streams of washing hanging out of balconies, the city was sprinkled with colour. That, and the glorious sun that had decided to shine on us made me exceptionally happy.
After our mornings' activities we paused for ice-cream before heading back to exploring the streets and stealing snapshots of the wonderous city. As we wandered along the cobbled streets we noticed one had been made in the early 15th century and was still in perfect condition. Again, another observation that makes me wonder about the British ways...
On our way back to the hostel for the afternoon Siesta, Andy and I passed the Cathredral. Now, this particular building kept catching my interest as we walked along the wall so I was delighted to see it close up. As we trekked down it's one hundred steps ( yes I did indeed count them all!) I couldn't help but feel energised. There's just something about old buildings that made me smile. That, lights and rivers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After our quick nap, we headed back to the city and had a little wonder around a couple of the shops. You can tell that the culture here is more purer is some ways as many places had little wooden puzzles, old family games and everyone is always so willing to help even when they don't understand English.
For supper we headed to a quaint little restaurant, "La Força Vella" where Andy persuaded me to try snails. Curious, although terribly nervous, I tried them. I haven't made my mind up on them just yet, to be honest the look of them was slightly sickening but they weren't too bad. But, I was rather pleased that I was brave enough to try them! Following supper we headed back along to the Onya River and passed by the Lioness of Girona. This is a little statue that travelers who wish to return are to kiss the bottom of the lioness' bottom to bring luck to them so that they may return. It's a fun little legend that I just had to take part in.
So, that's day two just about over now and I think I may just have fallen in love with the old city.