Monday 1st July 2019
Today here on board ORIANA we are due in Santander, Spain. This brought back memories for me of visiting there in the early 1970s with my late husband, when we stayed in one of Spain's Paradors, in the castle on the mountain top, looking way down to the flat coastal beaches. It was a wonderful place to stay overnight, one of the many similar on a route following the west coasts of France, Spain and Portugal. We could look out at the oceans where we once travelled in Union-Castle Mailships, all those years ago, but from the land side this time and visiting lighthouses, promontories etc. on the way.
Before going ashore I took some photos on board.
With the photos taken, reality for me today was taking the shuttle bus to town from ORIANA's ship side, knowing the Plymouth/Santander ferry was due to arrive later today.
Our first visit was to the Cathedral, walking around the cloisters and admiring the various sculptures to be seen. . I liked seeing the carved dogs at the feet of their owners, which immediately shows the status of the dead. We see similar sights of course at home in local churches and cathedrals.
Walking along the promenade brought us to a coffee bar, away from the big crowds visiting the port like us. An old dockside crane was still in place alongside the water, as we admired the views on our walk. In the terminal building before going back to the ship we enjoyed seeing the model of a Brittany Ferries vessel with many little vehicles beside it.
Back at the ship we could enjoy lunch on board, and I located and admired again the beautiful glass ceiling in the Tiffany bar at the top of the atrium.
Later we could watch the Brittany Ferries vessel PONT AVEN arrive from Plymouth in the UK, turn and come astern to allow her vehicles and passengers to disembark here in Santander.
Ships seen: Oriana, Juan de la Cosa (Instituto Social de la Marina, registered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), Pont Aven
To be continued...