View from the Red Iron Bridge, Girona.

After the Dali museum we made the short drive to Girona. We started a walking tour of Girona a bit late in the day and it was hot, hot, hot. We are finding the heat, particularly in the afternoons, quite debilitating so we need to get our sightseeing done in the mornings.

Bike path under the railway line.

The main square, lots of restaurants and usually lots of tourists.

It was only a 20 minute walk into the square from our camping site but it was 42C and a drink was in order. We found a bar by the canal and found the wait staff as hot and bothered as we were. Their surly and silent service did not earn them a tip.

Next stop was the Red Iron Bridge, apparently quite famous for the views it provides.

Came across a whole shop dedicated to these Caganers.

The literal translation from the Catalan language is ‘the pooper’ and it is a unique and highly popular figurine from Catalonia. It was traditionally placed inside Christmas nativity scenes as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and fertility. The act represents fertilising the earth to bring a rich harvest and a reminder that all humans are equal.

Today Cagners are styled after world leaders, pop icons, athletes and fictional characters. It’s quite an honour.

The Girona Cathedral. We are a bit cathedrals out so we didn’t go in. All those steps and 42 C didn’t help.

One of the big landmarks of Girona is the Roman Baths. This is a reasonably original complex of 5 rooms plus outside areas that show how the baths were used. For 2 Euro it was thoroughly worth the visit.

Opportunities to drink and dine are endless and it’s difficult to decide which Tapas bar to patronise. Air conditioning is a great influencer. The first place had cold beer and great croquets but we had a recommendation to check out.

This place is Zanpanzar and is fantastic. You choose your tapas from the selection, keep your toothpicks and they charge 2.60 Euro per toothpick. The food was sensational and we left stuffed but not broke.

Of course we found a sewing and fabric craft shop. Lovely people with an awesome range.

This is an inner city camp site.

We have encountered a number of these inner city camp sites that are usually cheap, have only basic amenities, hot as hell on concrete, but great location either walking or transport. It’s a great idea for a night when exploring the town is all you want to do but wouldn’t want to stay too long, particularly those without showers.

About an hours drive into the mountains put us in Vic, reputed at the prettiest town in all Catalonia. There was a big street market on Saturday morning so we of course had to visit.

Plenty of opportunity to sort your rubbish for re cycling.

The walk into the old town square and market was marked by many sights like this.

The local cops guarding the water fountain.

You can buy live chooks and ducks at this market.

It was a market with a lot of Catalan and Spanish produce, mainly fresh food, with the usual Chinese junk stalls thrown in.

Fresh truffles.

Legs of ham presented in this holder ready to carve.

A pig seat while waiting your turn to go into the butcher. They had 6 staff working flat out.

Pastry sculpture.

Collette contemplating what it is going to be like eating olives with lemon beer.

Beautifully decorated eaves.

Another Tapas bar for a rather expensive lunch but the food was awesome. This is a Catalan desert of chocolate, olive oil and salt eaten with toasted bread. It was to die for.

Doing a walking tour of Vic tomorrow morning, and trying some more Tapas, before heading to the hills to find a cool camp site.

David & Collette