Goodbye, Vigo

 Hello!

 I had really enjoyed having my mother and grandmother in Vigo with me, but the day came when my Granma had to get the train to Porto, to fly back to Ireland. My mother and I would fly back to the UK from Vigo in a couple of days. 

 The three of us went into central Vigo and had one last wander around. I knew it would probably be my last trip into the city before leaving, and I was determined to make the most of it and commit my favourite things and places to memory.

 We enjoyed our final frozen yogurts. I had mango as well as my signature cookies, and it was divine.

 We saw a sad-looking dragon.

 Finally, we headed to Vigo-Guixar railway station and my Granma caught her train.

 It was strange to be back there. I remembered the night I arrived and met my Erasmus buddy, Esther, on the platform. I don't think I had been in the Guixar station since then - the train I took back from Santiago de Compostela arrived into the other central station, Vigo-Urzáiz.

 My mother and I would be getting a taxi, not a train, to Vigo Airport, as that would be easier from campus. So, this trip to the station felt like a wrapping-up of my story. I had two days to go, but coming back to Guixar signified some kind of ending and meant a lot to me emotionally.

 Thanks for reading.

 Liz x

Vigo: Palm trees and pizza

 Hello!

 After returning from our last big Galician class excursion, which had taken us to the countryside, the sea and a fort, it was nice to just chill in Vigo for a while. 

 I enjoyed getting the bus in and out of the city from my home up in the mountains. Spring was here and the days were bright and lively. I regularly took advantage of my Erasmus card discount at my favourite little coffee shop, Five Monkeys - they did divine milkshakes.

 I would wander down through the old town to the harbour.

 I would occasionally treat myself to possibly the most delicious pizza I've ever had, at the A Laxe shopping centre.

 I would then head back into the city to catch my bus up to campus.

 Vigo is an amazing place to live, and I can't wait to return some day.

 Thanks for reading!

 Liz x

Pontevedra

 Hello!

 After a hot, tiring but enjoyable afternoon climbing hills in Padrón, I and the rest of my Galician class collapsed into the coach for our journey to Pontevedra. 

 I was looking forward to seeing the city, as we had studied it in class and it looked pretty and impressive. I had also written its name many times, as Vigo, my base city, is in Pontevedra Province. 

 Late afternoon was turning gently into evening as we arrived in Pontevedra.

  

 I felt an immediate attraction to Pontevedra, and this grew as we strolled the streets and squares. There was a lovely atmosphere and it reminded me in some ways of Manchester.

 We met a parrot in the doorway of a bakery. He could actually talk - in English, strangely! He kept saying "Hello!" and waving a claw.

 As the air started to cool and night crept closer, we reluctantly made our way back through the city to the coach. Pontevedra felt so chilled and happy, and I knew I had discovered somewhere special.

 I adored my first glimpse of Pontevedra and couldn't wait to go back there. I would indeed return, with my mother and grandmother, but that is a story for another post. For now, I hope you have enjoyed my photos of this lovely city.

 Thanks for reading.

 Liz x