Oviedo Festival Video

We arrived in Oviedo, Spain to find a local day-long festival taking place. It was fun to see the parade through town, that included several different bands and many marchers in folk costumes.

Jim

Hillary Should Gag Geraldine Ferraro

Hillary Clinton supporter Geraldine Ferraro was on the "Today" show this morning being interviewed along with another younger woman correspondent. The question was about whether Hillary's gender worked against her and if that is why she is losing to Obama. Ferraro would not shut up. The other young woman barely got a word in edgewise. Ferraro was shrill, obnoxious, and repulsive, plain and simple. If Ferraro continues to get air time it can only cost Mrs. Clinton more votes. Perhaps Hillary can arrange for Geraldine and Bill to go on an extended vacation before either of them does more damage to her campaign.

Jim

PHOTOS: The small but charming gothic cathedral in Oviedo, Spain (sandstone construction,) and a popular street in Oviedo lined with "sideria" restaurants that specialize in serving the local cider and local foods.

Decompressing After The Trip

I'm still feeling a bit of jet lag after our return from Spain a couple of days ago. However, the weather here on Fire Island yesterday was so beautiful that you could not help but feel better no matter what. I took a couple of long walks with the dog on the beach and spent some time sunning in the afternoon. Today looks like another winner weather-wise.

PHOTO: Asturian shoes worn as part of a folk costume in Oviedo, Spain.

Zarzuela Last Evening - Road Trip Today

We enjoyed a fine Zarzuela performance, of Torroba's "Luisa Fernanda," at the Teatro Campoamor Tuesday evening. Today we drive south from Ovideo to Leon for our flight back to Madrid. The trip is winding down now but we'll be returning with many nice memories of our experiences here in Spain this time around.

Jim

A Festival In Asturias

Sometimes travelers seem to have little luck and dark days; on this trip we've had lost baggage, closed attractions and a couple of colds, no doubt caught on airplanes.

However, today in Oviedo was another banner day when we 'lucked out' and stumbled upon a festival, held every year in this sleepy capital of Asturias. While crossing the park to visit the Gothic cathedral again we encountered a parade of musicians and follk dancers, all dressed in the colorful costumes of the region. Some of the bands played jazz favorites by W. C. Handy, but others wowed the crowds with Spanish melodies and bagpipe songs. (Follow Jim's videos of the live music tommorow.)

After enjoying the myriad sights and sounds we decided to have lunch in the area where the Siderias abound. They are restaurants and bars where new, potent cider is poured by expert waiters who hold the bottles high above their heads, and without looking at the tilted glasses held in their other hand, pour the cider into the glass. Despite their expert aim, much of the foamy cider lands on the floor. We have found out that there are even cider-pouring contests at certain times of the year. The food is also excellent, based on rich red wines (tintos), a huge variety of cheeses, seafoods and meats.

Dan

Oviedo: Low Key But Nice

Oviedo doesn't get much of a recommendation in our guide book, but a stroll through the town is revealing. First of all, it's a university city, so there is a lot of youthful excitement to be found particularly in the old quarter, where many of the campus facilities are housed in stone buildings that were constructed centuries ago. We happened upon a festival this week which includes free outdoor concerts in addition to the Zarzuela performance that we will see tonight. Oviedo is nestled in a valley surrounded by tall hills. It features a charming Gothic cathedral that has wonderful stained glass windows. The food here is also very good. Last night we had a seafood dinner that featured delicacies such as razor clams and octopus. The restaurant district near the old town is bustling. Our guide book does not do the town justice. It's a charming city in NW Spain that is well worth at least a short visit!

Jim

PHOTOS: Teatro Campoamor, Cathedral, restaurants on the Calle Gascogna

On The Road To Oviedo

We have arrived in Oviedo. The four hour drive from Santiago de Compostela was pleasant with much interesting scenery especially along the Atlantic coast of Spain. We will be attending a performance of Zarzuela tomorrow evening. Today we picked up the tickets after we checked into the hotel. It's warmer and sunny here. I'll post some pictures soon.

Jim