Port City of Gijon

Started off as a fishing village, now this town evolved into an important port in the Atlantic coast of Northern Spain. Its pronounced Gi-jon (ghi-hon). About 40km from Oviedo, with great view of the sea. I was first attracted to it when I found out about the yachts that were parked near the city. The initial plan was to get to Carrefour, and then IKEA and then to Gijon, if I have time. However, I missed two exit ramps, what are the chances... So I decided to go straight to Gijon.

I parked next to the beach. Luckily, the symbols for Playa is easily understandable, that's how I got to the beach without a map. I am not one who can easily find my way out of a city, especially one with lots of one-way street, think Malacca town and Penang town.

Playa de San Lorenzo, with some enthusiasts surfing, braving the winter cold.. you really have to give it to them!

Check out the waves, don't think I have what it takes to do body surfing in this weather and this sea condition. After a few beers, that might be a different story though ;)

The Church of San Lorenzo is situated at the cape next to the beach.

After asking around and using the longer way, which I realized at the end of the day, I found the yachts! And i have to say its pretty amazing, so many of them!

Looks like a yacht-mart. Luxury yachts, anyone?

See that one with the yellow hull? No, not mine ;)

More, more, more! I wonder how much one of these costs... I don't see any for-sale signs though...

Gijon is a nice city, however I think the buildings looked more modern as compared to Oviedo. Here's a rare glimpse of the sun casting its glow on the town.

Folk Music Band and Asturian Dancers

Link to YouTube Video used.Use arrow keys for volume control.

It always pay to wake up early on Sunday. I went for a walk in the town and stumbled on a group of local performers getting ready to play traditional Asturian music. Asturia is the Principality, 'state' where Oviedo is the capital. Bag pipes and drums are highly popular with folk music.

Using my limited Spanish, I managed to find out that this was a weekly performance by the locals. I thought it was a celebration of some kind. The music was pleasant and light.

It drew quite some crowd to the plaza. You can also see young kids, around 4yrs old trying to dance with their music. More than 10 cameras can be easily account for from one glance.

The same time, there was as well another group of performers. They are traditional Asturian dancers with colourful clothings. It was a morning full of energy, drawing more crowds by the minute.

They played the music and danced for nearly half an hour and then the band went circling around the city streets, playing their instruments along. That was when I parted with the dancers and band.

Frozen Movements

Since there is an abundance of statues in Europe generally, I guess it would be interesting to dedicate one post for them.

For a start, these are statues around the Universidad Oviedo. The autumn backdrop gives a nice contrast to their dull grey and shinny black.

I particularly like this one, with golden leaves covering the whole backdrop.

A change in backdrop drastically changes the mood of the picture. Here's another for comparison, which one do you like better?

This is near one of the entrance to San Francisco park in Oviedo. Nice, tender, loving, caring, love - all things good.

The following are taken in Gijon, about 40km from Oviedo.
Augustus Caesar in front of Igelsias San Lorenzo (St. Lorenzo Church), the first Roman emperor. The bright red garment contrast greatly with the dull winter grey.

Head bust of Alvagonzalex Claudio Sanchez, Naval Commander of "the Villa of Madrid"

King Pelagius, founder of the kingdom of Asturias, hero in the war against the Moors. When you visit Gijon, you'll find out that the King did not really stand in front of this particular Spanish flag ;) This is the next best thing to get a nice pose, without actually turning the statue 180degress.