A visit to La Sagrado Corazón

It was intriguing seeing a statue on the top of the hill, glowing white during the day and beige during sunset. I then took one late afternoon to go up the hill and check it out. Later did I know that this is La Sagrado Corazón, the Scared Heart. This was taken from the final stretch of the road leading to the statue. It took about 5 kilometers to reach the top from the city, with its winding roads and little safety barriers on the side.

The final stretch of trails of rock leading to the statue at the summit. The trees were still painted with Autumn's palette.


I was not the only one at the top of the imposing statue. The first stone was laid in the year 1963. It was finally completed in 1981. La cruz de los angeles, the cross of the angels were moved from the top of the pillar behind the statue to the base, for a reason I do not know.

The sunset casted a warm colour to the statue. At the top, there were families with their kids and pets, some chose to walk to the top of the mountain, and its not an easy feat though, not at all. I took the car to the last stretch of the summit and walked the rest.

The view was spectacular. You can see some people pointing to others, that's the cathedral, that's my residential area, and that's the direction of Madrid. Can't help it and took a series of shots from the top of Monte Naranco. This is the panaromic view of the city of Oviedo. This shows only part of the city.

Street Sights

Check out the stores, see something familiar hanging by the window? Cured pig leg... Its a food that's really common all around Spain, I don't know about other countries in Europe though. You can buy one whole leg and hang it in your kitchen if you want to, they can sell you the hanger which you mount on the wall. Neat...

This sense of individualism sometimes come out a bit disorganized. I don't think the whole neighbourhood would look great with everyone have their own distinct colour pallete.

Aseos (Ar-say-os), toilets, pay per entry, enough said.

Check out the nice greens, know how they keep it clean? See following picture ;)

Kinda cartoony sign. Basically the sign means, proper conduct, tidy city, so start picking up your doggie poo people...

The beach front of San Lorenzo, on my way back to the parking. Adios, Gijon, it has been a great day.

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.