Vigo, Spain

Monday, May 3, 2010

Today was a simply gorgeous day, sunny and 60s,just perfect for sightseeing.
We arrived in Vigo at 10:00 am after a windy , rocky night. We slept through most of it which was good.:)

Vigo is in the area of Spain that is known as Galacia. It has a Celtic heritage that began in 600 BC and continues today. This area of Spain is the rainiest and therefore is compared to Ireland and Scotland because it is so lush and green.. It is an important fishing and commercial port.
We also toured the countryside on a trip to Bayona, a seaport and beach resort that holds an important role in Spain's history. Bayona is the port that Columbus and the Pinta made first landfall on his historic trip home from the Americas. Vigo had the pleasure of being the first town to hear the news of the new world.

Our tour guide took us to a beautiful scenic spot overlooking the Bay of Vigo and then on through beautiful countryside to the resort town of Bayona where we stopped at a hotel for refreshments. The area was lovely and we took lots of pictures here. Afterwards we were given the option of taking a guided tour with our guide or being on our own. We felt confident that we wouldn't get lost and went off taking pictures and looking for souvenirs. It was a great day until we got back to port. The Independance of the Seas, a huge ship, was docked behind us and the passengers were coming back just as we were. The lines were astronomical waiting to go through the security checkpoint. The port only had 2 screening lines for about 5000 people :( it took 25 minutes for us to clear it.

Tonight is rather rocky again as we head up the Atlantic to the English Channel. The Captain said it should calm down tomorrow morning. Hope so, it is another sea day.

Just a note: Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Bay of Vigo





Coast of Bayona


Replica of the Pinta



Fort in Bayona


The security line!!