Romans in Sasamón

The Romans ranged far and wide across what is no Spain. Augusts camped out in what was the Celtiberian town of Segisamo (hence Sasamón) on his way to make war with the Cantabrians. The Romans were conquest crazy and didn’t let up until someone put a beating on them. As they did throughout the known world of their time, the Romans left all manner of artifacts behind, from aqueducts, to coins, to theatres, to mosaic floors. In the town of Sasamón, you’ll find some interpretations of their civilization such as the scene below.

There are authentic pieces mixed with newer versions. And here are the real coins of realm.

And a few more just for contrast.

That was real money, plunked down for goods and services when the Western Hemisphere was not yet known by Europeans. Roman ruins, gothic cathedrals, modern art, great food, just a few of the many reasons I enjoy visiting Spain.

Published in: on July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , ,

Just Cruising Along

Flying in the trusty Cessna 172 as I frequently do, I pass by Pottstown-Limerick Airport (now Heritage, or for pilots out there KPTW). Anyway, this airport is one of my regular checkpoints on my way cruising to another locale. It’s easy to find because of the huge cooling towers at the nearby power plant. Here’s a shot of the field.

The runway itself is in good condition with ample width for those challenged by the centerline. You have to be mindful of the medevac helicopter that comes and goes. He’s known to depart in a hurry, and rightly so. Always do you checklist.

Published in: on July 12, 2010 at 6:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , ,

Sasamón, Spain

Sasamón, Spain features a magnificent “little” cathedral that you would not expect in this location. The town is quite small but on the Road to Santiago and therefore a stopover for pilgrims both presently and in days gone by. I call this a “little” cathedral because it has all the features of larger examples. The correct name is Santa María la Real.

The scene above gives a sweeping introduction to both the town and the church. You see the fountain there and if you were able to turn around, you’d be looking at the ayuntamiento, or government house. The gateway and yard beyond beckons the traveler to the church in the background. The church went through several iterations as it grew or was remodeled. You can see remnants of the different styles as you amble about the grounds.

In the cloister, you’ll find examples of cut stone artistry, still standing centuries after it was put in place. Inside are tableaus like this one.

A dramatic altar piece…

…and in the choir loft a well-played organ.

…and a baptismal font with fine carvings, too…

In particular, note the sleeping dogs around the base. Then have a gander at the pulpit, also of carved stone.

Again, there must have been hundreds of masons and no shortage of master craftsman pounding hammers and chisels all day long to build structures like this. It wasn’t the only church in town either, there were three, two of which survive. While walking through this church, we were the only ones present. Having a site like this to yourself is another honor. Enjoy it and be respectful.

Published in: on July 11, 2010 at 11:42 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , ,

Posada Casa Vieja, Spain

Posada Casa Vieja, located in Turégano (not far from Segovia) stands on an old village square that will take you back centuries. The photo below hangs on the wall in the dining room, along with several others taken during the early days of photography through the 1920’s or so.

The posada itself is the building on the left with the three balconied windows on the upper level. Not much has changed in the past couple of hundred years as you can see from the next photo.

We happened upon this place in search of a good supper. (Sadly, supper the night before was awful and I needed culinary redemption to preserve my faith in Spanish cooking.) I saw local families loitering near this place and decided to pop in and see what was on offer. Upon entering the building you’re in the taberna, which is a welcoming spot for drinks and small fare.

The fellow behind the bar is the owner (third generation at this point) and he works hard keeping his customers happy, as does his waitstaff who left no need unfulfilled. So, we take a seat in the dining room where those photos are hanging.

After ordering, I scope out the photos which show village life back in the day in black and white glory. Things were not easy back then but the people have risen to the challenge. Then the food arrives. After a couple of salads, a sea bass filet comes.

Sorry about the shaky photography. There was wine, too. Then a bit or roast baby pig.

That dish is famous in this part of Spain. Don’t pass it up. Tasty, crispy, very good! After the meal, I learned my waitress was originally from Poland but now living in Spain with her husband and baby on the way. The owner and I also had a nice chat about my other favorite restaurant in Aruba, Casa Vieja, which is a Colombian joint. He laughed at that and my rudimentary Spanish. Then we were on our way for a good night’s sleep before trekking on through the hills and dales of España the next day.

Published in: on July 10, 2010 at 12:47 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »