Auxiliars on Tour, Part 1: Ourense

We've been pretty rubbish since we've been here in the sense that we haven't explored our region at all. Galicia is quite a large area, scattered with diverse, beautiful cities and villages. Myself and Lily have made the resolution to visit all of the major towns and cities in Galicia before we leave at the end of May.

1st stop: Ourense! 
I'd heard quite a bit about this city because it's where Luz, one of the teachers at my school, is from. As it's her home town, I'd expected her to have bigged it up a little bit, but in fact when we arrived we found it just as she had described. Ourense has a certain charm that Vigo most definitely doesn't. It has many small and narrow streets, that seem like a maze when you're trying to get around. On each street there are at least 5 bars or restaurants, buildings with lots of character... this was the Spain that we had been looking for since arriving in Vigo!

We spent the afternoon exploring, and then in the evening the majority of our friends bussed it back to Vigo. Me and Lily had decided to stay, so found a cheap hostel, and headed out for tapas and drinks. We found a cute little bar that served super yummy tapas, and equally yummy wine. It was a lovely evening to top off a really nice day in Ourense. 

The definite highlight of our time in Ourense was the thermal spas. There are many different ones dotted around the city, and we headed to Chavasqueira, one of the biggest. We moved between the 4 different baths, relaxing, and breathing in the fresh air. I have never seen so many old people in the same place looking as at peace as they did in Chavasqueira! It was the perfect end to a chilled out weekend away.

 

The Millenium Bridge, Ourense

As we drove back to Vigo, I realised that I was smiling - I felt like for once a weekend had been well spent and productive. Don't get me wrong, I have loved every single one of our ridiculous weekends in Vigo, but sometimes it's nice to take a break from spending the weekend so hungover you can't move, and actually make the most of where you are.

Next stop...A Coruna and Santiago de Compostela!

Catherine x