These are not bagpipes, but the sound is much the same. The Celtic roots of Galicia are strong in the music, language, food, and independent spirit.

Mariscos, baby. A platter of crabs, mussels, razor clams, and prawns. Wash it all down with a crisp Albariño.

If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this part of Santiago will seem familiar. Blocks lined with restaurants, souvenirs, and “productos tipicos,” tourist packages of local cheeses, liquors, wines, and chocolates.

On the steps of the cathedral in Santiago, with compañeros Chris Marson, Katie Fosselman, and Irene Marson.

The cathedral of Santiago seen from the park just west of the historic area of the city.

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santiago. Operated by the Franciscan monastic order. This is where I went to ask for the certificate commemorating the Camino pilgrimage by St. Frances 800 years ago.

That’s me on the plaza of the cathedral in Santiago. That’s the parador hotel in the background.