A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Sunday 6 February 2011

Once Again In All That Vastness

7 comments:

Friko said...

Just one man, a solitary man, part of all that vastness.
Lovely playing, who is it?

The Solitary Walker said...

Joseph Szigeti, Friko.

Tramp said...

A stimulating patchwork of glimpses stitched together to give us a feeling for your impressions of your trip. Moving.
...Tramp

Luiza said...

I was "Once Again In All That Vastness" and it was comforting to be there. I saw the yellow arrow and knew that i was back on the Camino. Ah, Salamanca one of my favorite cities in Spain with its golden stonework and its grand Plaza Mayor. Thank you Robert ....

George said...

Beautiful, Robert! What an incredible, varied landscape. I loved the music, which I found quite haunting, and wondered if it captures the moods you experienced as you made this walk.

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

I really enjoyed this, Robert. I have very, very dear friends in Béjar, Salamanca and visit them often, so I am familiar with some of these spots. I remember being worried for you on this trek as it was one of the worst winters in memory for many people. So much rain and snow, you could have well titled it "Once Again in All That Wet Vastness". I know the hardships made it more rewarding eventually (once warm and dry and home editing photos and memories). And what can I say about Salamanca. What's not to love about a city that boasts of a New Cathedral from the 1500s, predated by the Old Cathedral, a couple of centuries older? And its main plaza is perhaps the grandest and most beautiful in Spain.

The Solitary Walker said...

Thanks, Tramp. I'm glad you found it moving.

Luiza, yes, Salamanca is an ancient and impressive city - though when I was there, in the depths of winter, it was under cloud and seemed sombre - no sun to illuminate that golden stone.

That Bach sonata captures prefectly the bleak solitude of some parts of the Spanish hinterland, George - but not quite all of my moods, which ranged from the despairing to the euphoric.

I remember you mentioning your Extremaduran friends, Lorenzo. What a long, wet winter it was a year ago! Salamanca is wonderful, though I had a mixed time there, and felt quite lonely among the bustling streets - nearly giving up the journey there and then. And you're right: that plaza is absolutely spectacular.