We had a leisurely breakfast from our supermarket supplies before wandering down to the canal. We followed that for a short distance, before crossing the road to As Burgas, where we tested the thermal waters. We could only sample them from the fountain, as the free public baths were closed for maintenance.
Continuing up the hill, we reached the main square, which just seemed to be opening up. We sat down at a café and enjoyed a second breakfast, watching the action in the square: a small dog letting his green ball roll down the hill to his owner; a police patrol checking all was well; parents playing tag team with their active toddler; and a family of storks who had nested on the top of a crane, getting a ride everytime the crane moved a load. Just as we were leaving we heard a commotion, with shouts, whistles and the occasional small explosion - it was a demonstration, advocating for better working conditions.
We had a stroll around the old town before poking our heads in the market. With no stained glass or fancy features, this was a food market for locals and we liked the down to earth atmosphere. The market spilled out down the hill to some shacks we had noticed earlier.
As it was a rest day, we paid 85 cents each to take the bus to the Outariz y Canedas thermal baths. Such a novelty travelling at speed! Out the window, we noticed the Roman bridge we will be taking tomorrow when we leave and then the Millennium bridge, which looks a bit like a roller coaster.
Leaving the bus, we walked over a footbridge to the baths. There are several of these thermal baths alongside the river, free to the public. We'd brought swimmers but one of us did not have the required footwear: the kind attendant lent us some thongs.
After showering twice, we sampled the three pools: one a bit hot, one a bit cold, the third just right. Actually, we read the sign afterwards and two of the pools were meant to be the same temperature, so it was probably just the order in which we sampled them!
The plan had been to walk the 5 km back to town, but we decided lunch was a better option, so we took the bus back. We found a quiet restaurant and enjoyed our lunch before heading back to our accommodation for our traditional rest day siesta.
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| A visit to one of Ourense's famous thermal springs was a highlight of the day |
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| As Burgas thermal springs |
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| Second breakfast in the main square |
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| A noisy demonstration |
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| Rest day wandering in Ourense |
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| Some sculptures inOurense |
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| More rest day wandering in Ourense |
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| A short bus trip to the Termas Outariz y Canedas thermal springs |
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| Birds - storks nesting on a crane |
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| Place mat showing our current Camino route |
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| Day 64 - Map |
Day: 64
Distance: 0 km
Walking time: 0 hrs 0 mins
Elevation gain: 0 meters
Cumulative distance: 1,281.32 km
Glad you got to use your togs. Thermal baths sound like the perfect way to enjoy a rest day. Going well you two! Says Wendy and Richard
ReplyDeleteIt was a great way to spend our rest day! Hope you have adjusted to life post-trip!
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