A Coruna, Spain

Thanks to everyone for your kind concern and prayers – I am feeling much better today, although still with a cough that comes in hard and then goes away until the next time.

So, A Coruna. I met some old friends today while I was wandering around loose…

Who knew they were in town and posing for photos with tourists?

But there was a very old, very narrow set of stairs whispering my name, and needs must…

This is La Torre De Hercules (the Tower of Hercules). It is one of the oldest still-functioning lighthouses in Europe. Originally built in 1 or 2 AD by Roman forces (yes, those Romans) and renovated in the 1700’s (by renovated, read rejuvenation of functionality and also made taller by approximately 21 feet). And yes, it is open to tourists, at least to the octagonal observation deck.

So, what is it with me and tall narrow staircases? Show me a nice straight stable set of stairs built to code, and I’m all ‘hard pass’. But an ancient, narrow, dimly lit spiral stone staircase? Yes, I would love to pay you 3.09 Euros for a chance to climb it!

And I made it, too! 242 steps to the top, 234 that are open to the foolish paying public.

Lookit the teeny tiny people walking around down there. Betcha they think they’ve got an amazing view.

To go with the ancient Roman lighthouse, I’m pretty sure we’ve got some ancient Roman road…

… which,FYI, is just as hard to walk on as Amsterdam cobblestones. I’m going to come home lame, I’m pretty sure.

In other news, my roomie has had some work done. I think I preferred the old look myself, but there is kind of an Eeyore-esque look to him.

Tomorrow? Oporto, Portugal. There may be yarn.