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A box of old New Scientist mags across a range of years c.2011 to 2014 (most appear to be in the 2011 range). They are full of amazing info and it seems a shame to be sending them to the recycle station! Free to anyone who would like them.
Welcome to Santiago de Compostela! If you’ve ever walked or cycled the ancient Camino de Santiago, then this incredible city will need no introduction. The capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, Santiago is the final destination and is the perfect reward for the achievement of completing … View moreWelcome to Santiago de Compostela! If you’ve ever walked or cycled the ancient Camino de Santiago, then this incredible city will need no introduction. The capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, Santiago is the final destination and is the perfect reward for the achievement of completing this world renowned pilgrimage. Steeped in culture, culinary delights and captivating sights, this unique city has it all and more.
In a nutshell…
Santiago de Compostela is a charming cathedral city brimming with character. Located in the north-western region of Spain, this unique destination has welcomed pilgrims for over 1,200 years and is unrivalled in its welcoming nature. Coming from across Europe, those who trekked to this isolated area of Galicia walked on the roads now collectively known as the Camino de Santiago. Nowadays, Santiago continues to welcome over 300,000 Camino pilgrims every year, attracting both walkers and cyclists. The extraordinary reward for conquering these trails is this incredible city, jam packed with historical treasures…
Sights not to miss…
The first place you should head to is the Praza do Obradoiro. This is the main square in the old town and is a hive of activity, often enveloped in a symphony of bagpipes which welcome pilgrims after their long journey. Located to the west of the famous Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the square is a fascinating people-watching spot as such an array of different folk gather and celebrate; such a sense of camaraderie and joy are classic holiday ingredients! One of the most interesting times of year to visit the square is on July 25, when it hosts an exciting array of St. James’ Day celebrations. These celebrations include an elaborate firework display the night before the feast day, along with a variety of other incredible cultural events you won’t want to miss.
The focal point of the city has to be the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral – a roman-esque structure with elements of Gothic and Baroque architecture. The cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, and is one of the main attractions that entices holidaymakers from across the world to this small city. For those drawn to heights, there is the option to walk up to the cathedral rooftop to get an awe-inspiring, 80m elevated panoramic view of Santiago.
Recognized as a UNESCO heritage site since 1985, this historical town has no shortages of other incredible buildings and Baroque architecture. Notably, many of the university buildings, some dating back to as far as 1495, make up one of the oldest universities in Spain and in fact across Europe, being 522 years old as of 2018.
This city is not only known for its history however, with Santiago also being a fantastic place for the avid shopaholic. The quaint streets of the old town are home to local gastronomic delicacies as well as the local craft of silverware and the jet stone – a black mineral stone which led to coining the phrase ‘jet black’; it was used in the Egyptian and Roman times as a protective stone. Santiago is also home to a variety of street markets, shopping centres and the El Ensanche shopping area which is a large expanse of shops which are best experienced on foot.
Furthermore, the Alameda Park is a great green space that is central to many of Santiago’s celebrations, but also has a peaceful aspect for a calm stroll, and a stunning view of the Cathedral from Paseo de Ferradura which is located on the hillside of the Santa Susana hill. Here you can also find the Monument to ‘As Marías’; A bronze sculpture depicting two sisters who lived in the late 20th century and used to walk in the park every day wearing clothes not commonly seen for their time.
Flavours of Santiago…
The bustling Mercado de Abastos is one of the largest traditional street markets in Europe and is Santiago’s 2nd most visited attraction after the Cathedral. Locals bring fresh food of all kinds, whether it be fruit like figs and oranges, or seafood such as prawns, sardines and even whole octopuses. This is truly a foodie’s heaven!
A must-visit is Abastos 2.0, a ‘gastronomic space’ just round the corner, producing ‘fridge-less cuisine’, using the best fresh delicacies available in the market to design a daily changing menu made up of delicious mini-dishes – choose wisely though as it is one per person…
From the Cathedral, you may also want to wander down the bustling street Rúa do Franco, named for the French pilgrims who used to stay there. It is here where you will find some of Galicia’s best traditional restaurants serving delicious local foods and tapas – the perfect spot to enjoy a legendary lunch!
Dishes to try…
– Pulpo (Octopus) – the speciality of local restaurant O Dezaseis where the octopus is cooked until tender and thrown on a hot griddle and sprinkled with smoked pimentón (Spanish pepper).
– Tarta de Santiago – this almond pie literally named ‘Cake of St. James’ was traditionally baked as a reward for pilgrims completing their journey, but more modernly simply a regional specialty. The cake is covered in a sprinkle of icing sugar, with the shape of St. James’ cross left plain in the center.
Feeling inspired? Give me a call and let's talk Spain - I have an interesting collection of walking and cycling holidays on offer!
McKechnie Aluminium Solutions is in recovery mode in the aftermath of a major fire at its Bell Block…
Gilbert Street New Plymouth
Lots of items. Kitchenware, furniture, linen, clothing etc.
EFTPOS Available
Please park on road and walk down
I would like to do a bit of a shout out for this amazing local Taranaki service that I have just learnt about today. I see this to be a common problem and real worry for some of my clients. So yes you can still go on holiday and not worry about your fur babies - help is at hand!
Here is a peek of… View moreI would like to do a bit of a shout out for this amazing local Taranaki service that I have just learnt about today. I see this to be a common problem and real worry for some of my clients. So yes you can still go on holiday and not worry about your fur babies - help is at hand!
Here is a peek of what these locally based guys can offer;
Feeding (all animals)
30 minutes • Tailored visits to suit you & your pets.
Feeding your animals the way you want. There are no additional fees for multiple pets, our first “meet and greet”, key pick up or drop off, mail retrieval, bringing trash to the curb or watering your plants
Walking (as best for your dog)
30 minutes • Tailored visits to suit you & your pets.
Walking your dog/s the way you want. There are no additional fees for multiple pets, our first “meet and greet”.
For more information check out the link below.
Hi Neighbours, we are looking into teenagers' internet habits and keen to hear your experiences of your children's use of the interweb. We'd like to know, has your teenager skipped meals in order to spend time on the internet?
Hi Neighbour,
Are flies & insects driving you crazy this summer?
Exceed's retractable screens for windows & doors are the perfect solution to create and enjoy a bug free, spray free home this summer!
- Our clever screens can be pulled into place when needed, then pushed back into a… View moreHi Neighbour,
Are flies & insects driving you crazy this summer?
Exceed's retractable screens for windows & doors are the perfect solution to create and enjoy a bug free, spray free home this summer!
- Our clever screens can be pulled into place when needed, then pushed back into a discrete, tidy cassette when not in use.
- They are smooth and easy to operate.
- They’re stylish, robust and a significant innovation over old-style hinged or sliding screens that were permanently visible all year round.
- Plus they can be colour matched to your joinery.
- They fit most window and door configurations including, hinged, bi-fold, sliders, and French doors.
Click on the link below to find out more about our screens and watch videos of them installed in different kiwi homes: www.exceed.co.nz...
From the Exceed - we fix windows & doors team
0800 25 25 00
exceed.co.nz
www.youtube.com...
This event has been organised primarily as a recreational cycling event. It has 148km of magnificent mountain and rural scenery passing through 11 Taranaki townships. There are 5 transition areas on the course and each has water, Pure electrolyte and toilets available.
The transitions are at … View moreThis event has been organised primarily as a recreational cycling event. It has 148km of magnificent mountain and rural scenery passing through 11 Taranaki townships. There are 5 transition areas on the course and each has water, Pure electrolyte and toilets available.
The transitions are at Okato, Opunake, Kaponga, Pembroke School and Inglewood for the teams and Te Kiri for the 2 person change over. There are also 4 bike mechanic vans on the course should you need assistance.
This cycle event caters for all levels of cyclists and there are several options to choose from including the new event for electric bikes, Solo 74km or Solo 148km
We start 2020 with a visit to a small holding, which started as a bare paddock 3 years ago, and has been turned into a productive food growing area using organic principles, .
Phill and Ann Tarr are hosting this event at their property on 636 Inland North Road, Tikorangi. Phill will share his … View moreWe start 2020 with a visit to a small holding, which started as a bare paddock 3 years ago, and has been turned into a productive food growing area using organic principles, .
Phill and Ann Tarr are hosting this event at their property on 636 Inland North Road, Tikorangi. Phill will share his wealth of growing knowledge gained over many years, as well as his "sieve" composting technique. All your questions will be very welcome.
A shared afternoon tea is part of the event, and chatting with others after the presentation may help to generate ideas for your own property. Please bring something to share to eat, but tea & coffee will be provided.
Also please bring a chair to sit on if you are staying for afternoon tea.
RSVP by Friday 17th January to Shonagh on (06) 752 0889 or at taranakilandgirls@gmail.com
Hope to see you there!
UPDATE 31/12 - Sonic returned home safely after 10 days away.
We think he was trapped inside somewhere, as he was skinny & very hungry.
Thanks to everyone who helped to bring him home <3
My beautiful boy, Sonic was last seen on the evening of 21 Dec, it is incredibly unusual for him to … View moreUPDATE 31/12 - Sonic returned home safely after 10 days away.
We think he was trapped inside somewhere, as he was skinny & very hungry.
Thanks to everyone who helped to bring him home <3
My beautiful boy, Sonic was last seen on the evening of 21 Dec, it is incredibly unusual for him to go missing for this long. Can you please be on high alert for him and check any buildings / sheds / garages that he may have got into? I am frantic about my little buddy 😿😿
Sonic is only just 5 years old; white & grey; male; polydactyl; chipped; desexed; no collar; timid/nervous.
He has gone missing from the Mercade Close area of Stratford - at the end of Pembroke Road, down past the Golf Course.
Please contact me if you sight him - 02787-22309 (Jan)
When you join a Neighbourhood Support group you will:
• Have a great way to get to know the people that live around you.
• Receive emails and alerts that will keep you up-to-date with news from our community partners, including New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ and NZ Civil Defence.
… View moreWhen you join a Neighbourhood Support group you will:
• Have a great way to get to know the people that live around you.
• Receive emails and alerts that will keep you up-to-date with news from our community partners, including New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ and NZ Civil Defence.
• Gain tips and resources to improve your household and neighbourhood safety.
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Best of all - it’s FREE to join!
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Kicking a ball around a field on a summer's day, Gregor Forrest looks like any other football-loving…
Taranaki has the lowest number of households on the waiting list for public housing, new figures sho…
Talking to a family member about care can be difficult. To help start a conversation, you’re invited to visit our Open Day this Sunday.
This is a chance for you, and your family members, to experience the feeling of community at Ryman Care, first-hand.
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