Spain - September 18 - Oviedo

Friday was one of the most interesting days that we've had on this entire trip so far. It started with a beautiful drive - mostly along the coast - to Oviedo where we met up with Paco and Christina. Paco is a 2nd cousin (or 1st cousin, once removed, or whatever) of Nancy's on her father's side. We first met Paco and Christina ~36 years ago when we were first married. They came to America for a visit. Nancy has stayed connected with them over the years, and each of their daughters (Patricia and Christina) visited us in Boston at different times. Nancy, Kendall and G (Nancy's father) also took a trip to Madrid and Oviedo several years ago for a visit. Nancy and I both speak - a little - Spanish...Nancy knows more than me, but Paco and Christina speak VERY little English. Nevertheless, with a little help from Google Translate, we had a terrific visit and they gave us a quick tour of Oviedo - including the Cathedral of San Salvator, which houses several important relics, including: a blood-stain cloth believed to have been wrapped around the face of Christ after He was crucified; fragments of the True Cross; thorns from the Crown of Thorns; and much more. Patricia was able to join us for lunch in Oviedo, which many the conversation a little easier because she was able to act as the translator when necessary. Lunch was terrific and I was able to sample traditional Basque Cidre - which must be poured in a specific manager to aerate before drinking. It was delicious. We had a terrific visit and lots of laughs, and promised that we would come back again in the Spring for a longer stay.