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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Malpica de Bergantiños...a Port for the Senses in Northwest Galicia

Nestled in the northwest corner of coastal Spain, about 50 kilometers outside of A Coruña, Galicia, lies an old, small, seemingly sleepy port town that resurrects itself at least twice each day with the arrival of the fishing boats and their workers, delivering their daily catch.


Malpica de Bergantiños is as picturesque as it is functional. The smell of the catch competes with the panorama of the port, as well as the cry of the gulls, in a competition for domination of the senses.


The grumble of the ice machine barely penetrates the cacophony of scavengers hovering overhead for what can be snatched in an instant by their eager and hungry beaks.



Close by are the nets and traps, repaired by the hands of local women, Gallegas; ready to be used on the next journey out to sea.


After the catch has been unloaded, venture inside to the auction house and witness the dance of buyers and sellers as they negotiate a fair price for the treasures culled from Galicia's Atlantic coast.



Later, venture up the ramps to walk into any bar for a café con leche or an Albariño (a white wine typical of Galicia). Here, you will see tables full of grandpas...abuelos...some playing cards over cañas of Estrella Galicia, others telling stories and reminiscing about the good ole days, or about the gossip of what happened in the village the night before.

Enjoy a tapa, like a wedge or tortilla española,


or a plate of pimentos de Padrón.


And maybe another caña or Albariño, but be careful, or your visit to the lovely port of Malpica de Bergantiños may not end as lovely as it started.



Salud!




  


4 comments:

  1. this reminds me of my honeymoon in canada. Thank you for telling me something like this is so close to home

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    1. Thanks so much for your visit! Are you living in Galicia now? Canada is beautiful. My husband and I have only been to Ontario and Quebec, and I have been to New Brunswick, but both of us want to visit the west coast as well. Vancouver is on our must-see list. Thanks again for your visit and feedback. :-)

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  2. Great post, Kelly - lovely photos - I rally must plan a trip to Galicia!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sue! Galicia is a wonderful place to explore. There is so much to see and do and taste. It's a great must-see list destination. Thanks for stopping by!

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