There is nothing more special than to visit with folks you know -family- in a distant place and have them receive you as if you were at home, make you feel comfortable and shower you with affection and joy. It makes the travel experience much more enriching and enjoyable. This is what is happening to me in Pontevedra, Galicia.

On my third day in Europe I arrived at my destination, a hotel in La Lanzada, Sanxenxo, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for me. I was invited to the 35th anniversary celebration of my cousin, Beatriz Fernandez and her husband Tino. It was celebrated at the ‘Pazo de Señorans’, originally a 16^th century manor house, restored & refurbished to its former glory. There are many ‘Pazos’ or old-time country homes in this part of Galicia.

My first night in Europe was spent in Nazare, on my way up the northern Portuguese coast. I rented a car at Lisbon airport and took about 2 hours to wind my way north toward Galicia. Nazare is famous for having the best surfing in all of Europe. It is nestled between two cliffs which provide a deep underwater chasm that churns out the energy to create the mammoth waves. While I was there the ocean was more placid (in season for surfers is in the winter), but I could tell by the way the waves broke on shore that this was indeed a special place for surfing.