The map that the tourist office hands out has a suggested walk which more or less circumnavigates the city and takes in both most of the parks and gardens, and a fair few of the buildings of historic significance, los Edificios Historicos.
First off though I spent an hour just sitting in the Praza do Obradoiro watching the pilgroms come in, and acting as impromptu welcome committe and photographer for a few who had arrived by themselves.
The walk itself took about 4 mostly pleasant hours with stops for coffee aand tarta santiago, and lunch, along the way. Santiago is a university town, a fair proportion of the student population seemed to be out in the parks sunning themselves. It really is a beautiful city. The end point of the walk is Colexiata de Santa Maria do Sar, a 12th century church that has the most massive buttresses relative to the size of the church that I've seen, though when you see the angle of lean on the side walls I guess I can understand why. Unfortunately it was shut.
You would not know Spain was a country in the midst of an economic crisis looking at Santiago. The people all seem prosperous, the civic infrastructure is great and well maintained. It is about the same population as geelong, but feels cleaner, cooler, and richer. As a liveable place, it would have to score way higher.
Anyway, last day tomorrow ....
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