September 28, 2022: First we visited Castelo de Soutomaior in O Real, Galicia.
Welcome to the Castelo de Soutomaior
The castle from the gardens.
The gardens are nationally recognized for their botanical diversity and unique specimens, including this giant Sequoia tree. It is unknown how old the 41 meter tree is, but it’s likely over 300 years old.
A camellia tree in the castle garden. The camellia trees in the garden all were exceptionally old (about 100 years).
Camellia seed – the source of camellia oil, a healing oil of Galicia.
Fish in the moat.
Yet another Galician horreo!
A view of a rival’s castle across the valley
The castle toilet. Probably a bit drafty.
View from inside the castle.
Another view from inside the castle.
That was followed by a four hour, 15 course meal at Restaurante Pepe Vieira on a hilltop in Pontevedra. We started in a lounge area with appetizers and drinks (this is where Elaine learned to love vermut rojo (red vermouth). He have no idea what most of these dishes were, but they were beautiful and delicious. We enjoyed them all.
Finally lunch actually started, and we were seated at two tables and were presented with dish after beautiful dish. Again, our guide explained the dishes to us as they were served, but it was just too much to remember.
After the above courses, we took a “break” and looked at the wine storage area and had a demonstration of preparing another beautiful dish.
We returned to our tables, and there were more courses!
At last it was over. We went outside to explore Pepe Vieira’s vegetable garden.
Elaine and William dressed “smartly” for the occasion, as was requested.
William and our tour guide Paula. Paula liked William’s fish-themed tie.
William, Paula, and our second guide Maria.
