Printed on 9/8/2010 7:28:14 PM
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Reference Page: http://www.literarytraveler.com/tours/spain_tours_galicia.aspx Printed on 9/8/2010 7:28:14 PM |
| Location | Spain |
| Dates | June 18-25, 2007 |
| Fees | $2,600 U.S. $360 U.S. single supplement Fees include books with the readings accommodation daily discussion guided walks two meals each day informal talks admissions local public transportation private tours receptions |
| Accomodations | Monastery of San Clodio (Leiro), 3 nights Casa de Fervenza (near Lugo), 2 nights Casa Grande de Bachao (near Santiago), 2 nights |
| Authors | St. John of the Cross St. Teresa de Avila Rosalia de Castro |
| Discussion Leader | Ba Gonzalez is a native of Galicia currently living in Toronto. She is a writer of many articles and reviews and two novels that have been translated into German, Spanish, Dutch and Serbian. She will give all the talks and lead the discussions and the local walks. Robert Castle is a member of the Board of the Gregorian Institute of Canada (GIC) and Director of the massed choirs of the GIC at the national colloquium. |
In the northwest corner of Spain lies Galicia, a land of mist and green, the end of the world for the Greeks and where Homer thought that the sun completed its circle. This is Celtic Spain, an interior land where myths and poetry abound and one is never too far from a monastery. The continents highest cliffs are to be found here, but also the fertile unions of sea and land which are the rias, remarkable formations where the ocean calms and penetrates inland to bring life. Old prominent hills worn down by erosion abound and lush valleys appear here and there carved out by a thousand rivers. In the remotest spots are the briars, the ancient, mysterious forest.
Galicia is also home to one of the most important pilgrimages of the Catholic Middle Ages the end of the road along the Milky Way that has as its destination the spectacular Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Along the cobble stone streets of this beautiful city the bagpipes sound out, merging hauntingly with the ringing of church bells.
To help us unearth the mysteries we will be discussing selections from Spains best loved mystical poets St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa de Avila. We will also be reading the poetry of Galicias greatest literary luminary, Rosalia de Castro. Together we will visit the Roman cities of Lugo and Orense, the spectacular medieval city of Santiago de Compostela and the town of Ribadavia, whose old Jewish quarter has been declared a cultural monument. Our lodgings will be in the countryside, surrounded by the natural splendour that makes Galicia so distinctive. We will be accompanied on our trip by Rob Castle, Cantor at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, who will give short Gregorian recitals and talks about monastic life and history.
We are the only group we know of that offers the opportunity to travel through both space and time to destinations like Dantes Italy, Hemingways Paris, or Dickens London. We explore great works of literature in the places where they are set to help us see the world through the eyes of those we read about. At the same time, we inevitably discover universal ideas and experience that transcend time and place. What makes our travel special is the balance of in-depth discussion of illuminating readings, easy guided walks to immerse ourselves in the cultural and natural history of a place, informal talks about the context of our inquiry, generous free time, and exceedingly convivial company. And, of course, exceptional cuisine.
With Classical Pursuits, you will not compromise the spontaneity, flexibility and sense of personal discovery you seek in your own private travels only the logistical details.
As children we constantly wondered Why? and So what? Return to the big questions now, in convivial conversation about great books, music, and art.
(please contact us using the above form to inquire about future dates or to arrange a specialized group tour.)
Classical Pursuits provides learning vacations with a difference.