Of Cows and Paradors

On the tour that we had to Finisterre, our guide Reuben talked about one of Galicia's most important topics: cows. Apparently, Galicia is like the Wisconsin of Spain. According to Reuben, a town may consist of two people and 300 cows. The Galicia region produces about 60 percent of the milk in Spain. The cows eat a fermented corn mash that smells terrible but that they love. There are strict rules regarding milk production. Antibiotics are prohibited. 

Here's Reuben. He told us some funny things about the care of cows. He said that the farmers are very concerned about the well being of the cows. Happy cows produce more milk and for a longer period of time. The farmers experimented with playing music for the cows. Rock music stressed the cows out and decreased the milk production. Music that was too soft didn't help them either. But what the cows did like was pop music. Reuben said he laughed so hard when he went to a farm and "Dancing Queen" by Abba was playing for the cows. 

From the subject of cows, we will move to Santiago's fanciest and most expensive hotel, or parador, Hostal dos Reis Catolicos. Parador was a new word for me and refers to luxury hotels in Spain. Hostal dos Reis Catolicos is at the top of this list.

It was commissioned by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1486 to help care for pilgrims who has made the arduous journey to Santiago. It fronts one of the same plazas as the Cathedral. Over the years, many doctors trained at the facility.

According to Wikipedia, Hostal des Reis Catolicos is considered the oldest, continuously operating hotel in the world. Over the years, it transitioned from a place that cared for pilgrims into a parador. It is considered one of the finest hotels in the world.

The parador is constructed around several courtyards.

Above is a 16th century wood carving that was in the entrance hall.

This contribution container in the entrance of the parador has a sign above it that says, "He who gives to the poor shall not suffer poverty."