Jo's Space: FROM VIGO TO VALENҪA AND ALL THE VILLAS IN BETWEEN

Crossing borders always excite me so much so that contentment tiptoes straight to my heart. Entering a country for the first time makes me silly with delirious anticipation. The borders between Spain and Portugal are not only one of the oldest but at 1214 km (754 miles) also the longest in Europe. Thrill seekers can even opt to cross the border with a zip-line!

I never feel comfortable in a vehicle traveling on the ‘wrong’ (right) side of the road, but my road trip from Spain to Portugal went astonishingly well. My host/tour guide/translator and historian was a chivalrous driver and although my heartbeat and blood pressure rose to dangerous levels many a time, we arrived in one piece back home.

Our first stop of many that day was at La Villa de Oia- mostly to visit the centuries-old Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia. It is the only monastery in the Iberian Peninsula that borders the ocean and overlooks the harbour with its spectacular views. A marvel not to be missed!

Sadly, the monastery is now privately owned and not open to the public. Signs of neglect and decline are visible and it is in desperate need of rejuvenation to restore it to its former glory. However, the adjoining church is still open for the public to enjoy.

The building of this Cistercian monastery started in 1185 but was only finished in the 18^th Century. Roman and French influences are evident in its architecture. It was listed as a Historic-Artistic monument in 1931 and the site has also been declared a ‘Site of Cultural Interest’ and is one of Galicia’s points of pride. A hidden gem indeed! There are strong indications that the monastic herbal garden belonged to the Cistercian monks who initially occupied the monastery. The present owners are currently in the process of restoring this garden back to its rightful glory.

Monastery de Oia

Galicia is still not declared an official Celtic nation but the remains of the Castro (fortified Iron Age settlement) at Santa Tregas is proof of just how deep the nation’s Celtic roots run.

Tourists from all over the world flock to A Guarda, the city nominated by the European Commission as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) for their role in tourism. The Monte de Santa Trega settlement and museum situated on the Santa Trega Mountain, form part of A Guarda's uniqueness. It struck me that many of these settlements were built on mountains and hills, always close to the coast.

Although only 341 meters above sea-level, the walk to the top was steep and the brisk breeze unpleasant. But the view from the top was breathtaking and worth the walk. The Atlantic Ocean, the Miňo River (dividing Spain and Portugal) and the villas from up there was a sight for sore eyes indeed. It is believed (or from what I could understand) that only 50% of the Santa Trega remains have been reconstructed and is still a work in progress. Once inside it reminded me a great deal of the rural huts in South Africa. There are no windows in these circular stone dwellings and the roofs are covered with grass. Each house is equipped with its own fireplace. Metal and copper tools, as well as ceramic artifacts, are on display inside the reconstructed houses. These communal dwellings are proof that families co-habited long before us.

Part of me always wants to linger a little longer in places of magic and imagination but Portugal was waiting and I was starving and in desperate need of food. "¡Tengo hambre!" was a phrase I often used.