It goes like this: you meet very early morning at the bus. You know most of the participants albeit not by name. You have packed your lunch and snack for the trip, because where you are going there are usually no restaurants. The atmosphere in the bus is full of anticipation - you have a long day ahead of you. And then it starts - the bus leaves the highway very quickly,and you sometimes wonder, if your bus will be able to go on such a narrow road . And then the guide starts his speech - centuries and styles and history details most of the participants (excluding me:) know perfectly already. You stop at the first church in a small village. You have to wait, till somebody - a priest or a village inhabitant - comes with the keys. And then you enter - and all of you forget the world and stand in awe - you inspect every detail , you subcumb to the atmosphere of the place - you see all the participants getting this strange look in their eyes -looking for the romanesque little window, or the gothic fresque....you are connected in the moment - you admire, you are greatful to your ancestors who left this amazing heritage to you.
And then the guide reminds you: time! ladies and gentlemen! And you try to be disciplined and get in the bus, before shooting one last shot. And in the bus you compare notes and discuss and you feel great!!
And sometimes you have to look very careful and sometimes you have to believe - that under the surfice there is real beauty hidden...waiting to be discovered.

What a wonderful way to share your trip...I love the posts of the beautifyl wall paintings and your commentart really brings it alive. I really like 23 - but I always like posts that detail the grain of wood cariad · 2011-05-01: 05:03

Marie, these shots and your explanations are soooo nice to view! I have long been fascinated by the history and beauty left behind waiting to be discovered. It would be like heaven to explore these places in your beautiful country! Keep on giving us more, please. And you photo's really enhance the tours!!! Love the angle and beauty of #8. danrav · 2011-05-01: 06:03

Thank you, it is very nice learning all of those beautiful church, and the painting amazing. 10/10 LisaMarieGeorge · 2011-05-01: 06:40

Gracias por dejarse acompañar en sus descubrimientos, Marie! miguelcruz · 2011-05-01: 07:32

THANK YOU!! What a beautiful place and a fantastic shots of it! ????? · 2011-05-01: 07:45

Thanks for sharing,these wonderful painting and Lovely place,Excellent post mallusatish · 2011-05-01: 08:32

WOW!! Amazing shots , finbarr · 2011-05-01: 09:16

what a nice, informatve post Marie....love this !! Thanks !! MARETKA88 · 2011-05-01: 10:33

Very interesting set of images. I am particularly taken with the close ups of the doors. Jarvo · 2011-05-01: 19:56

Amazing set! pandka · 2011-05-05: 15:45

Tagged: church gothic wall paintings architecture