Original street lights in the neighbourhood of Montealto
As my visit to La Coruña coincided with the Carnival celebrations, my good brother Fernando and his charismatic girlfriend, Sonia, took me under their wing and drove me all around town and surroundings, as the weather was rather windy and often wet, to show me the sights and soak up the atmosphere.
Playa de Santa Cristina, a bit wet and misty today
They also took me to a beach just out of town where our parents used to take us when we were children, for which purpose we used to take a boat from the Marina and this was always one of our summer holiday treats. We were always so excited to get on that boat and sail to La Playa de Santa Cristina! But today, Fernando drove us there.
Promenade along the beach of Santa Cristina
So this was our first stop on Sunday morning, where we managed to get a few shots, including the ‘Angulo Fernando’ as you can see in this picture.
Angulo Fernando
Effective, isn’t it? This angle is great to include tall buildings and features in photos which otherwise wouldn’t have been complete if using the camera in either landscape or portrait mode. I love this angle and I will be sure to use it in future.
This is my shot of same spot with Fernando and Sonia before being told about the ‘angulo Fernando’
At Santa Cristina, we had a drink at the lovely seafront bar of La vinícola and then we headed back for our walk along the Paseo Marítimo and a quick visit to La Torre de Hércules just to give me a chance to photograph it for my blog (published last week).
Locals braving the elements for the town folk’s enjoyment.
Even young kids joined in the evening celebrations and were happy to pose for my blog!
After another drink and lunch at their flat, we parted our ways until Monday evening, when people dressed in Carnival fancy dress were expected to ‘patrol’ the old part of town, and we weren’t disappointed, as lots of fun-loving locals had made the effort to dress up and face the rain and the wind for everyone else’s enjoyment.
More cheerful Carnival illuminations
We finished our most enjoyable evening at the Mardi Gras Club (very aptly named for the occasion), where we were lucky enough to watch and listen to the excellent band Los Claretes perform for about 90 minutes. They do covers of old Pop and Rock & Roll anthems, both foreign and Spanish, and we all had a wonderful time and a chance to let our hair down, boogying and singing along.
Excellent band Los Claretes performing at the Mardi Gras Club
Punters having fun at the Mardi Gras club
Sonia and Fernando joining in the fun
When the club shut, I said my sad goodbyes and headed back to my niece’s flat walking along the seafront and trying to capture the charming look of the town with all the lights on, as well as the light from La Torre de Hércules lighthouse. Here are the results: think Impressionism if you wish…
Playa del Orzan at night, looking towards Playa de Riazor
Sand barrier to protect promenade, looking towards La Torre de Hercules (you can just about see its light)
Fatima Saysell 