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Galicia: A journey through
the animated forest - SOLD OUT
A week of fine wine, Gregorian Chant, forest journeys and philosophical meditations
Location
Galicia, Spain
Dates
June 23–30 (7 nights)
Works
Graham Greene, Monsignor Quixote, Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
and selected Gallego texts
Program Description
After a magical trip to Galicia in 2007, we have decided to return to the animated forest once again. Galicia is the least known region of Spain, lying in the north-west corner of the peninsula over Portugal. It is a Celtic land where the bagpipes reign and the hills are verdant and fertile. Eleven per cent of all Spanish forests lie in this small region which has its own language and distinct history. The Sacred Riberia region of Galicia was home to the most important wine growing regions of the Middle Ages. Today, it is rising once again, producing some superb white and "toasted" wines which are gathering attention worldwide.
We will be spending three days in a manor house close to Santiago de Compostela – a world heritage site and the final destination of the many pilgrims who walk the camino every year. While there we will celebrate the festival of St. John on the 24th of June where bonfires are lit and music and fireworks abound. The middle of our journey will take us to the Monastery of San Clodio – a beautiful Cistercian monastery that has been converted into a majestic hotel. From there we will explore the forest of Ridimoas where wild horses roam and the presence of hobbits seem possible.
Once again we will have Rob Castle, the Cantor of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Toronto, on hand to chant in various places--towers, dilapidated monasteries, beautiful Romanesque churches and under the forest canopy. We will be discussing Graham Greene's Monsignor Don Quixote, written in a monastery in the area where Mr. Greene liked to spend many summers. In honour of the spectacular surroundings, we will also be reading Annie Dillard's wonderful Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Finally, we will sample some small works of notable Gallego authors including Ramon Otero Pedrayo and Manuel Rivas.
Discussion Leaders
Béa Gonzalez , a native of Galicia and novelist, will lead the walks and the talks and discuss her latest novel-in-progress, set in the forests of Galicia.
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.
Accommodation
June 23, 24 ---- Hotel Costa Vella, Santiago, 2 nights
June 25, 26, 27 Monastery in Leiro, 3 nights
June 28--- Pazo de Bendoiro, 1 night
June 29 (last night) -- Hotel Costa Vella, Santiago, 1 night
Fees
$3,035 Cdn
$440 Cdn – single supplement
Fees include
- books
and selected Gallego
readings
- accommodation
- daily discussion
- guided walks
- two meals each day
- informal talks
- admissions
- local transportation
- private tours
- receptions
