Visiting Vigo

Our first port of call was Vigo on the north west coast of Spain......it's an old,medium sized town mainly used as an access point for Seville and the more picturesque inland areas.
Apparently in 1702 a combined Anglo-Dutch fleet destroyed most of the Franco-Spanish fleet in Vigo Bay and captured treasure worth £1 million sterling......and Vigo Street in London is named after the victory.

 We were hoping to visit the cathedral.......but there was a service taking place

It turned out that the most interesting things we saw in Vigo had nothing to do with buildings at all.At first we were a little confused about just how many police and police vehicles there were everywhere.We came upon a very colourful anti-EU demonstration.....but very peaceful.....almost carnival like......the dozens of police seemed a bit like overkill.... 

but then we saw bikes arriving everywhere.....and realised that it was also the start of the 'Tour of Spain' cycle race.....though we did manage to miss the actual start!!

and then we came upon the 'passing out' parade of dozens of young 'Guarda Civil'......all looking very proud in front of their motor bikes.....with lots of senior officers saluting and clapping.

Turns out Vigo was having a pretty hectic day.......we rounded ours off with a wander round the shops.....and a cold drink.