La Coruña, Spain - Architecture and Fashion. . . . . . . . .

Named the 'Crystal City' because of the glass-enclosed balconies which adorn

the tall apartment buildings facing the harbor, La Coruña is a delightful mix of old and new. 

This area in the region of Galicia, is the wettest and greenest part of Spain, a world 

away from the popular resort areas. 

We walked around the city in an on again off again light drizzle, but still able

 to enjoy the architecture, plazas etc. 

As for a final chance at shopping, an exciting thing for me was discovering,
 with a little help from a local lady, the world's fashion giant Zara's flagship store. 
This company is actually based in La Coruña, its massive headquarters
 and design center being just a few miles outside the city.

Did I shop? You bet I did! The entire first floor of the huge shop was a showcase

 for that week's new stock and was full of amazing affordable items. I did 
notice that there were some very fashionably dressed women on the streets of
 this lovely Spanish port city.

La Coruña was our last port of call before setting sail for the return to
 Southampton, England. 

The Bay of Biscay was somewhat rough, but meeting up with several of our

 newly made friends on board, for good eating, drinking, laughing, and watching

 yet another fabulous musical show in the theatre, soon made us forget 

that the regal Queen Victoria was at sea tossing us, and the great singers
 and dancers, about a wee bit. All was good!

It's quite exciting cruising in winter, a much different feeling than in hot weather. 

Some people would not want to do it perhaps due to the lack of hot days on

deck, or sightseeing ashore in what can be chilly, wet weather. 

We thoroughly enjoyed it and would not hesitate to do it again.