If there was a Spanish version of The Big Lebowski, would The Jesus be "El Jesús?" [1]…read more It's places like Bowling Vigo that make me realize how messed up New York has become. Why do I have to get dressed up like I'm going to Pascha to get past the bouncer at Lucky Strike? As you enter Bowling Vigo, you may think that you just stepped into a rec room that has been untouched since 1975. There's a creaky billiards table, long fake wood-panel tables, a slightly dilapidated dartboard, and lots of old-school arcade games to keep you occupied while you wait for your turn to bowl. Descend the stairs to a dungeon-like basement and you encounter 8 bowling lanes. Because there are only 8 lanes, there's a 99% chance that you will have to wait in queue, go upstairs and play some foosball, or throw back a beer or two. But once you start bowling, you'll forget all about the wait. Adults, little kids, and teenagers alike are having a blast, or if their bowling skills are on par with mine, humiliating themselves. The lanes are well-maintained, there's enough equipment so no one is fighting for the 9 pound bowling ball, and the shoes are not growing live and active cultures. Later into the night, there's "moonlight bowling," complete with strobe lights and techno's greatest hits. Whenever there was a "technical difficulty" (e.g., pins getting stuck in the gutter), an attendant rapidly resolved the issue. At 3.50 euro a game, Bowling Vigo is a relative bargain. The hipsters would love this place. "That rug really tied the room together." [1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6H9-bj7vb8

Another of the most popular squares in the old town of Pontevedra. It is next to the Plaza de la…read moreLeña, this square has a more popular ambiance. It has tapas bar's and restaurants all around it with tables outside almost all year around being at its climax over the summer when it is very difficult to find an empty spot if the sun it is out. If you happen to be in Pontevedra this is a must to have a drink and to take in the local flavour!

Looking for a swimming pool (or gym) to use during your holidays? I can imagine people not…read morebothering at all doing exercises during their holidays, taking a break from all their obligations. However, if you are trying to stay in shape after eating all the delicious Spanish food all day long, this communal swimming pool with gym might be an option. It's not fancy and you will find yourself surrounded with only locals and especially (in the morning) with oldies. Also note that it might be busier during classes, like Aquavit and swimming lessons. A days ticket costs €5,- (May 2016) and gives you access to all the facilities, including a jacuzzi. One last caution before going swimming. First of all, be prepared to get changed in a communal area. And while doing that be prepared to do that together with oldies not scared to share both their naked bodies and the town's news in Gallego (no Castellano spoke here). You will always get the weather of the day and if lucky some juicy gossips. Secondly, get to know the system. There are only a few lanes marked with "bajo", "medio" and "alto", referring to levels. You will find the oldies ignoring those signs; they will be every where. Even the slowest will be in the high level lane. Do not pretend you can change that system and find a way to work around them. Lastly, enjoy this as part of your cultural experience. Because there is nothing as good as really diving into local's way of life during a holiday (at least for me).

This is the type of place you almost do not want to Yelp about because you want to keep it a hidden…read moregem! Cies was gorgeous and probably my favorite part of our trip. The water is cold but as clear and stunning as the Caribbean. The island offers some awesome camping right on the beach and has several hiking trails. A must see if you happen to be in the area. Make sure to book your tickets and permission slips in advance since they only allow a certain amount of people on the island. Go early in the morning if possible since it tends to get more crowded towards the afternoon.

This is one of the most amazing places in the world. I just went there a couple of times, but the…read morebeach is one of the most beautiful places i've been to. The water is so clear, clean, transparent, emmerald you feel like being in a caribbean island, the sand is so white, the only difference is probably the water temperature (it's the atlantic ocean after all). The only way to stay there is to go camping and to do so you need to book in advance as there're some restrictions on how many people can stay in the island at the same time. It's a natural reserve and it's very looked after. the only way to get there is catching a catamaran in vigo or cangas.

First note that A Curota is not really located in Vilagarcía de Arousa. It is a mountainous area…read morefor hiking and driving, however you wish to explore it. It is a vast expanse that overlooks the Ría (Estuary) de Arousa. Located about 5 minutes from Riveira and a few from Pobra de Caramiñal, A Curota has spectacular views. There are wild horses (and a few that are owned) wandering the hillsides, along with some cows that look to be the yellow Galician stock that gives rich milk but in smaller quantities. Arousa is the largest estuary and has a number of islands, most associated with something literary and historical. The mountains suffered forest fires of major import in summer 2006, but their beauty cannot be denied even today and hopefully the vegetation is recovering - although without the growth of eucalyptus trees, which are so damaging to the environment. Many locals and non-locals come to picnic or walk through this elevated area, which is spotted with ancient chapels (one has the tradition of throwing broken clay tiles at a window that is walled up; if your tile stays on the ledge instead of falling to the ground, you will marry within the year - I will marry 5 times this coming year, which means it doesn't take a lot of skill to land those tiles properly. One really awful site is what was done to the rock called A Pedra da ra (Frog Rock, in Galician). It is a huge boulder with a smaller one beside it, plus an intriguing, pointed rock looking out over the water. There are soft indentations in the base of the big rock and in the one pointing outward. The horrible part is that somebody thought it was necessary to climb higher than the rock itself and cemented the homeliest set of stairs in existence to the natural formation. It is so sad and one hopes the next politician in office might feel inclined to get rid of this monstrosity. The rock is high enough and the view incredible - no need to go up the side of it to stand about 2 meters taller. Can you imagine doing this to the Condor rock at Machu Picchu or one of the Stonehenge slabs? There is so much to see that even an entire day will not be enough. Read up on the various parts ahead of time. Wear comfortable shoes. Wander into corners with streams and frog choruses. Be kind to the environment - it deserves it. Look for different types of rock and the vast amount of plant life in this area. Imagine what the Celts and Romans felt when they stood in the same places. Light no matches. And if you have any leverage with local authorities, plead with them to get rid of those awful cement stairs! If you go once to A Curota, you will return.