We were in Santillana Del Mar today and the weather was not particularly cooperative so we had to come up with a plan for what to do. This wasn't so inconvenient since we were all a little worn out and a low key day of checking out shops and churches in a small town left over from medieval times and watching weddings happen in the present seemed like a real possibility. So, we headed out to check out the shops where we found warming shoes. Next we made our way to the main church that dates from the 12th century. We knew we'd be going back there; we just didn't realize how much time we'd be spending there. We did follow the signs to get tickets with which to visit the church but because acts were happening, we realized we'd have to come back later to see the chapel. So, I started taking pictures of the town including the watering troth at the end of the main street. This inspired Suzanne to buy film and do the same.

We went to the back side of the church and started to explore the structure

and statues

By now the acts in the church were proceeding and this sign was posted to let us know that there would be excitement coming. Tourists kept coming and going into the church even as the rice throwers gathered off the patio This car gave away what was about to happen (and indeed what the acts were). Suzanne and Sarah watched from the sidelines as the crowds assembled and these men started to guard the church to kept those assembled from entering.

There was a break in the action, as this car approached and out she stepped and prepared to enter the church on the arm of her father with her aides in tow But, none of this had any impact on the assembled rice throwers so we were left to wonder what was happening Two conflicting theories developed – maybe the wedding hadn't happened yet or maybe they were going back in so the photographers could capture the simulated wedding on film. Later when we learned the truth (or so we think) we realized how wrong we were. For now, we occupied ourselves by taking pictures of Sarah's hand

After a few more pictures of the church and of the house next door where the rice throwers were assembled, the newlyweds made their appearance and got pelted to the delight of the rice throwers With our final glimpses of the scene and the assembled spectators we realized that there had been 2 weddings and that this bride was different from the one we had seen entering the church.

All of this activity, made us hungry, so we headed to our table at the restaurant

where the local stew jamon and melon and local cheese plate delivered by this waiter made us happy.

After a long siesta, we headed out to explore the town again. In the clear day, we could see some beautiful street scenes and the phone booth in our hotel's lobby before going to the torture museum where these warnings were posted. Being tired, we did limited photography at dinner recording just Suzanne's main course of smoked salmon and her dessert of chocolate mousse.