Segovia 2011: Salamanca and Avila

As usual, we met at the Aqueduct and left around 9 am. I think we all take for granted the fact that we hang out around this amazing 2000 year old structure every day!

We arrived in Salamanca just after 11 and were dropped off near the Roman Bridge (also over 2000 years old) and explained the history of the Romans in the city and took photos near statues of Lazarillo de Tormes before walking up to the outside of the cathedral. Luis gave a talk outside for almost 10 minutes then we went inside and spent about 5 minutes looking at the ceiling and walls before heading into the capilla where we would spend the majority of the looking at mostly religiously themed art from many different time periods. The town is full a lot of amazing architecture and history but you can only see so much so after a bit we headed off toward the Plaza Mayor and gave everyone an hour to shop before meeting back there. The plaza was full of people and many were Americans because Salamanca is a university town so it is very touristy. We walked to Gran Via for lunch where the food was once again fantastic. Choices were baked macaroni or paella for the first course and then baked chicken french fries or a plate of jamon serrano covered with fried eggs and french fries. Afterward everyone had some more free time before we met to walk to the bus. We left just after 4 for Avila and stopped outside of town to take photos of the city. The idea of an entirely walled in city for protection is pretty amazing. We had about 1 hour to explore the city so we saw the cathedral and the area where you can get on the wall and enjoy some panoramic views of the city but decided not to take that option.