During spring break I decided to venture to leave the familiarity of Andalucia and explore of new part of Spain: Castilla y Leon. This autonomous community is located just northwest of Madrid and is know for its abundance of castles, Roman architecture, medieval history, cold temperatures (due to mountainous and elevated plains), and typical gastronomy of meat and beans. I was unable to find any willing travel companions, so I reserved hotel rooms for one, downloaded a book for the trip (Ernest Hemingway's for whom the bell tolls) and hopped on the 8 hour bus ride to my first stop:
Salamanca.
Salamanca is probably most well know for its University, which is one of the oldest Universities in Spain. Spaniards and foreigners alike flock to Salamanca to study, and it is an especially good place for foreigners to learn Spanish. I felt very scholarly wandering around all the different faculties and going into the public library pretending I was a student.
Legend of the frog
On one side of the main university building there are images carved into the wall, mostly skulls and ancient looking things. However, on one of the skulls about halfway up, a frog has been carved sitting smack dab on top of the skull. The legend says that if a student of the University of Salamanca finds the frog, they will have good luck. If a non student finds the frog, they can make a wish and it will come true. Well good news, I found the frog!
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| University of Salamanca |
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| See the frog?? (On the skull in the middle of the picture) |
Next stop: Ávila
The coolest thing to see in Ávila are the old stone walls that were built to protect the city that remain intact and completely surround the old city. Arriving in the city and entering the old city through one of the tunnels in the walls makes a person feel like you have stepped back in time to a era where a rock wall actually could offer protection from enemies.
Last stop: Segovia
I've been interested in going to Segovia for a long time, ever since I did a report for a Spanish class on the
Roman aqueduct in the city. The aqueduct, which was used to transport water from the river through the city, has various stories and legends about its creation. The most well known legend is that it was created by the devil himself at the request of a poor slave girl who was tired of trekking uphill all the way to the river every day. The girl made a deal with the devil, who in return for her soul, constructed the aqueduct overnight. Since that time one of the city's biggest plazas and a handful of restaurants and cafes have been built around the aqueduct, perfect for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the view. (Although its doubtful that many locals were as in awe at the sight as I was!)
Although I remain loyal to my Andalucia, I enjoyed the chance to see another part of Spain and immerse myself in all the culture, legends, castles, and history of Castilla y Leon.
