Blogs from Villamayor, Salamanca, Castile & León, Spain, Europe

Leaving lovely Porto behind we encountered some brilliant scenery heading out of Portugal. We crossed a bridge 353m above the valley floor and also the Marao Tunnel which is 5.6km long on a road that was only extended a year ago. It was later we learned this to be the most dangerous road in Portugal due to some really steep sections that many trucks had incidents on. Salamanca is a very pretty city. Along the lines of Oxford or Cambridge, it is a University town. Hence the population is fairly young (or are we getting old?). The buildings and streets are incredibly ornate and grand with the buildings having been constructed using cut stone so a much more recent technique. This gives a very attractive style and appearance that has been kept consistent throughout the city ... read more

Thoughts to Jot: I've already said this to a couple of you, but one of my favorite parts of traveling is that you have no idea what each day will bring you! I seriously feel so much more open to spontaneity and what the Universe has to offer when I travel. Last weekend I had no evening plans and Judith invited me out with her friends. We were out until 4:30 AM-hanging out with 2 different groups of friends of hers. She showed me all the cool bars where the Spaniards hang out (VERY awesome places-unlike the bars I've seen in the States) and I found myself dancing to solely Spanish music all night and watching spontaneous bouts of Flamenco dancing break out. Very fun! The next day (I slept three hours that morning then was ... read more

Thoughts to Jot:Well I find it extremely fitting that I just received my clinical license (to be a therapist) since this entire housing issue with my host, Judith, has proved an experiment in conflict resolution between an American and a Spaniard. On Saturday morning, with Judith's friend finally gone, and her mother having come to the house late the night before to provide me with all of my favorite foods, I decided to take advantage of Judith's good mood at breakfast and try one final time to discuss everything. The night before I found an apartment (further outside of town) for an amazing rental price and near an American friend of mine. I had the option of moving into it immediately (providing that the University gave me my money back!). I went with my intuition to ... read more

Thoughts to Jot:First day of school and I managed to forget a pen or pencil-felt like a little kid again-only a little kid in a classroom where everyone speaks a different language and so who do you ask to borrow a pen or pencil from??? Breakfast in front of an ancient church with the church bells ringing in the background, as I sipped tea and wrote in my journal. THANK GOD I found some friends to have tapas and drinks with! Spent the evening talking the issue of monogomy in marriage, Ethiopian history, and the geography of Zimbabwe with a woman from London and a gentleman from Eritrea. Sentiments: How is it even possible that this is my daily life!! It is far too wonderful and I am filled with gratitude and awe. Note to Self: ... read more

23/04 Despedida mais que especial de pessoas tão especiais pra mim. Obrigada sempre! 24-25/04 Depois de sair de Uberaba com a família (papai, mamãe, Rui e Marília), e de esperar algumas horinhas (por sinal muito boas, e ao mesmo tempo angustiantes) no aeroporto de São Paulo, tomei um Chopp Devassa - MARAVILHOSO (vocês sabem como é né, Larissa e Tatá?) - e dei uma passeada pelos free shops. Muita coisa boa e barata! O presente da Larissa na volta com certeza vai ser uma coleçãozinha de Absoluts pequenas, lindas, uma de cada sabor! =) A parte até então mais difícil da viagem tinha chegado, e não tinha mais como evitar: o avião! Meu maior medo do muuuuundo!!!! Mas nada que 1 Dramin, uma Maracujina e 1 Chopp Devassa não dessem jeito. Dormi muito durante o vôo, ... read more