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Published: November 28th 2011
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Mountain Town
Town along the way to La Alberca 14 NOVEMBER - MONDAY
As we bid Sevilla farewell, we headed out of town and toward Salamanca. The highway, as most of the roads in Spain, was excellent. The clouds were gathering, however, and we encountered rain about 30 minutes out of town. The terrain changed, as we climbed into the mountains. We left Andalucia province and entered the Extremadura. The terrain stayed mountainous as we traveled near Merida. Going further north the land flattened out and we could see farms and fields for grazing. As we got closer to Caceres, there were at least a dozen castles we could see from the highway. Found out later that they are abandoned and you can just walk in. Good thing we found this out later, otherwise we might have ended up living "Under the Caceres Sun"!
Easily found our hotel and checked in. The sun came out, but it was still chilly. Our room had a view of the larger of the 2 cathedrals and the city. Got info from the front desk about which bus to take into town and took the 2 minute walk to the stop. It was almost dark, and you could see the 2 cathedrals
La Alberca
Side street in town lit up as we rode about town. Got off at the wrong stop, but received information from a very nice lady on the bus about a nice neighborhood near the cathedral where we could find some dinner. Decided on Leonardo's, which we learned is a local chain. There were lovely tapas in a case the length of the bar, and we had a great time sampling many different things and drinking some nice Spanish wine. Another ride back to our hotel (end of the line on our bus) and had a great sleep.
15 NOVEMBER - TUESDAY
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel we headed back into town. Glad we brought the "brellies" as it started to rain. Got off at the proper stop and headed for the cathedrals. They weren't as spectacular as Sevilla, but with the audio guide we learned about the patron families who sponsored chapels and helped finance the cathedral over the years. Also found the monestary of St Stephen and enjoyed taking photos of the cloister and main sanctuary. It was time for dinner, so we found the side street recommended by the hotel where there are plenty of places to eat.
Door Lentil
One of the newer buildings Rain finally subsided, as we decided which place looked good. Most every place offers a menu del dia, with variations of the same dishes. It was yummy, and we headed back to the hotel for some dryness and sleep.
16 NOVEMBER - WEDNESDAY
Needed a change from the churches and museums. So we decided to take a drive into the countryside to La Alberca, about 1-1/2 away. We were hoping to connect with the folks who conduct the immersion sessions for Pueblo Ingles, but they had a bye week and we just walked around the hotel. Quite a place! Not very old, but built to look medevial, and 4 stars. Turns out, if we would have visited with the PI folks at the hotel, we never would have walked around town. La Alberca is a tourist town knows for its thermal springs and hot pools. Most were closed down for the season, but the town was really charming. It could have been used to film Lord of the Rings, most buildings were older than the 1200s. Stopped for a coffee in a bar that was in a building circa 1200. Weather was great today---mostly sunny with a few
Cathedral of Salamanca
One of the columns in the main sanctuary clouds. Did something we normally don't do, and had dinner back at the hotel. It had been a long day and we were glad we didn't have to take a bus back afterward.
17 NOVEMBER - THURSDAY
Last day in town. Visited university area - oldest in Spain. Wanted to see the Courtyard of education, and on our way we spotted a Valor chocolate shop. So, after a nice walk around the courtyard we had a nice cup of hot chocolate with some churros (freshly mde, of course!) Afterward, went to museum of Salamanca. Learned about the artists who decorated the churches all over Spain, as well as the history of the town. Next, we wanted to see the Gardens of huerto calixta and malebea. They are built on a part of the old city walls and you get great views of some of the city from there. Headed back over to the Plaza Mayor for a drink and to people watch. Dinner was at our favorite street and back to hotel.
Salamanca is the home to the oldest university in Spain. The Extremadura is a place that gave us many famous explorers. De Soto,
Balboa, Cortez, Pizarro, are a few who were born and raised in this area. There are many natural parks and there is still evidence of the Roman influence in the towns and countryside. This is also the area where the pigs gorge themselves on the acorns in the forests, which gives us that wonderful premium jamon. Would be great to return and explore this beautiful, wild area more.
18 NOVEMBER - FRIDAY
San Sebastian
We left Salamanca and drove northeast to San Sebastien. It was only for 1 night and a way to shorten our trip to Bordeaux. Our hotel, Bellas Artes, was clean and comfortable. Leire and her mother, Carmen, were good hostesses. They gave us lots of information about the town and some great suggestions for a brief walking tour of town and some of their favorite places to eat. San Sebastian is a cute resort town on the Atlantic, but in a protected bay. Still lots of folks there in November, but I am sure it is packed in the summer.
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