Blogs from Salamanca, Castile & León, Spain, Europe - page 5

Although this is notionally entry number 2 in the Spain blog , it is actually about my three nights in Salamanca from Friday 7 September through to Sunday night 9 September. Because of the often problems with booking weekend accommodation, especially Friday and Saturdays, I decided to book the three days as a block. Apart from the fact that Salamanca seemed a relatively pleasant place to spend such an amount of time. Although already the travel arrangements are starting to become hazy, I got the bus over there (about 90 minutes) from Avila - we may or may not ever catch up with that place. The hotel was a reasonable place called the Monterrey - an old 50s style but a reasonable price , although the room was somewhat small. It was on the fifth floor ... read more

We had three days to cover the 650 miles from Malaga to Bilbao, allowing a more touristique route to be taken. Having ridden 250 miles the day previous to Caceres we elected to just scoot up to Salamanca a mere 125 miles north of Caceres today. This left about 270 miles to cover on Saturday to make the evening ferry from Bilbao. Salamanca has the reputation of being the Spanish’s favourite city and it is quickly apparent why. A magnificent square is perhaps the centrepiece but it is thronged all around by superb architecture. The University’s inner courtyards rivalled those of the Cambridge colleges and the Cathedral and other buildings of the old city, churches and municipal, mesmerising. Added to this the town had a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and the ambience of a feel-good student town ... read more

Thoughts to Jot: Where to even begin! My time in Morocco was like a dream. Warning to everyone now-this entry will likely be far more sentimental than all the others so stop reading if need be...The second we (another American female student from my program and I) stepped off the plane in Marrakech I was thrilled. It was so different, so incredibly different, than any other place I had ever been. And the heat that enveloped us was unbelievable-I loved it. Shortly after arriving, we began wondering the souks-the amazing street markets. First, we got an unofficial tour by a Moroccan boy of how some of the beautiful fabrics and dyes are made. Then we were wooed into one of the small vendor’s “stores” by a 20 something-year old Moroccan, Kareem, and offered Moroccan tea. And ... 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: Life is now (knock on wood!) very peaceful and easy at Casa de Judith. Thanks again for all the positive thoughts sent my way! Loving the old men here-they love to flirt with the ladies and will gladly practice speaking Spanish with you. Also loving the 20 something year olds who ask around for me when they don't see me out at the bars every Thurs-Sat night-appreciate the recognition :) but seriously cannot keep up with that!!! Last time I went out with them we were out until 4:30 AM and that's still early... My age is truly showing!! Included some pictures of me and the 20 something year olds out at "los baros." Not loving my Spanish grammar class-flashbacks to high school math classes where I didn't understand a darn thing! I ... read more