Salamanca, Segovia, and Sierra de Guadamarra (09.03.11-13.03.11)

Surplus of Nutella (Or Crema de Cacao)

       The beginning of this week was like any other. My classes went by pretty fast, and dance was really great. On Friday night, me and my roommates ordered Chinese food--and if there's one thing that is universal across the U.S. and Spain, it's the Chinese food. Same cheap, reliable, quick food. That night I also made crepes for my roommates--which they quite enjoyed so I think I'll have to repeat it again. With the copious amounts of nutella or nutella-like products they have here in Spain, it shouldn't be too hard.

Plaza Mayor de Salamanca

    This weekend, I also had the wonderful opportunity to go to Salamanca, as I had mentioned earlier with three international friends. The city was really enjoyable, super walkable with a lot of pretty sights too see. Two of the most notable sights were the city's Plaza Mayor and the University of Salamanca. This university dates back to 1134, making it the 4th oldest, functioning higher learning institution in all of Europe. I liked the youthful feel of Salamanca, and could definitely notice it had a high student population. Even still, I don't know if there is a better place to be in Spain other than the bustling heart of Madrid...let's see if that reigns true after more travels ensue!

The Gang: Niels, Ali, Me, and Elias

Shell House-Casa de las Conchas

   The next day, my friends and I had to check out of the hostel before 12, and were therefore on the road quite early. Since we didn't have to get the rental car back until 9PM, we decided to extend our road trip a little more before returning to Madrid. On the drive back East, we stayed North to head to the town of Segovia. In the short hour and a half drive to the city, we passed through some beautiful unique terrain: first green plains, then olive trees and brush plants, and then finally rocky quarries. The variation in such a short time was incredible to say the least. Finally reaching Segovia, one is instantly struck by it's most prominent aspect, the Aqueduct of Segovia. With an estimated construction date of the 1st Century B.C., this monument would have been impressive even if it were half the size. The aqueduct is a pure marvel, and almost expressing it's grandiosity, divides the city into half--the modern and the historical parts. I'm definitely glad we managed to stop by this city because I believe now that I even prefer it to Salamanca.

Aqueduct of Salamanca and Sierra de Guadamarra in the Background

   Finally, in order to get back to Madrid, we decided to drive through the mountain range, Sierra de Guadamarra. Overall, the climb was incredible, and we were anxiously looking forward to the view from the peak. However, the last several hundred meters of the climb presented a complete reversal in weather--snow and ice fog! The weather was so surprising that in fact some of my friends wanted to get outside of the car. However, I protested! After this boar of a winter in Chicago, blizzard and all, I am repulsed by snow and by wintery weather. 

                                                                                Overall, I had a nice weekend and week, all though with all the excitement, I think I caught a   cold. Time to rest up, cause it's Valencia this Saturday!