I wake up earlier than I'd like for a Saturday morning, so I snooze until the very last second. (This gets me in trouble from time to time) I get dressed and race to the metro station so I can meet Paul (the POL intern) at the train station. We're going to Salamanca for the day!
My excitement soon plummeted when I had taken the metro to the wrong stop (apparently there are two stops with the same name). After asking everyone and their dog for directions I get to the right stop. Awesome!...Except now how do I get to the actual train station. I am racing around at every stop because I'm running late (surprised?). (Picture: Train Station)
I'm about to go to what I think is the exit for the metro that leads to the entrance of the train station. At this point Paul calls me to figure out where I am. He's going to purchase his train ticket cause the train leaves in less than 5 min. If I don't catch the 8:45am train then I have to wait for the 11:30 train. (Nooo!)
Well, looks like I need a ticket/pass to get through what I think is the right place. So I look at the machines next to the exit. I can't figure out which ticket to purchase so I ask a young couple near me. They walk me around and try to help. Long story short, they had no idea what they were doing. After getting frustrated with the helpful couple and the lack of time I had, I asked a security guard. He tells me we're literally a few floors below the station. (Am I on Punk'd?) Why didn't anyone else know this when I asked??? I run as fast as I can up a million stairs and zig zag around the floors. (At least I got my workout in)I FIND THE STATION!!! Too bad the train left and I'm stuck alone for a few hours. I purchase my ticket and walk around the cute station. It's nothing like I had imagined. I end up making friends with a lady waiting for her son. They're doing their annual gathering in Madrid. (Is he cute/single?) He won't arrive until 1pm so she's just hanging out. (Dang it)
palmera pastry. It's so delicious!! It didn't last more 5 seconds. I really tried to save half for later.
I learn more about how to ride the train from a few ladies and get on safely. It's super nice inside. I end up seated next to a cute and talkative older lady. She answers all my questions and then some. She gives me tips on what sites to see and I make note of it. Her stop is before mine. The town is fenced with a stone wall. Super cool.
Two hours pass and I arrive at Salamanca. I feel so tourist-like at this point. Paul has been texting and calling me so I call him. My phone informs me I have one minute left (I have a pay as you go phone). I call Paul, "Hi. I only have one minute to talk. I'll meet you at Plaza Mayor in 15min. Bye" My phone dies and I cross my fingers we meet up.
I walk into Plaza Mayor (Pictured above) and I am nothing but smiles! Instead of writing about my trip follow the pictures below. I photographed some of the more famous spots. I didn't get to photograph everything, but know it's a beautiful city with an amazing history. There are far too many details to write about. I'll tell you in person. :)
Casa de las Conchas (Seashells on the wall)I saw the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in operation in Spain. 
The entrance to go to the top of the Cathedral.
Bell Tower
This is on the roof. 
Inside the Cathedral, but on the very top floor looking down.
The ceiling is breathtaking. 
I was so happy here I got a little emotional. :) My dream of traveling through Europe is real. 
The University Library (the center of it is outdoors and has a view of the Cathedral) 
Another time I'll stay for the night life. The whole day was amazing. I wish I could tell you the details about the photos and about the walks I went on. We left about 8pm on the train (Picture below). Hasta luego Salamanca!
No comments:
Post a Comment