Unfortunately, there are a lot of bus stations, and the first one we went to was wrong. But, we hopped back on the metro and got to the right one, in time for the 11:00 am bus. The bus ride was just over and hour, and I tried to sleep. It was too difficult, and I had more fun looking out the window anyway. The mountains here are also gorgeous, and the Spanish countryside is very green.
Segovia is an adorable little town. The buildings look like they might be made of adobe--I love that orange color, especially with the green grass all around. We wandered through town for hours. From the bus station, we walked down a fairly busy street, until we reached the Tourist Information Center. I have a slight obsession with maps, and being able to find my way around. I waited in line, and then asked the woman at the counter (in Spanish, since we are in Spain) if she had a map. She responded in English--wanting to know if I would like a German version of the map. Do I sound German when I speak Spanish? It was a little strange, but funny. I requested an English version of the map.
The Tourist Info Center is right next to the aquaduct. We got to climb up steps to the top, and the view was fabulous. We spent a lot of time today just admiring how pretty Segovia is. It was very quiet as well, and peaceful. Melisa and I have decided we want to live there. I'm not sure what I'd do all day though--begging's not my style. Maybe I could open a shop.
Our map had a lot of places marked--tons of churches and old houses. Things weren't clearly labelled though, so it was hard to know if we saw the things that we though we were seeing. We paid 3 euro to go into the Cathedral of Segovia, which was huge! It was pretty, and there was an enormous organ. There was also a lot of gold, which appears to be a common theme in the churches here. It's hard to describe--around the sides of the church were numerous shrines and scenes--many completely covered in gold. It was very impressive.
Then we sat in a lovely park outside and enjoyed the sun. It was so warm and sunny--I loved it! We watched this woman get mad at her dog. She let if off of its leash, and then it completely ignored her. It jumped in the fountain, adn wouldn't get out. When she tried to put its leash on, it thought she was playing. Eventually she just walked away, muttering angrily in Spanish. I made out a few key words, like STUPID. But the dog followed her when she walked away...too funny!
It was a short walk from the park to el castillo--el Alcazar de Segovia. It was a giant castle--in fact, the one that Disney used as a model for Sleeping Beauty's castle. We paid a few euros to go in, and tour it. It was much more complete than the castles in Wales. There were tapestries, paintings, thrones, etc. I enjoyed it. Then I climbed to the top of the tower--152 steps. It really wasn't too bad, and I think the view was worth it! Going back down the tower was when I realized that my legs hated me. They've enjoyed the lack of stairs lately.
Melisa and I found a late lunch in Segovia, and then hopped back on a bus to Madrid. The bus was really comfortable, but I'd given up on sleep by then. Rather than take the metro, we walked back to our hostel from the bus station. It really wasn't that far, and we like walking.
I was able to get on a computer, and talk to a few of my friends, as well as my parents. I really miss being able to actually talk to people, and see them. I'll be happy to get back to Bangor on Friday! I will miss all of the places I've been though--they're great places. Spring break has really gone by fast--I can't believe it. Soon I'll be back in Bangor, probably wishing I was in Rome or Paris! But I'm excited to stop travelling...it makes me feel like I don't have a home!
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