Superb Segovia.

This weekend, I went on a trip to Segovia by myself. Like I said in my last blog, the rest of the group was going to Granada, but I was unable to go since I went last semester. I had wanted to go to Segovia since I got to Spain. We planned on going while my family was here, because my dad loves Roman ruins--but due to some icky weather, we decided not to go. The trip was wonderful, and I really enjoyed myself. It gave me a chance to relax after a week of midterms and stress...and a little calm before Fallas this week.

I arrived in Madrid around 10:40 and then caught a train to Segovia. It was an AVE (alta velocidad--high speed) train. It had me to Segovia less than an hour later. I grabbed a map from the tourism office at the train station and then grabbed the next bus to the town, since the station is about 10km outside the main part of town. When I got into town, I went and found my hotel, checked in, and then decided what I would do the rest of the day. The first place I went was the Alcazar, former stomping grounds of Ferdinand and Isabella--the Catholic Kings (also the ones who funded Columbus' journey--and kicked the Moors out of Spain). The stained glass was beautiful, and the rooms were heavily decorated, like a castle/royal palace. There were lots of suits of armor and tapestries. Then I climbed the tower and got a great view of the town. It was pretty awesome.

After the Alcazar, I headed into town, stopping at the cathedral. The cathedral is HUGE and beautiful. You can't take photos inside, which was a shame, but I soaked it all in. I wandered the streets a lot and eventually made it back down to the aqueduct, where I proceeded to go on a photo spree. I probably have 60+ pics of the aqueduct. While I was there, I called my dad and told him where I was...he was thrilled..and he wanted to make sure that I touched it--which I did...see picture below.


Proof I touched the aqueduct.

I spent the rest of the day wandering the streets, stopping in stops, and exploring. I headed back to the hotel around 6 and took a little rest before heading out at 8 to pick up some dinner. I didn't really feel like eating at restaurants...so I just bought food from the grocery store and enjoyed it in the comfort of my hotel room. That night I relaxed, read a book, and enjoyed a long bubble bath. I slept like a rock that night.

The next day (Saturday) I decided I was going to go on a hike in the valley below the city, because I had heard you can get some great photos there. I hiked down and walked for a long time...and got some great photos. Then I climbed up a hill to the Iglesia de Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross)--it is a 12-sided church built by the Knights Templar--I missed getting into it by 5 minutes--they closed for lunch at 1:30--I showed up at 1:35...darn. But I got a great photo of it from the outside. I also utilized the timer function on my camera and got some pics of me with the Alcazar. Then I headed back into town, stopped at the Church of San Miguel, where Isabella was proclaimed Queen of Castilla. I took more photos at the aqueduct, since it was really nice outside...then headed to the train station--back to Madrid--then back to Valencia.

I really enjoyed the trip, and I was so happy I decided to do it. The town was really neat. It had quite a lot of touriss, but it still maintained its character and charm. I loved walking around the narrow streets--looking in different places, not sure what I would encounter. It still amazes me how old things are--the aqueduct was built in the 1st century--and I went to a church that was build in the 12th century. It's incredible. That's all for this blog post--there's another one on the way that fits with this one.


Self-timers are wonderful--me with the Alcazar.