1700 km of Northern Spain – part III

The main attraction of the city is the mighty Aqueduct, one of the most important and best preserved monuments of the Roman period. Its construction dates back to the 1st century, when Roman engineers used over 25.000 blocks of pure granite stone. Standing there with 818 meters length and 29 meters height, with 170 arches dominating the background of the main square Palza del Azoguejo it demands respect, which you do feel when you decide to walk under it. The feelings you get are remarkable. The other most imporatint sight is the stone fortress of Alcázar de Segovia. It is located in the old part of the city and was first built as a fort and later remade into a royal palace. The position on the high rock allows you to have a great view of the valley below. You can admire its beauty from a long way away, approaching the city, and it takes you back to the days of kings and queens. Another must see is the gothic cathedral, one of most beautiful ones in Spain. It stands at the main square Plaza Mayor and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s very nice to walk between all three attractions.

I continued towards the university city of Salamanca, with streets full of students. I dropped my stuff off at the nice hostel Lazarillo de Tormes, where I had a little rest and went for an evening walk around the city. Just a few steps from the hostel is the bus station and I was in the centre of the city in 10 minutes. Across the Zamora Street I headed towards the main square. It was interesting to see many mighty tops of buildings proudly rising above roofs, fighting for the last rays of the setting sun, giving away a pleasant orange glow. But not for long. The main square got dark in matter of minutes, with dark clouds above me, announcing a storm. I sat down under a big umbrella of a nice café on the edge of the square and watched the life pass me by across the beautiful Plaza Mayor. It was fun watching the happenings: a small boy trying to play a trick on his grandpa and slipping to the sidewalk; an elderly couple taking their small eternity to get from one part of the square to the other; (with a little rest on their way); a dirt-covered cycler studying his map; young students with their notes full of knowledge giggling and enjoying their youth... It was all in motion and alive until the rain started and washed the people away. Suddenly I was not alone under the umbrella. To the left and right groups of people were smiling at me, asking me to share my temporary roof. “Sure, come here it won’t take long. Just a few minutes until the shower passes!” And it really did. Just when I was finishing my tasty cup of coffee the sun started peeking through the clouds. The wet ground and buildings offered magic motives for my camera and you can see them HERE, along with other photos of my evening walk.

After a good breakfast and a cup of coffee I drove to the city of Burges, where the sight of the gothic cathedral took my breath away. I’ve never seen something so beautiful and mighty. The cathedral is too beautiful for words and I got stunned by it. I could not stop to stare at this mass of stone crafted by the human hand. Time stood still and I got stuck in the square enjoying the feelings flowing though my body. On one hand I felt so small and helpless in comparison, but on the other hand I felt so liberated and satisfied. All these mixed feelings made me happy and complete. But I heard a little voice it’s whispering to my ear, it was enough driving around, it’s time to go toward the city of Logrono, where my dear friend Maja was anxiously waiting for me. I tore myself away from this beauty and content with myself went forth to visit the people I love. Knowing that life is beautiful and realizing you are able to share all the beauty you soak in with people you care for and love made me feel rich inside. Two more superb days of Pamplona and San Sebastian followed, but they shall remain a secret.