Retracing steps

After the nerve-racking car ride into Salamanca we dropped our suitcases upstairs and decided to head out. Walking would be good for us! We only had a few hours here and we wanted to make the most of them! We received references for restaurants from the front desk. We also had our own list from Jessy. Gary and she had sat down on Goggle Earth so that we would know exactly where to looknfor all of her "special spots" in Salamanca. We walked the streets around the plaza- found a strange man contorting himself thru some wire with junk attached?. It was interesting and certainly drew a crowd! We found Jessy's pizza restaurant and her favorite gelato place. We walked the streets around the plaza and found the tourist shops. We quickly left that area and walked straight back to the plaza where we found a quiet table that served tapas. We sat outside and enjoyed the breeze. It actually got quite cool before we left! (Not looking forward to the 102 degree temps in Houston!)

Our waiter was great- very laid-back, didn't know much English but was passionate about what we should order. We enjoyed everything. The calamari which we ate in Barcelona was nothing compared to this!! Also they served it with limes!! Delicioso!!

This morning we got up at 9:00 AM. ( this is huge!! Don't know if Gary will ever be the same after being on Spaniard time!) we dressed and packed our backpack with the essentials: camera, glasses,Euros, and Advil. We headed out and walked first to Jessy's old apartment. It was so nice! We took lots of photos and stared through the privacy gate wondering which apartment would have been hers. We laughed and talked and felt a little sad that we have visited her while she lived here.

We went to the park where Jessy would eat her snacks or lunch or drink her hot coco. It beautiful- filled with very large green trees with lots of shade and plenty of benches lined with old men "walking" their dogs.... Or chatting about something very important!

We went to her university- the oldest in Europe which has beautifully carved stone at the entrance. The stone is beyond belief. Very ornate. There is a small frog hidden on top of one of the skulls at the top of the structure. Crowds of people stand and try to find the frog as venders sell frog wares and tee-shirts. It's so much fun!! We stayed there staring at the building waiting to see the frog but finally had to give up and ask where to look. Actually dad had gotten very close! It was great to see the university -such a beautiful campus!! And so close to everything in town!!

It was finally time for lunch. We found a fantastic restaurant near the square called Casa Paca. This may have been the best meal yet!! (See photos) then we found La Industrial pastries. We are having these for dinner tonight. I will miss our time in Spain. I'm just so grateful that we were able to visit Jessy's Spain... If only for a few hours!!

This will probably be my last blog entry as we will be making our way home tomorrow. See you soon!!