Apr 2007

Evening - 31 March

An early morning walk to the bus stop (9am, tut tut) and we were off to Segovia. Did we forget to mention it took till almost 10am to find the bus stop which was hidden in the basement of a hotel sort-of opposite the train station but not really!

Our bus was a Pinnafarina design (Ferrari use the same) and it was very comfortable. Camilla was still asleep until the snow capped peaks in the background excited Steve to the point of histeria, or it could have been sleep deprivation from the dorm-mates the night before.

Our first night of camping was on the agenda however after the information desk lady laughed histerically (probably from the sheer stupidity of the question) we realised ourselves it wasn´t the best idea whilst walking through the rain, yes rain, in 4 degrees.

Aquaducto was our first friendly sight confirming we had indeed arrived at our chosen destination. A fantastic 2000 year old water chanel erected without the use of mortar and running high above the main town. A few dozen photos later and it was into the trusty Lonely Planet for a warm haven to rest.

Lunch was a backpakers affair of bread, cheese, OJ etc then onto the Alcazar´s castle. Teetering on the edge of this medieval walled city is an 1800s replica of a 1300s castle which unfortunately burnt down. If was filled with canons, full suit of armour soldiers and swords on every wall. A museum in Spannish didn´t help us understand anything really but the models of canon building were good.

A trip to the tower counted 182 steps and gave the best view of Segovia wrapped in early evening set against the backdrop of snow capped peaks and green fields. Well worth the climb.

Finding the Plaza Mayor (main square) is a good idea in Spain as it usually the sight of a party or the general hub of activity. At about 8pm the entire town stopped as the main (resplendant - quote Lonely Planet) cathedral spilled out the makings of their catholic easter parade. All the streets were closed to pedestrians and the floats which came through the crowd depicted the life and death of Jesus in vivid detail.

Dinner was the largest plate of chips we have ever seen, lesson: do not order ´patatas doble´ when ´patatas single´will do. Burger chasers finished off the chips so we rolled back to the tent, sorry we mean hostel.

As we prepared for a hard earned rest the parade, almost 1.5 hours later came past still enthusiastically singing hymns followed by the police marching band and children playing.

A full day in Segovia - 1 April

To live like a local involes the following, wake up late, walk to bakery which does not rise until around 8am, eat whilst walking under aquaducto (amazing), get lost in back streets, re-emerge next to same bakery at lunch time, find condiments of wine/olives/cheese (sounds familiar) then trot down the hill to the river below Alcazars for a picnic. Tough life but we had to try it. Lost of people were out walking their dogs, kids were fishing in the stream and surprise, surprise kicking a soccer ball around.

A long walk around the river through a light drizzle saw us climb back into Segovia through the city walls. At night the rain had stopped and all were out strolling the streets in thick fur coats with their kids and grandkids in tow. Steve shuffled through the crowd mumbling something which only became audible as Camilla caught up ´I don´t know what they are eating but I want some too´. Only seconds later and with a big grin he was holding a bag of deep fried sweet bread coated in sugar.

Evening of 29 March

Without drama or concern we navigated the Madrid metro system with the locals in what is a super efficient, easy to use network. 3 trains and 20 minutes later and we appeared outside the Cat´s Hostel know for the cheapest pint in town. No this wasn´t the reason we chose it but obviously some of our 6 flat mates had only this in mind.

Nevermind the young revellers, the location was within a stones throw of the great sights. We walked in the late afternoon to Plaza Major and located a great restaurant for paella (big Spanish risotto) and Spanish omlette although before dinner it was necessary to have a tapas of green olives and Amstel, the local brew. Plaza Mayor (think of St Marks square in Venice although we haven´t been yet) and add some Spanish music, kids kicking a soccer ball and waiters who are less interested in you than could be possible.

Day 1 - 30 March

One of the great Spanish art collections is in the Museo del Prado so off we shot early in the morning (approximately 10am - ouch) for a dose of culture. For all art buffs please ignore the next comment, having come from Le Louvre only days before it was difficult to digest the often gory works of Goya and dark canvases of many historic Spanish artists. All in all it was still an experience worth doing as we experienced first hand young art students replicating chosen pieces as best they could (and some were bloody brilliant).

A brush with the communication palace (we kid you not the post office is called the Palacia del Communicion) and we came out unscathed. Dad, I hope you have received the first few thousand photos and our best efforts at interviewing each other in French, oh dear. With headaches and hunger pains we were in search of a local deli.

Lunch was well deserved following the queing etiquette as it seems irrelevant that Steve is a full head taller, they need their cheese and ham and will not let a simple Aussie get in the way. Sustenance got us as far as the garden fountain outside the Palacia Real, a truly monumental and beautiful white stone building. Steve fell asleep within seconds and Camilla was left in the sun soaking up the surrounds.

Dinner was a fine affair of bread, salami and cheese which was backpack temperature but ooh soo good. Dessert saved the day as we joined the hundreds (literally) in the street strolling, watching street performers and buying delicious cakes and pasteries. Cakes and pasteries we hear you say, yes we bought cakes and pasteries.

A night of rest and it was off tomorrow to Segovia.