A group of students studying Spanish in Salamanca enjoyed a trip to the beautiful cities of Segovia and Avila this week – a great chance to see a bit more of Castilla and Leon, mix with fellow students, practise Spanish and get a greater idea of Spanish culture and history!
Segovia's main attraction - the aquaduct!
Armed with their cameras and picnics, the students headed to the aqua-duct of Segovia – a stunning monument well photographed and famous throughout Spain. This huge structure – which has a Virgin Mary statue in the middle – is situated in the heart of the city, which is predominantly built with the same type of brick as the aqua-duct, making for great photos and stunning scenery. Whilst Salamanca’s brick is typically golden, Segovia’s typical style reminds of the red-brick buildings of Victorian England.
Typical Segovian dish - Cochinillo!
Another highlight of the Segovia trip was the food! The “cochinillo” (roast piglet) is a popular dish here (so popular you can find Segovian style bars in Salamanca selling this speciality!). The students enjoyed the typical food – a warming meal on a blustery day!
Next stop was Avila – the beautiful walled city you pass through on the way to Madrid from Salamanca (or vice versa). A little like Chester, England, this city is surrounded by a wall, protecting the city and its famous castle (of which the students couldn’t take enough photos!). Though a lot smaller than cities such as Salamanca, to pass a half day, the students found plenty to do and it’s a great place to go for the day (by train, by bus, by car…) for a lunch and a spot of tourism.
Mester’s Spanish school do many excursions as part of their activity programme – why not check them out? It’s a great way to interact with fellow students, to see a new side of Spain and to change your scenery for a day. Ideal for students who come to Spain as a group trip (taking the pressure off the teachers to organise activities!).
Inside the stunning castle!
If you can’t travel so far for whatever reason, then don’t doubt that there’s not enough to do in Salamanca! See our activity programme for inspiration – be it a film night, an art conference, a cookery class or a language exchange in the Erasmus Cafe, there’s no excuse for being bored!
