Salamanca, Spain

20 - 21 March 2017

Salamanca - the "Cambridge University" town of its era (from 13th Century) - Salamanca University, one of Europe's leading universities for 400 years, its ranking is not as high amongst others in Europe today.  The university buildings themselves didn't appear all that special, unless we missed something.

This tower, 15th Century Convent of the Annunciation, was a neat night-time view on the way to our Tapas bars this first evening.

Some photos of our tapas (little plates of bar food).  Sardines on bread, olives, chicken fingers to the left.  Assorted sandwiches, scallops-fish-pork-cheese/jam, from another tapas bar to the right - all very good.

And then we poked our heads into another pub, as it looked like there were many young people having a good time.  Of course Gerri walked right up to a group's table and asked "what are you doing?".  They showed her, and provided a sample, of this hard cider with a personal table dispenser.  This video shows how it's done.  3 Euro per bottle.  The young group were going through several bottles, and we bought them another as well.  A very friendly place it was.

More sights at night on the way back to our lodging.

The next day - an interesting cathedral, actually a double cathedral.  The old cathedral was left largely intact, built between 12th-14th centuries, and a new cathedral, built 1513-1733, was built around/adjacent/over the old.  We visited the central worship area of the new, and then walked through to the preserved worship area of the old.  The contrasts of 400 years was very evident, and well preserved/maintained.

The ceiling/columns of the new to the left, and those of the old to the right.

Salamanca's Plaza Major.  Built 1729-1755.  Oldish and well preserved/conserved.  This plaza honors no kings or saints, but instead honors "all the people" depicting writers, artists, heroes, conquistadors.

We came across this graffiti artist's work - we assume it was created just last year with Prince's and David Bowie's passing.  Tim joining in with his "air guitar".

Adapted Roman bridge works.  Some Roman original structure from over 2,000 years ago, and with new major structure to replace some old into the 18th century.  Large floods over the centuries had impacted the bridge.

Onto to Portugal!  This is the Eurozone, so the drive through was just like crossing from one U.S. state to another - no border inspections or Visa stamps needed.  Also, the great road quality of Spain continued with Portugal.  Though, we also noticed less traffic on much of the highways in Portugal - we assumed people here just didn't travel much, with high fuel costs and tollways everywhere.