Peña de Francia y La Alberca

Today has probably been my favorite days thus far. After classes and lunch, the group took an excursion to Pe

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a de Francia and La Alberca. Pe

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a de Francia is one of the mountains about an hour outside of Salamanca. After a uncomfortable busride for me winding up skinny roads to the top of the mountain (I had a bag just in case), I was rewarded with a simply breathtaking view. The countryside was lush and green, but we could still see snow at the top of a mountain across from where we were. On the top of the mountain there was also a monastery where monks live, so we toured this as well. It was just so enjoyable to be out of the busy city and it was so quiet and peaceful up there. We also saw a large group of mountain goats. They were so cute, and they blocked our bus for a little bit because they were all in the middle of the road.

As a side note, it is very weird to see all of the cows in the pastures with horns still on. You don't see that much in Kansas.

After the mountain, we went to a quaint little town called La Alberca. This town is more what I think of when I think of Europe. It was just lovely with stone roads, unique buildings with flowers outside of the windows. I wish I could have explored more. From our short visit, the first thing that jumped out at me was its unique character. I had never seen anything like it. There was a little outdoor sanctuary with two human skulls that represents those in pergatory. The tradition is for the eldest single woman in the town to carry a bell around the city at sundown each night chanting a prayer, praying for their souls. That is just one example of what makes it so unique. Alberca was also very refreshing because it was so much quieter and less busy and just beautiful in general.

When we got back to Salamanca, it was nearly ten. We had told our host moms that we wouldn't be back for dinner because Dr. Torrico and Marisa were going to take us out to tapa's bars. We didn't really know how it all worked, so it was a fun experience. What people do is they buy a tapa, which is like an appetizer, and then either beer or wine comes with it. It is very cheap, around 2 euro. The first place we had fried shrimp, mushrooms, calamari, pig ears and bread. I almost tried the pig ear, but after seeing other peoples' faces after eating them, I decided to spare myself. The next place was absolutely delicious. It was basically a kebab--great meat in a tasty sauce on a piece of bread with garlic and olive oil. That has been my favorite meal so far this trip. The last place was also very good, it was a sirloin sandwich. We all had a great time together, and it was even better because all of these bars are on my street, so I didn't have to walk twenty minutes to get back to my apartment!

Tonight we are going salsa dancing and packing to go to Portugal tomorrow! I cannot wait!