It is snowing and Marjan is not impressed

Not snowing where we are but all round us it appears winter is hitting. We watched the news to see snow plows clearing the roads in the Pirineos, and predictions of falls on many of the ranges, and in Spain that means lots of places. As we drove off this morning towards Salamanca we headed towards the Sierra de Gredos and it was showing snow. The motorway heads around the higher points and goes through a pass near Bejar. 

We stopped for a picnic lunch in a funny little spa town called Baños de Monte Mayor. It was full of seniors with gym bags going into or out of one of the many hot spring buildings in the town. We also met a local chap who works glass, he was very communicative, even showed us his workshop and wanted to know how bad the sharks really were in Melbourne for when he visits. Lovely autumn colours in the little valley.

The town of Bejar itself had a real Swiss look with some chalet style housing and snowy mountains behind. Much more snow showing on the northern side of the ranges. Marjan gave me a filthy look, she is not fond of snow and cold. She asked what the weather was going to be in Salamanca and when I said -3 to 8, she said I'd live to regret coming here.

Anyway, we got to Salamanca in the middle of the day peak. We are getting better in the traffic, but it was still stressful. The hotel had a car park saved right outside, so we quickly settled in and went for a wander. 

We of course headed towards La Plaza Mayor. Different from, but similar to, athe Madrid version. The colours of Salamanca are golden tones. Not sure what stone they use but it has a little of the Sydney sandstone toning. Even newer buildings tend to use it in the older part of town. 

Like some of the other Unesco cities you do not know where to look, each corner brings something new. Whilst la Casa de Las Conchas is famous for the external shell decorations, we liked the inside courtyard.

The cathedral is magnificent, like many of the other cathedrals, but we enjoyed the old cathedral more. The old one abuts the new one, and you can get up to roof level for a look at both. Marjan did not come up but spent her time stepping over tombstones in the old cathedral. The second shot is the staircase up, you can see my feet.

The place was very calm and collected. Not much of a rush, in fact not much going on in the old town. It livened up a little when uni classes started again at five. The university town feel is noticeable. The young folk from other countries to study means you hear a multitude of languages as you walk around.

The history buffs are asking for more historical details, so here goes. Salamanca was settled by a Celtic tribe called the vacceos, there is a plaza named in their honour. They got kicked out by the Cartheginians, who got kicked out by the Romans, who got kicked out by the Alans. Yes the Alans, as the Franks stayed in France and the Bruces headed south. (Note from editor, this bit is bullshit). The Alans were replaced by the Visigoths who were replaced by the Moors and finally some Christians during the Reconquista. Even Franco set up headquarters here at one point in the Civil War. Since 1218 it has mostly been overrun by students. Interestingly until today we had only noticed the national library in Madrid: today I noticed two municipal libraries. Is it because it is a university town? Even in a bar we stopped at , the barman was helping just kids with maths and working on the lowest common denominator.

We really only had an afternoon, but it was fun. We will have a bit more of a look tomorrow. Right now we are waiting for restaurants to open. We have one we reckon opens at 8, we could not wait for the recommended option which does not open it's doors till 9.

Back from an enormous meal. I don't think we will move again for a fortnight. Marjan looks like she will be beached for a while as well. Buenas noches, feal seguidor !