I left around ten o'clock this morning to catch a bus to Madrid, so that I could take the Metro to the train station, so that I could ride the rain to Segovia, and finally take a bus to the city center. It was a long process. Waiting, sitting, waiting, standing, waiting...you get the point. It took awhile, but by noon I'd made it.
The first thing I saw after stepping off the extremely overcrowded bus was the ancient Roman aqueduct. Built almost two thousand year ago, it was used to carry water to the small city before Spain was even a country. I found it amazing that I was standing beneath something that was built during the time of the Roman Empire.
The aqueduct is the gateway to the historic, touristy part of town. Tons of shops and restaurants line the narrow streets. After climbing the stairs to get a better view of the aqueduct and town I set off down one of those streets, following the hoards of tourists towards Segovia's other two big attractions.
I reached the Cathedral first. It was huge. I didn't pay for the ticket to go inside, but I did get to see parts of the interior from the entrance. i love cathedrals, and this one was just as grand as the few others I've been in. The high ceilings, medieval architecture, and beautiful stained glass made it amazing.
Segovia Alcazar was built nearly a thousand years ago, and I honestly don't know how they did it. It's so big! The inside is decorated with intricate ceiling designs, paintings, and artistic tapestries. There are also knights in their armor standing guard throughout the castle.
I walked through each room and then climbed the 152 steps to the top of the tower. The view was pretty awesome.
Walking from the castle back toward the aqueduct I found the plaza mayor, along with many interesting shops that I'd look in later. First I needed lunch. The problem was, I'd never a) Ordered a meal in Spanish and, b) Eaten at a restaurant alone. I was a bit intimidated.
I walked up and down the streets trying to pick the best place to eat. Everywhere was packed. As I came upon a frozen yogurt shop I decided to do dessert first. Froyo was easier thatn a meal :)
Even after delicious froyo though, I knew I needed real food. I finally settled on a little place near the aqueduct. I successfully ordered my food in Spanish (Though I had no idea was the guy was saying when he asked if I'd like to sit outside or inside). Pizza probably wasn't a very traditional Spanish pick, but it was amazing nonetheless. It was really, really good. And I'm a particularly picky pizza person. Try saying that ten times fast :)
I ate half the pizza and was stuffed. Saving the rest for later I spent the next couple of hours perusing the shops. So. Many. Scarves!
Around 5pm I went back to the aqueduct and sat on the steps. I spent the next hour or so people watching, listening to the many entertainers nearby, and just enjoying the small Spanish town. People are so funny. I watched one man make his way from one end of the square to the other. He'd take three steps, then take a picture. Three more steps...picture. Three more steps...picture again. He did that probably twenty times. He wasn't watching where he was going and people kept running in to him. It was ridiculous!
Around 6:30pm I got on a bus and went back to the train station. My train didn't leave until 8pm, so I had awhile to wait. Waiting, wandering, getting lost.... that's really what much of my travel experiences have been. Its like life really. Even when you're not quite sure which way to go, go. Keep moving, don't give up, and in the end everything works out :)
Tomorrow I'm going to the city to experience El Rastro, a giant flea market. In fact, I think it's the largest in Europe. This coming week I hope to see the Prado Museum and Retiro Park in Madrid. And next weekend I travel with some new friends to Barcelona. And so, the adventure continues...
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