Segovia (22/6/13)

Segovia (22/6/13)

Our journey to Segovia was far from our first adventure. However, Margaret, Katherine, Ito, Tim, John, and I have not yet posted about our previous adventures, but will soon. Because I dutifully carried my large, bulky camera all around Segovia, I have chosen to indulge in the recounting of our excursion, mostly for the reason that I have many pictures that can accompany.

Early in the morning we all arrived at Chamartín from the metro prepared for a day of adventure. The following train-ride brought us there promptly, and before we knew it, we were standing below Segovia's commonly known aqueduct that marks the entrance to the antiquated and beautiful part of the city. At this point, I whipped out my Nikon fully prepared for a day of sight-seeing, and very suddenly became aware that I had left my memory card in my computer. Yet, due to our mastery of problem-solving in the Spanish language, Margaret and I successfully hunted down a small tienda where I was able to obtain a replacement card. Crisis averted. Pictures follow:

in this picture you can see the rest of the group!

From here, we continued on in the small winding streets of a city bustling with many workers and residents, but mostly with tourists like us, trying to find our way around the old street corners. Thankfully we had Mr. Dt (and Luca) as navigators, and we never had to pull out a map (and give away our identities as tourists). We saw almost the entirety of the old city on foot. At almost every street corner we were struck by both the beauty and history that exists on the hillside! 

cochinillo

perrito muy mono

We then came upon the greatest feat of the day, The Torre Alcazar. 

Though the climb seemed ominous, all of us successfully conquered the 152 stairs to reach the top, where we were able to have a spectacular view of the city. 

el equipo

A while after, when we successfully touched back down on earth, it seemed a common thought was on our mind.... food, or for some, Cochinillo. It appeared that our adventure would soon lead us to one of Segovia's most famous restaurants, where we all would witness a long-lasting tradition of the ceremonial roasted suckling pig.

the traditional form of cutting the pig... the ceremony is completed when the plate is tossed to the ground and is shattered into many pieces 

Some of us even got the opportunity to eat that tradition........ and it was delicious!!!!

Soon after lunch, with our stomachs completely full, we had to leave for the train station. Although only a day trip, we were able to see much of the city. It is truly an amazing place! The combination of old aqueducts and castles along with longstanding traditions keeps Segovia the magical place it is, seemingly untouched  in the beautiful countryside. On top of that, we got to witness the entire place through our own eyes, completely on foot. The train ride home to Madrid provided a perfect siesta to end a perfect adventure!

- Hannah