Segovia

Today I went to Segovia (northwest of Spain, in the mountains) and it was AWESOME!  I once again had a lot of walking and ups and downs, but it was worth it.  I had a great time and feel much better than I did yesterday.  I'll post more pictures below.  I'd love to tell you more, but I'm spent.  Tomorrow I'm going to El Rastro in Madrid.  It's a huge market that is open on Sundays.  I'm excited and nervous because they have a lot of pocketpickers.  I'll take more pictures there and then tomorrow night is the Euro Cup!  And I still have tons of homework to do.  Oh boy!  Thanks for following!

 The Cathedral from the other side of town

 A Romanesque church

 Inside the church

 The streets of Segovia

 The AcuaDuct (It's 2000 years old)

 That is tall!

 Look how long it is?  This is just one section  (And yes I walked up and down both sides of the section)  Ugh!

 This is getting heavy.  Can anyone help me?

 The other side of the same section of the Acuaduct.

 View of the city from top of the wall at the end of the Acuaduct

 Streets of Segovia

 Panoramic view from the city

 Well, it's me, duh

 Alcazar

 Me in front of Alcazar

 Gothic Cathedral

 Lunch time - La sopa Castellena (Castillian Soup) - I was in the Castille region.  It is garlic soup with bits of bread, ham, and cheese.  Very good.

Conichillo asado (Roasted Suckling Pig)  Very popular from this region.  If you order the entire pig it comes out intact (head and all)

 I'm not going to lie, it was a little more difficult to eat this due to the parts being there.

 Ketchup - I felt stupid after asking for it as I had to unseal it.  I guess no one else wants ketchup?

 After a bit of picking

 What the meat looks like.  Very juicy

 A nice couple from Northern Italy who spoke with me for some time at lunch.  (They know Spanish.)

 Ceiling in one of the chapels of the Gothic Cathedral

 The Gothic Cathedral  - It is huge inside, pictures do not do it justice

 Me outside the Gothic Cathedral

The Acuaduct

Video from inside the Cathedral

Toledo

I went to Toledo yesterday and it was AMAZING!  There were a lot of hills, stones, etc.  It was rough, hot and I was exhausted.  However, it was well worth it.  I have tons of pictures (491 from the last two days).  I'll put a few below from Toledo and some on the next post from Segovia.  I hope you enjoy!

 View of Toled (Famous from El Greco painting)

View of Toledo and River Tajo 

Um... Ok I admit, I don't remember what building this is off the top of my head. 

A little dedication to Toledo, Ohio - A street named after Toledo, Ohio in Toledo, Spain 

 The narrow streets in Toledo.  Yes, in many of these people actually drive.  Watch out.

 A mosque in Toledo from the Muslim era of Spain.

 More streets of Toledo

The Gothic Cathedral

More Streets 

 El Greco Museum - although we didn't get to go because it is closed for renovation

 A synagogue

 A synagogue

 A panoramic view from the city

 Roman bridge

 Bocadillo de tortilla (Tortilla sandwich - a tortilla in Spain is basically an omelette with potatoes and onions)

 Inside of the sandwich

 Paella

Eating the Paella

Signs and School

I have a few more pictures for you today.  I hope to have a lot to share soon as tomorrow I get to go to Toledo (famous painting by El Greco) and Saturday I'm going to Segovia (acuaducts).  Sunday I'm going to el Rastro (huge open market on Sundays in Madrid).  I'm so excited about all of the adventures!

Last night was exciting as Spain won the semi-finals for the Euro-Cup.  The Euro-Cup is played every four years and the semi-finals determine who plays in the Euro-Cup.  So in American terms, "We're going to the SuperBowl!"  I could hear people cheering outside during the game.  They were also singing and chanting.  It was amazing.  Such spirit and nationality.  When we won, I could hear everyone cheering as well.  We went out on the balcony and could see people jumping and cheering outside at the nearby bar.

I forgot to update you on the great news.  I didn't get lost on the bus this time!  I decided to give it another go as I was able to make it back easily the day I got lost.  I figured it out and enjoy the bus more than the metro.  There's more room on the metro so you're not crowded.  But you're not on the bus for long and you can see more of the city and have more of a sense of direction.

I think that is all for now.  The pictures are below.  Thanks for reading!  :)

 Small patio at school

  Small patio at school

  Small patio at school

 Man is it hot here.

 Reading on the patio

 Speed limit sign

 School crossing sign.  This cracks me up.  They look like they are running so they don't get hit by a car.  :)

 Metro in 200 meters

 This is a sign to remind people that the far right lane is for taxis, bikes, and buses only.  This helps keep the buses on schedule.

 My bus station from school to home.

 Information about the bus station.

Bus route for my bus home.