Segovia, Spain

What a MAGNIFICENT city!!! I am simply in love with this antiquated and welcoming place. Segovia is located in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain, north of Madrid. This means the weather is slightly cooler (helped by the cloud coverage the day of our visit)and is considered a northern city despite its close vicinity to Madrid. After an easy 2 hour bus trip, Craig and I walked up the main drag only to be stunned by the Roman aqueduct.

This FIRST CENTURY monument remains in immaculate condition. It was originally built to bring water from the closest river--over 18 km away! Honestly, (coming from a girl who has a difficult time grasping architecture)...it is a marvel! I wish my photos could do it justice, but it simply isn't possible.


Next we sat in the Plaza Mayor in front of the intricately designed cathedral, La Dama de las Catedrales Espanoles (The Dame of the Spanish Cathedrals).

Here we feasted on cochinillo, Segovia's specialty dish. Cochinillo can be translated to "roast suckling pig." It really is a fatty, milk-fed, very very young baby pig, roasted whole and cut with a plate before the guests to demonstrate the tender texture of the meat. I was served a leg (with a tiny hoof and hair on the skin!) and Craig, lucky boy, got the head. Eyes, ears, and brains included, no extra charge.



It was very delicious.

Next we made our way through the winding ancient streets to the Alcazar, or Palace, of Segovia. This extravagant castle has been an inspiration to artists across the world, including Walt Disney. The original architecture, including the bright blue spires, was of Arab design, though Alfonso VI's troops conquered it in the 11th century and transformed it from a fort to a holiday retreat for the kings to follow. We were able to tour the inside and found it to be rich with art, stained glass, and eccentric Moorish ceilings.



We stopped into an old restaurant for a postre Segoviana. We ordered leche frita on the recommendation of one of my students. This translates directly to "fried milk" and tastes like a sort of hot flan. They mix milk with flour, sugar, perhaps a little cinnamon, fry it, and flambe it with whiskey. YUM!

We ended the day with a drink and vinegar-soaked cucumbers on a terrace in front of the aqueduct, watching the artists paint the view and the tiny abuelas dance to traditional music performed by live musicians.