Exploring Salamanca

Exploring SalamancaSalamanca, Spring 2012

Posted by Heather Englert on 2/07/12 • Comment (0)

This first week here has been a whirlwind of IES Orientation programs, tours, meetings, and intensive grammar classes. At first it was a bit overwhelming, but thanks to all these events I am quickly adapting to the Spanish lifestyle and learning to navigate my way around the city. What seemed like a gigantic maze only a week ago now feels like a city I can call my home for the next four months. When my housemate Melissa and I first arrived in Salamanca, our Señora gave us an informal tour of the city. We saw many of the famous historic buildings in the city as well as the University of Salamanca, the river Rio Tormes that runs next to the town, and the clothing store Zara that is one of the most elaborate that I’ve seen! We also had a group scavenger hunt, a University tour, and a historical tour through IES, which all were very informative. However, I have found that just going out and exploring has been the most enjoyable and effective way for me to learn my way around. Here are some of my favorite sights and buildings!

: When we first arrived we had a scavenger hunt with IES and one of our tasks was to take a photo with a Salmantino!

: Another task during our scavenger hunt was to find the Universidad Pontificia

: Entrance to the main University building – this facade has statues of Queen Isabela and King Ferdinand, and also the coat of arms of Carlos V. There is also a tiny frog hidden here that is supposed to give students good luck on their exams, if they can locate it.

: The frog is on the forehead of the skull in this picture..but maybe you should go to Salamanca and see if you can find it for yourself!

: Courtyard of the Public Library, Salamanca

: The Cathedral of Salamanca

: An astronaut carved into the wall of the 12th century Cathedral? (It was actually added during a renovation in 1992 as a symbol of the 20th century)