The warmth of the day is peeking through the archways that lead into the historical Plaza Mayor, the quintessential center of town. I sit underneath the umbrella amongst the crowds chatting, drinking, and enjoying life. A Spanish moment: watching the world go by. I am reminded of a time gone by. Salamanca remains, in essence, the same. Perhaps, it has become a flashier, cleaner, more grandiose version of itself, but it's heart still beats out the same slow rhythm.
One of the local restaurant owners in the plaza said “it is great to go to a place to see the sights, but to get to know the people is to know the culture of a place.” (I might add, that while he is likely married, he was sooo beautiful). Salamanca is one such place where the people make the place. When the weather is nice, everyone who is anyone is out enjoying the day and talking with each other and catching up on politics and sports (Go Real Madrid or Barca depending on your preference!).
The plaza is one of the best places to people watch. Katie and I have been enthralled by the fashionistas and fashion-failures. We have started our journey into current trends and fads. If you are curious, the “in” list is all about: white shirts, red/colored pants, ballet flats, jean shorts with black tights underneath (I know, who would have thought), high heels, smoking, skinny jeans, big sunglasses the list goes on. A shout out to our peeps in India, you are already way ahead of the current Indian influence! So glad we were there first and got our cute corties (thanks Mishty and family).
I have had to adjust my mind from the chaos, searing heat,and masses of humans that is India, to a more organized and structured world. Can it be that these places can exist on the same planet?
An ode to Letra Hispanica
One of my Spanish professors (and now friends) once said that we taught him that “mi mundo no es el mundo,” which means, “my world isn't the world.”
If anyone is in need of language classes, this is a small promotion to some of my favorite memories. It is true, anyone who has had the opportunity to study abroad can describe a different experience, but for me, Letra Hispanica was life changing. It was where we spent most of our time studying, laughing, crying and exploring what was going on in the European world. It gave me new appreciation of arts, architecture and a love of literature (Don Quijote anyone?).
www.letrahispanica.com
On the road/railway again ….
Planes, trains and automobiles anyone? Katie and I have been wearing down the pavement, soaring through the skies, and chugging along the countryside down some many rickety mountain roads, clear blue skies and beautiful valley floors. Each country, another experience. Each journey a look into the soul of the country.
The long train ride overnight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in second class brings back memories of strange smelling food, a hole in the floor for a bathroom and lush jungle scenery. Jump forward to the beauty of the Spanish country side: everything is green and speckled with reds, yellows, pinks, oranges, and purples; the wildflowers are out in full force. The rows of promising grapes on vine bring a smile to winos faces. Flash back to the brutal heat of the evening in India, with nothing but an open window to cool our way along the tiny mountain twists to Dharsalama. The world stretches out before us again and I wonder what world hides behind the next bend.
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