Four Continents 2012

Salamanca: 11-13 September

		Driving from Segovia to Salamanca, we stopped about half-way at Àvila, which still has its massive walls. *
		Near one of the gates was a statue of St Teresa of Àvila. †
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		We walked through narrow streets to the Cathedral. *
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		We had lunch in the Plaza of St Teresa ... *
		which had another statue of her. *
		And we did some window shopping. *
		Then on to Salamanca, where the Plaza Mayor is said to be the most harmonious in Spain. *
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		The Cathedral tower dominates the nearby area ... *
		subtly changing colour as the daylight fades. †
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		The evening meal at Restaurant Lis. *
		The next morning, we visited the Cathedral. †
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		The carvings around the main door were restored not long ago and some modern touches were included. *
		Then through the streets towards the University. †
		The modest facade of the University's administration building. †
		It was the start of term, so the streets were full of stalls selling food and (especially) drink. †
		There was a demonstration in Plaza Mayor against cuts to public service jobs. *
		There were shops full of Iberian hams ... *
		and a busy market full of marvellous fresh and preserved produce. *
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		Almost any raised flat surface has a stork's nest. †
		At dusk, we walked through Plaza Mayor again, dodging the entertainers. *
		The evening meal was in Zazu Bistro. It served French food, which made a nice change. *
		Returning to our hotel, the Plaza Mayor was all lit up ... †
		and the Cathedral was floodlit. †

Then on a long drive to Santiago de Compostella.