Friday – We began early again this morning so as to get in many activities! We took the Metro to the train station, so that we could catch our 8:45 AVE (High Speed) train to Segovia. After 30 minutes, we arrived at the new AVE station where we caught a city bus to the charming town of Segovia. We knew we only had three hours, so we walked quickly to each sight. After walking under the Roman Aqueduct, we walked up towards the Alcazar, one of the favorite residences of the monarchs of Castile. It also served as a prison and a Royal Artillery School. It burned in 1862, but has been returned to its previous grandeur and is now a museum. We really enjoyed seeing the beautiful ceilings in each of the 11 rooms we were able to tour. Our visit culminated with a 152-step climb up to the tower for a 360 degree view of Segovia.
Next, we were off to Segovia’s cathedral, built in Renaissance times, but very Gothic with its pinnacles and flying buttresses. After touring the cathedral, we exited into Plaza Mayor, where several pastry shops, which we had to explore, greeted us. Two pastries and one baguette later, we followed Rick Steve’s walking tour back to the Aqueduct. Back on the bus, back on the train, back on the Metro, we returned to Madrid for the afternoon. We were hungry, so se sought out a fun place to eat lunch. Keeping with the cathedral theme, Suzanne had eaten at the “Cathedral” restaurant, so we went there for paella and sangria. YUMMY! Next, we hit the streets for some fast paced Madrid shopping. Boots, scarves, and other gifts for home were our targets. After shopping, we walked back across town to reach Reina Park. Suzanne has already described this Central Park like venue, which was lovely, clean, safe and lively. We had some extra bread from lunch, so we fed the ducks. We returned home with left-overs for supper and were able to share another lovely meal with Elena.
Saturday, I was able to go with Suzanne’s group of 14 students (10 from Marist and 4 from Stetson) and their program director, Isabel to Cuenca. Once again, we caught an early train for a 3 hour rail through the La Mancha region to Cuenca. The historic section is perched atop a hill, with a river on either side. We learned that Muslims and then Christians settled in Cuenca due to its defensive and economic advantages. We walked up, up and up to the casas colgades (hanging houses) that barely cling to the rock formations above the river. We crossed a gorge on a bridge that was strewn with locks (a new trend in Spain, to place a padlock 
on a bridge, with you and your intended’s name written on the lock and throw away the key). We ate lunch that Elena had kindly packed for us on the steps of the capital and saw a bride and groom exit the church. After lunch, Suzanne, John, Lindsey and I wandered through the winding streets enjoying the local sounds, sights and tastes. We even found a small plaza for a short siesta. We met Isabel for a guided tour of the Museo de Arte Abstraco Espanol. (National Museum of
Abstract Art), that was located in one of the hanging houses. Both the inside and outside of this museum were spectacular and very educational. To end our day, John, Lindsey, Suzanne and I briefly toured the Cathedral of Cuenca, constructed under Alfonso VIII after he conquered Castile. We’re on our train now, headed for my last night in Madrid. So with this blog, I shall bid farewell, but with many memories of a special time with the best daughter a mom could have! I’ll turn the blogging back over to Suzanne and along with each of you, await her next adventure. (P. S. I got to end my trip with a lovely taste of churros con chocolate. What could be better!)Julie "The Mom in Madrid" Reffel
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