España- Otra Vez!

I know that this post is about 4 months delayed, but I know some of you want to hear about my second trip to Spain!  So I went back over winter break and I was able to see a few cities that I had not seen the first time around as well as visit my favorite places again.  First, Gonzalo picked me up in Madrid and we stayed there for 2 nights. I have been to Madrid before, but it was a completely different experience the second time around.  It is amazing how different trips can be when you are traveling with someone who is native to the country!  I was able to see a lot of different places that we missed out on the first time. We spent a lot of time shopping and walking around and seeing all the major tourist sites again.

Here is a picture of me at Parque del Retiro...

I was also reunited with one of my favorite Spanish foods in Madrid- Jamón Ibérico! SO GOOD!

Our next stop was Segovia, a small town close to Madrid.  I had never been there before but I learned about the town from my friend Libby, who says that she wants to retire there someday.  I really wanted to see what this cute little place had to offer and I was definitely not disappointed!  Segovia is known for having the largest aqueduct in the world- it was SOOOO COOL.  Here is a picture of me at the top of the aqueduct as well as a picture of the sun setting behind it...

I loved this place to say the least!  Everyone just seemed so happy and there were very few tourists.  I would love to go back someday!

Our next city was Salamanca, where my friend Libby studied abroad the previous year.  I would describe Salamanca as the Madison of Spain.  It is filled with University students, but does not offer as many tourist attractions as other major cities in Spain.  Here is a picture of me in the main plaza and a picture of Gonzalo with one of the major Cathedrals in Salamanca....

Our next stop was SEVILLA- my favorite place in the world (obviously).  I stayed with Gonzalo's family while I was there and I was able to meet Gonzalo's sister for the first time.  She was studying abroad in France while I was studying abroad in Spain, so I never got to meet her.  Here is a picture of me and Gonzalo's family on New Year's Eve...

On New Years Eve, you have to eat 10 massive green grapes within 10 seconds or you will have bad luck.  This is so much harder than you think!  We had just eaten a huge dinner, so I could not even fathom eating more at this point.  Needless to say, I failed miserably.  The bad luck has not hit me yet though (knock on wood) :)

We also visited my favorite place in Sevilla- Plaza de España!  I rode the boats and the bikes for the first time- both things I wish I had done when I studied there.

At the end of the week, we were able to stop by my host family's house.  They were so happy to see me and to finally meet Gonzalo.  I missed them so much!  

In addition to Plaza de España and seeing my host family, we were able to visit all of my favorite places in Sevilla.  We ate Churros at me and Rebekah's favorite cafe, we went shopping at all my favorite stores, we met up with our friend José, and just spent time walking around the city.  This second trip was such a great time and I am so happy that I was able to go back!