Segovia, 2nd time around: Maybe even better!

Hola!

As we did last year, we took a day trip to Segovia and Pedraza; I wrote about this trip on my blog in detail so I will only write a bit about this trip (and post some pics).

Under the excellent leadership of Dr. Sicius (having him here at first was essential . . .we all were learning so much), we took our reserved bus to Segovia where we were all charmed by Queen Isabel’s castle (the same one that Walt Disney sketched in Segovia and which became his inspiration for the castle in Orlando at Disney World).

What a great pic below of our expert tour guides, Dr. Sicius and Adolfo!

We knew it would be hot so Stephanie C. and I rocked hats for our Segovia trip!!! See below.

And, of course there was a call for another group picture.
See below!

Yay, Summer in Spain Study Abroad 2012 group!

After leaving this great photo opportunity spot, we went into the town of Segovia and our bus dropped us off right in front of the amazing Roman aequeduct that looks like a work of art to me (I’m not sure if the Romans intended it to be simply practical or also a work of art), but I find it beautiful, and it photographs really well too! Once again this year, it amazes me that this aqueduct still stands perfectly today. (They really knew how to build things back then! . . .LOL. How old does that last comment make me sound?)

As we walked through the town, Dr. Sicius pointed out the narrow streets of Segovia and the unique mudejar style of architecture that shows the Muslim (Moorish) influence in Spanish architecture. I don't know how to explain it well; however, I can now recognize it. It is a pattern of beautiful and often complicated geometric patterns. Below are 2 examples of this architecture in Segovia.

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Then, Dr. Sicius showed us a church which he pointed out had been both Christian and Muslim at different time periods. The tower at the top demonstrated that it had Muslim heritage. The towers at the top of Mosques showed people which way faced East and the bell in the tower would let them know when it was time to pray. You can also see the archways that demonstrated the Roman architecture. After serving as a mosque, it became a Catholic church. See the church in the picture below.

I love this next picture that shows the rays of Sun beaming down on the entrance to this church. If I can take some artistic leeway here, I would propose those rays of Sun represent God showing favor on a building that housed a variety of people worshipping (perhaps in different styles and ways), but still finding a relationship with their God. You, of course, can interpret the photograph in your own way. :)

When I learn about the history of Spain, one of the most fascinating aspects to me is how for many years, Christians, Muslims, and Jews were able to coexist peacefully in Spain. However, over time, there were tremendous battles between them as well (understatement of the year!). Then, Isabel and Ferdinand (quite the interesting power couple of their day!), who had pretty severe intolerance of other faiths (and the desire to create an all-Christian Spain) drove the Muslims out of Spain (and the Jews as well . .unless the Jews converted). But in Spain, the influence of all three faiths remain in the architecture, the language (Dr. Sicius taught us that 40% of the Spanish language is Arabic  . . the other 60% is Latin), the music, and the food. So, thankfully, those aspects of objective and subjective culture still exist, making Spain such an interesting country! 

Then, we went into the town and stopped by the church where Isabel was crowned queen while her husband Ferdinand was away (he was quite annoyed). This is one of my favorite stories about Isabel . . see last year's blog for the detailed story (or ask Dr. Sicius . . he's the expert!) This is a pic of the church below and check out that strong Spanish sun!

Then, unlike last year (when it was closed for renovation), we had the chance to go into Queen Isabella’s castle. But, first . . it's time for another group pic! Here we are in front of Queen Isabella's castle in Segovia!

And, below is a pic of the castle up close!

Time to go in!

In the pic below, notice the mudejar architecture on the castle. For someone who was insistent on "driving out the Muslims", she (Isabel) could certainly appreciate their architecture.

Look who is here to greet us as we walk in!

The rooms were beautiful, especially when you look up. The ceilings in Spanish Muslim (Moorish) architecture are magnificent. The pictures just can't do them justice. But, maybe it will give you a sense of the style. Below are some pics of the beautiful ceilings in Isabel's castle.

In one room Dr. Sicius pointed out an hourglass to us. He said that when someone wanted to talk to Queen Isabella to get help with a problem or to ask her a question, she would turn this hourglass over when the person entered and the person had 10 minutes to present his/her case or situation to her. In that amount of time, she would then decide if the person could have more time with her. Quite efficient! (One of the students, Rosanna, who knows me well, laughed at this and said she was going to get me one of those hourglasses for my office! The other students all agreed . . .What a great idea!!!) I know that all those near my office at STU are also agreeing right now!!! Wouldn't this look great in my office?

So, we only had a little bit of time left before we had to meet our bus to head to Pedraza for our feast of lamb! But, Dr. Sicius told us that if we ran up the stairs of the tower, we could go up to see the view from the top of the castle.
So, some of us decide that yes, that's a good idea, let's RUN up to the top of the tower as fast as we can . . up an extremely narrow, winding around and around and around staircase to the top of the castle.
All I could hear as we headed up the narrow, winding, dark stone stairs were different voices asking, "are we almost there? how much further? are we close yet?" Then, Alejandra, with the voice of an angel, says, "I see light! We are almost there!" That was the inspiration we all needed for the last few steps.
As we all huffed and puffed at the top, we took some beautiful pictures of the amazing view of Segovia.

Next, we posed for a group picture to show we had done it! Can you tell that everyone is holding their breath?

 I jumped in to document that yes, I was there!

You would think it would be easier heading down the tower stairwell, but the steps were soooo narrow, and there were other people trying to come up at the same time. One nice woman offered me her hand as I cautiously stepped past her. Then there were several men on the steps past her. They didn't offer their hands (hmmm . . .), but I totally used their shoulders as a rail . . .not sure how they felt about it, but it was either that or go tumbling down the stairwell! When we got back to the bottom and hurried to meet our bus, both Alejandra and I were shaking  . . I guess it was the heights or the spinning staircase. But, it was worth it!

After our tour of Segovia, we head out for Pedraza for the lamb feast!  And, here we are! Welcome to Pedraza!

First, we stop at a local bar/tavern to have some local jamon, queso, and vino. Everyone was glad to have a chance to sit and relax (including Nico)!

Then, it's time for the feast! Everyone is waiting eagerly!

Final preparations for us!

Thank you Dr. Sicius for having the hook-up for us at this amazing restaurant! Delicioso!

After lunch, we wandered around town.

Then, I stumbled upon this great pic! Uh Oh! Looks like someone dropped their cell phone!

Just kidding! No, the students were being mindful and enjoying the view. But, I couldn't resist that comment because we have had many conversations on our trip about how great it is to get away from our technology like cell phones! (Some students agree; others don't!)

Back to El Escorial, and yes, it’s true . . Dr. Sicius can out walk us all! No rest for the weary! Ok, well maybe a little rest on the bus! Here are the students (and Nico) at the end of the day trip to Segovia and Pedraza.

What a great day!
Adios!