Before joining Proctor in Spain on its excursion to Basque country, I had hoped to post a page fully capturing student life here in Segovia. A number of circumstances, including poor weather and midterm exams, made this impossible, and now we are about to head off to Madrid to catch the high speed train north. Nevertheless, I do have a sample from Segovia. Students live in homestays scattered throughout the city. This is the ancient fortress on the southwest corner of town, the
Alcazar.
On the opposite side of town, perhaps a twenty minute walk from the Alcazar, is the iconic aquaducto, constructed in the First Century AD. Some argue that the Romans knew--perfectly well--how to pump water from wells, and forced slaves to build the aquaduct only to impress native Iberians with their technology and might.
Proctor in Segovia's classrooms are situated just off the Plaza Mayor, near the Cathedral, which is one of the last examples of Gothic construction in Spain. Built during the high Renaissance, it is an example of the Flamboyant style, with a central dome, rather than a spire.
The school is located on the right hand side of this street, just below the central square.
The school has rented classrooms here for decades. First, you pass through a cool, open air courtyard. This morning, the scent of fried meat (not an uncommon aroma,) attracts attention between classes.
This is Derek Mansell's history class.
In a few minutes, we'll grab a bus to Madrid. Following the eighty-five minute trip, we'll visit the
Museo Reina Sofía to view Picasso's painful
Guernica, depicting the Nazi bombardment of that Basque town. Tomorrow, Thursday, we'll take a high speed train to Zaragosa, rent four cars, and drive to ancient castles and the village of
Sos de Rey Católica. On Friday evening, I hope to post the next Corner from the Cantabrian coast city of San Sebastian.
Hasta luego.....
