Day 5: Travel Day - Madrid to Salamanca with Avila, a late birthday celebration, and some late night Ice Cream runs

Sachems outside Avila

Tonight's blog will be a short one. We had a full day and I am a little more tired than expected. I only put 20,000 steps on today though!

I am starting the blog later than any night on this trip, so far, because we are right in the City Center of Salamanca. Parents have probably already seen some of the rooms/views of the city. We take our full tour, tomorrow, but the kids had two opportunities to walk the streets this evening and some asked politely and got late night ice cream too.

We woke in Madrid and had breakfast, packed the bus, and departed. It was a struggle for some, I suspect, but we didn't delay the bus.  I was happy. It was a little under 2 hours later that we arrived to Avila. It is a quaint Medieval town and it is surrounded by a wall.  Stefano took us on a walking tour of the city.

Panoramic view of the City Center...its probably better on Facebook

I mentioned the other night that I sometimes look for signs when I travel. Personal mementos of previous visits or memories from home. Today, there was a somber one as I learned of the passing of the Pope. I am far from a religious man, but I respect faith and I respected his leadership these past few years. I was in Rome twenty years ago shortly after Pope John Paul II passed away. I was at the Trevi Fountain when Benedict's election was announced. Today's news brought me back to those moments. Being in Rome for a Conclave was an amazing experience. 

Fast Forward around the 2 minute mark!

In Avila, I expected some more recognition of this moment, but I only saw this single tribute. 

Our walking tour continued through the town viewing several key spots.  I had my eye on the Wall and couldn't wait to climb the stairs and walk the top overlooking this amazing little city. 

A relic of St. Teresa. Inside this case is the index finger of her right hand.

Our time in Avila came to an end and we boarded our bus for an hour or so drive to Salamanca. The rain started again, but it wasn't too bad. Stefano took us through the city on a quick orientation tour, but the real lessons of this city begin tomorrow.  We are lucky to be in the city center, for sure, but it can be a little more difficult if you are chaperoning high school students.  The hotel is updated on the inside, but it an old and odd layout. I told the kids bedtime was 10pm.  

Spaghetti as a starter

Roasted Pork and Veggies as a Main

I didn't catch this dessert's name. The boys I had dinner with called it sweet.

Celebrating Max's birthday a few days late! Happy Birthday again!

My own treat...as I finally found Coca Light in Europe

The hotel lobby doesn't really exist here. It is a long hallway to the street. Checking in was a bit of a nightmare. I couldn't really write the blog there either, so I am in my room with a Diet Coke and a Snickers bar while completing the story.  That said, I waited down there for a few minutes after dinner in case the kids needed anything. Around 10:05, I had my first request for late night ice cream. It was followed by a second, and then a third request. I honored them all!  I hope they enjoyed their treats!

Some of my favorite memories on Eurotrips are bring kids to late night ice cream. Whether 20 years ago in the city of Rome, or several times under the bright lights of the Eiffel Tower, or now, in Spain...with this group of kids. 

Again, my apologies for the shortness of this post. Tomorrow, we travel again.  Thanks for reading!

Mr. Lavoie, currently finishing his snickers and preparing for a good night's sleep!