Day 6: Travel Day: Times Change But Travel Memories Last Forever

 

My Doppelganger? 

I am upset with myself tonight. I forgot two things that are quite typical and I have no explanation as to why. I didn't remember to get a group photo today. I apologize for those at home who look forward to seeing their child, hopefully I caught a glimpse of everyone during our walking tour of Salamanca. The second thing that I forgot was a couple of shots with tonight's dinner. It was a buffet style meal and by the time I remembered, it was too late.

This morning we woke in Spain; tonight we rest our heads in Portugal. It was a four+ hour drive, but it also crossed into a different time zone. It is currently 8:45pm outside of Coimbra, but it feels like 9:45. I can tell because quite a few of the kids said they were going to go to bed.  The drive itself wasn't that bad. The Coach buses that we have on these tours are usually pretty comfortable. When you combine their hydraulic shock absorption with travel fatigue it makes for a quick trip to slumber land. I was able to read a book about Fort Sumter for a while before putting on my favorite Science podcast. It was a good ride, but I am getting ahead of myself....let's go back to Spain.

My food reviews have been kind of lacking on this tour...partly because I haven't had a strong appetite (so I haven't eaten as much). Today, at a new hotel, I figured it was time to take a view at what is offered for a traditional breakfast on the road.  I have previously mentioned bread and cold cuts. That is a staple for me, but today we had a few additional options. I thought it was the best breakfast of the trip, but at least one Eurotripper disagreed with me. He thought there was a lot of options, but not a lot of flavor!  I disagree, lol.

I am a big fan of beans for breakfast and was happy to see them served today. I also enjoyed the bacon...and this may be why we had our disagreement. Beans have been served in my house, for breakfast, since I was a child. It is also a customary thing in many European countries. My mom grew up on a farm and her recipe has been handed down through generations (which reminds me it is time to learn to make them). She will happily tell everyone that I only started liking beans about 15 years ago, lol.  The bacon, here, isn't cooked the same as in the states and I am thinking that's another reason it was not well received. They never go crispy, there is always a little more fat than we would like, and that fat makes it seem a bit oily. To some, that is great bacon, but others, it is not. To each their own. The sausage offered today was on the bland variety, I will concede that point, but everything else was pretty tasty. Yes, you also see Red Velvet cake on that table. I didn't try it.

Overall, I was impressed with this hotel's offerings and it provided us with enough fuel to make our way through the city. We met our guide Carmela in the Plaza Mayor and began our city tour. As a guide, she was great. Passionate about her city. Knowledgeable about its past. Human enough to connect with an audience of American teenagers. She told us that Salamanca is a magical place. She taught us some of that magic, too. We visited the university and the cathedrals. We learned in a 600 year old classroom...that is amazing! We learned about two of the city's lucky charms too.  

The Cupela is the highest in all of Spain. 

Carmela is explaining that they built these cathedrals to show the power of God. 

An astronaut was added to the facade about 30 years ago.

Students pet this lucky rabbit to help them on their exams.

Mr. S showing off his first classroom from 600 years ago!

A tree donated by Stanford University. Salamanca has a strong tradition of hosting students from around the world. 

The lucky frog is carved onto this skull way up on the cathedral. It has become a symbol of the city.

The frog is halfway up the right hand column. 

The weather here is starting to improve and we had a clear crisp morning. It wasn't as warm as we would hope, but it was not as bitter as some of the other days on tour. Carmela's tour was both inside and outside.  Afterwards, we had an opportunity for more shopping and to grab a bite to eat. I saw WAY TOO MANY of our kids inside McDonalds! I did hear that a couple of kids liked the Spanish McDonald's better than ours. 

Carmela introducing herself to our group.

EDITORS NOTE: For some reason, the computer is uploading pictures in a strange order. Sorry if it seems disjointed.

After lunch, we all trekked back to the hotel and began the process of moving our luggage to the bus. A quick passport check insured that all documents were safe and then we headed on the long road through the Spanish countryside. As mentioned, the drive was comfortable and uneventful. A few minutes before the border, Stefano hopped on the microphone so that kids wouldn't miss it. He explained that many years ago the border was more regimented than it is today. He discussed how the EU transformed Europe and he explained that driving between countries today is just like driving between states. Horacio, our driver, slowed down so that we could catch the epic shot as we entered Portugal.

That blue sign and pavement color represents the border!

A few minutes after crossing the border and we stopped at a rest stop for refreshments and a much needed stretch. There was a little stray pup walking about and I grabbed his picture. 

I hope he is okay. I heard some of the kids talking about him too. It was another reminder of my dog and how I need to thank my family for watching him while I am away! Thanks Guys!

A few hours later and we arrived to the B&B Hotel outside of Coimbra. It is a modern hotel in a small suburb. There is a grocery store across the way and a few little stores nearby too. It is a safe looking place and it afforded the kids an opportunity to go out for a short walk, get some snacks, and play on grass. 

The buffet line!

It is now 9:35pm and most of the kids have gone to bed. They are tired and we have a few more long days ahead of us. I will be heading up shortly, but I am sitting here and reflecting on the trip so far. We are over halfway through...with four nights and three days of tour left before we head home. It promises to be warm/hot tomorrow as we visit Porto and throughout the rest of the trip. It will probably feel like a totally different trip if the weather holds. Already, the kids are anticipating warmth, sun, and tans, lol. I started typing tonight with a whole room full of kids, but it dwindled down to just a few...and now there are none here with me.  I was sad, on one hand, because they were playing cards and didn't invite me...

...years ago, that would have been expected. I am glad they are having fun. I enjoy watching them grow as travelers and as people. I know they didn't ask me to play because they saw me working. They gave me words of encouragement and a few have told me that they are reading the blog too. One of the best compliments was paid to me today, when I was told that one student was stealing the blog's pictures. I write this for several reasons. One, is for me. I enjoy it. I like recording my thoughts on the road. Two, is for parents and loved ones. I want them to see what their kids are seeing. Three, for the kids. I hope years from now, they travel back in time to this time. To be reminded of their Eurotrip in 2025!

Mr. Lavoie, currently hoping the noise echoing from the upstairs isn't kids from Saugus!