Something About Salamanca « Streetwalker Tales- Manila and Beyond.

Must have been that yummy Paella.

Or was it the lamb chops?

Whatever, Salamanca was truly a memorable experience from the culinary to the architecture. The whole city is a masterpiece.

We'll let the photos do the justification.

First impressions last. The view from our hostel.

On to the city's crowning glory, the 12th century Universidad. Spain's oldest and her version of Oxford and Harvard.

Loved the courtyard and the Plateresco facade!

The Catedral Nueva. One of my favorites in Spain. Check out the stunning Plateresco facade! Best of all, entrance to the church was free!

Looking up the dome.

Looking down from a loft. Division in the middle is the choir space.

Side-by-side. Salamanca prides itself as a city of two cathedrals: the Gothic, domed Nueva (new) at the background and the Romanesque Vieja (old) in the foreground.

Both exquisite!

Climbing the old tower gives you this killer view of the city. And I did something really, really naughty on top of that…if you must know, drop me an email… ;op

Casa de la Conchas or the House of Conchs. Didnt quite figure out the architecture of this one…

My favorite shot of the city. And that Jesuit church's facade made my jaw drop… too bad it was closed. Dang!

Another Plateresco masterpiece (in a city that's almost this entire style!)- the Dominican convent of San Esteban.

The splendid baroque altarpiece inside San Esteban. It towered about 20 feet above me!

Galit sa Kahoy.

And of course, how can we one visit Salmanca without loosing yourself around the Plaza Mayor, according to the Salamancans themselves, the most beautiful square in Spain.

I don't think I'll disagree.

Couldnt get a decent shot of it so had to borrow this one.

Thank you www.worldheritagesite.org for enriching my blog.

truly SOMETHING else. That's Salamanca!

John Says:
May 23, 2006 at 7:23 pm

Impressive Ivan! Everytime I travel to Europe, there are glimpse of certain cities that reminds me of our country. It’s a strange feeling.

Anyway, I wanted to get infos from you regarding the Rice Terraces. Is there a backdoor route to visit this site that is NOT touristy? Do I need a 4×4 transportation or would a regular hired car be good enough?

And when I go back home, I intend to check out your guided walking tour!!!

manilastreetwalker Says:
May 25, 2006 at 12:35 pm

Hi John,

Funny, but Salamanca never did remind me the least bit of Pinas…well, except maybe that little bar beside our hostel.

It was named Bar Manila.

If you are driving, I suggest you take the back door route towards Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya highway. Its paved all the way and a better alternative to the Baguio-Halsema Highway (never really tried that but heard it can get bumpy).

Of course a 4×4 is a must especially if you think of exploring Sagada. The paved National Highway stops in Banaue.After that, its rough road all the way to Sagada (another 3 hours)!

John Says:
May 25, 2006 at 7:00 pm

Ivan,

I’m planning on spending 1 week in Luzon. Then, another week preferably hitting the beaches (Visayas).

Do you think I could cover Vigan/Banaue/Tagaytay/Taal and Manila (which includes your walking tours and CarlosCeldran walking tour in 1 week or 9 days?

I’ll hit the “Big M” with my friends from Southern California. I’m sure they’ll find it quite interesting!

I’m trying to make the most out of the 2 weeks stay in the Philippines. Would really appreciate your feedback!

Hope you don’t mind me asking. I’d rather ask you and your “tokayo” rather than travel agents!

You could email me directly instead of posting it here. Many thanks pal!

manilastreetwalker Says:
May 26, 2006 at 2:42 am

John,

I can answer your questions via email, whats your address?

John Says:
May 26, 2006 at 7:30 am

email - OCjpr@yahoo.com

Sidney Says:
May 26, 2006 at 9:50 am

” Climbing the old tower gives you this killer view of the city. And I did something really, really naughty on top of that…if you must know, drop me an email… ;op ”

There was no sign “Bawal umihi dito”, so you did !

Great architecture!

Hope you will also post som pictures of beautiful Spanish girls…

manilastreetwalker Says:
May 27, 2006 at 12:26 am

Sidney,

LOL!!! But Im keeping mum with what I did, at least here in public, you’ll have to email me to find out! hee hee…

Sidney Says:
May 27, 2006 at 12:58 pm

Ok, let me first do another try!
You threw a “Filipinos” from the top of the tower.

enamorado Says:
July 14, 2006 at 5:27 am

hi there, nice pics! they truly capture the moments. great job taking pictures. how did you like spain?

i remember the kids in my ‘homestay’ teased me what kind of ‘filipino’ am i. i thought it was just my untrained ears to castillan spanish. i got the joke after three days in madrid. if it is any consolation, i found them delicious.

btw, were you able to go to the university of salamanca? there is a frog amongst the intricate details on the university’s gate (or main entrance). just wondering if you managed to find it.

ciao!

roland

Manila streetwalker Says:
July 14, 2006 at 12:23 pm

Roland,

Yep, I visited the univerisity because of my slit eyes, I never did se that frog(I tried hard!)

Oh, I love Spain…must be that 333-year hang over from our history. ;o),

Carlo Says:
August 23, 2006 at 4:08 pm

Great pics of Salamanca! I hope you found the city to be more ‘alive’ than Segovia and Avila. After all, Salamanca is a university town so it should have that buzz of activity from the students.

manilastreetwalker Says:
August 28, 2006 at 12:00 pm

Carlo,

Thanks,Salamanca is indeed a place to remember by. Loved the city’s timeless architecture with lots of youthful dynamism thrown in. My kind of city really!