Sleepless in Spectacular Spain!
Jun 1st, 2005 | 08:16 PM
#1
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Sleepless in Spectacular Spain!
I couldn’t sleep in Spain—I was just too thrilled, too excited over everything I was seeing and I didn’t want to miss a second. Spain is truly spectacular!
Purchased a 5 day Parador card and made reservations for Avila, Salamanca, Leon (2 nights),and Segovia on the Internet at www.parador.es.
Dav 1—Florence-Madrid-Avila
Avila—flew in from Florence to Madrid and took a cab from the airport to the train station to get the train to Avila. This was one of the worst experiences of our trip and I’ve heard other people in Fodors who have had bad experiences with taxi drivers in Madrid. Next time I’m taking the metro!
The Parador in Avila is just beautiful, and the grounds are so peaceful and amazing, adjacent to the oldest medieval walls in Europe. Not only are the they oldest, but they are well preserved and easily accessable.
Our room was adequate—clean and simple, but we spent most of our time in the Parador garden watching the “bird ballet.” Really, it was spectacular. Several storks have nests in the nearby tower and we could actually see them feeding their babies.
We had wine and split a sandwich to hold us until dinner outside at the Parador bar and went out to dinner at a place the Parador and a guidebook I had borrowed from an American I had met on the train (I had lost my notes in Italy)—Meson del Rastro. We literally opened and closed this place—in other words, we were the only people who ate there and there should have been a dead giveaway. DH ordered salad and fish; I ordered the Castlilian soup and veal stew. His salad and fish were OK, but my soup was truly awful and I would have loved to have been able to give the veal stew to my dog—SHE would have loved it. If I hadn’t been so hungry, I would have sent everything back. The wine was good though. And it wasn’t cheap either—about 35 EU.
The next day the weather was perfect—sunny, but not too hot—and we walked along the old city wall and climbed the various viewpoints. This was fantastic—the wall is so amazing, the views overlooking the surrounding countryside and the cathedral was great, AND there were very few people. After Florence, this was quite wonderful for me.
Day 2 Avila—Salamanca
Salamanca literally took my breath away. Every turn was another incredible cathedral, or statue, or plaza, or park. I wish we had more time to spend there, but I know I will return.
The Parador, in great contrast to the town, was modern and rather businesslike, but the room was large, airy, well-kept, and had a sitting area with 2 comfortable chairs and a table, an all marble bathroom, and views of the town. Also, it was walking distance, just over the Roman bridge. I really liked it.
It seems we spent hours just strolling, until we came upon a place where a nice sized crowd of locals were enjoying tapas. What a fantastic find! These were literally the best tapas I’ve ever had at Taberna Galatea at C/ Prado, 11. We must have had at least 8 tapas (the best were eggplant with lox and tomato, but other excellent ones were the tortilla, and the fish salad) and 3 glasses of wine and it all came to only 10.50 EU!
People—locals, it seemed, not tourists, were out everywhere strolling on the street. We walked along the Paseo Del Rector and took all sorts of pictures in the park where the modern sculptures were juxtaposed to the fabulous sandstone buildings with their incredible Renaissance and Plateresque architecture. The Plaza Mayor was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and we joined the crowd to watch—of all things—a Dixieland Jazz Band! This was the only place in Europe where I actually felt underdressed!
We had dinner a place near the University—something like Casa Luna, which was disappointing, but at least we weren’t that hungry, and it was inexpensive.
When I got up the next morning, I roamed around the Parador, taking in the views, relaxing, planning to take a late train to Leon, our next stop, and stopped at the desk to inquire about the train schedule (remember, I had lost my journal with all this information!) and the receptionist told me, “Oh, there is no train to Leon. Only a bus.” And, it turned out that the last bus out was at 11 o’clock and it was already a bit after 10 and DH was sound asleep upstairs.
I raced upstairs, announcing, “I hate to do this, but you have to get up and pack this minute—we have a bus to catch.”
Well, we scurried like made, grabbed a cab (this time the driver didn’t jip us), and caught the 11 o’clock bus to Leon.
While I was glad we caught the bus, I was really sad that we weren’t able to spend more time in Salamanca. Really, I can see why this was named a World Heritage City!
Next stop….Leon…
Purchased a 5 day Parador card and made reservations for Avila, Salamanca, Leon (2 nights),and Segovia on the Internet at www.parador.es.
Dav 1—Florence-Madrid-Avila
Avila—flew in from Florence to Madrid and took a cab from the airport to the train station to get the train to Avila. This was one of the worst experiences of our trip and I’ve heard other people in Fodors who have had bad experiences with taxi drivers in Madrid. Next time I’m taking the metro!
The Parador in Avila is just beautiful, and the grounds are so peaceful and amazing, adjacent to the oldest medieval walls in Europe. Not only are the they oldest, but they are well preserved and easily accessable.
Our room was adequate—clean and simple, but we spent most of our time in the Parador garden watching the “bird ballet.” Really, it was spectacular. Several storks have nests in the nearby tower and we could actually see them feeding their babies.
We had wine and split a sandwich to hold us until dinner outside at the Parador bar and went out to dinner at a place the Parador and a guidebook I had borrowed from an American I had met on the train (I had lost my notes in Italy)—Meson del Rastro. We literally opened and closed this place—in other words, we were the only people who ate there and there should have been a dead giveaway. DH ordered salad and fish; I ordered the Castlilian soup and veal stew. His salad and fish were OK, but my soup was truly awful and I would have loved to have been able to give the veal stew to my dog—SHE would have loved it. If I hadn’t been so hungry, I would have sent everything back. The wine was good though. And it wasn’t cheap either—about 35 EU.
The next day the weather was perfect—sunny, but not too hot—and we walked along the old city wall and climbed the various viewpoints. This was fantastic—the wall is so amazing, the views overlooking the surrounding countryside and the cathedral was great, AND there were very few people. After Florence, this was quite wonderful for me.
Day 2 Avila—Salamanca
Salamanca literally took my breath away. Every turn was another incredible cathedral, or statue, or plaza, or park. I wish we had more time to spend there, but I know I will return.
The Parador, in great contrast to the town, was modern and rather businesslike, but the room was large, airy, well-kept, and had a sitting area with 2 comfortable chairs and a table, an all marble bathroom, and views of the town. Also, it was walking distance, just over the Roman bridge. I really liked it.
It seems we spent hours just strolling, until we came upon a place where a nice sized crowd of locals were enjoying tapas. What a fantastic find! These were literally the best tapas I’ve ever had at Taberna Galatea at C/ Prado, 11. We must have had at least 8 tapas (the best were eggplant with lox and tomato, but other excellent ones were the tortilla, and the fish salad) and 3 glasses of wine and it all came to only 10.50 EU!
People—locals, it seemed, not tourists, were out everywhere strolling on the street. We walked along the Paseo Del Rector and took all sorts of pictures in the park where the modern sculptures were juxtaposed to the fabulous sandstone buildings with their incredible Renaissance and Plateresque architecture. The Plaza Mayor was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and we joined the crowd to watch—of all things—a Dixieland Jazz Band! This was the only place in Europe where I actually felt underdressed!
We had dinner a place near the University—something like Casa Luna, which was disappointing, but at least we weren’t that hungry, and it was inexpensive.
When I got up the next morning, I roamed around the Parador, taking in the views, relaxing, planning to take a late train to Leon, our next stop, and stopped at the desk to inquire about the train schedule (remember, I had lost my journal with all this information!) and the receptionist told me, “Oh, there is no train to Leon. Only a bus.” And, it turned out that the last bus out was at 11 o’clock and it was already a bit after 10 and DH was sound asleep upstairs.
I raced upstairs, announcing, “I hate to do this, but you have to get up and pack this minute—we have a bus to catch.”
Well, we scurried like made, grabbed a cab (this time the driver didn’t jip us), and caught the 11 o’clock bus to Leon.
While I was glad we caught the bus, I was really sad that we weren’t able to spend more time in Salamanca. Really, I can see why this was named a World Heritage City!
Next stop….Leon…
Jun 1st, 2005 | 08:42 PM
#2
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,298
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Thanks for your new installment!
What happened with the taxi driver in Madrid?
I am now sorry I didn't go to Avila last year on my way to Salamanca from Madrid.
I agree, Salamanca is ultra special. Never thought there could be another Plaza Mayor as ( or more) beautiful than the one in Madrid, but this one is.
I loved how people of all ages strolled around the Plaza until very late at night .
What happened with the taxi driver in Madrid?
I am now sorry I didn't go to Avila last year on my way to Salamanca from Madrid.
I agree, Salamanca is ultra special. Never thought there could be another Plaza Mayor as ( or more) beautiful than the one in Madrid, but this one is.
I loved how people of all ages strolled around the Plaza until very late at night .
Jun 2nd, 2005 | 04:04 PM
#4
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Joined: Feb 2003
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cruiseluv,
Yes, Salamanca is really special--wish I had spent more time there.
The incident with the cab driver was really rather ugly--in my limited Spanish I asked to go to the Chamartin Train station, which he did, and the meter said 16 EU, but he told DH it was 26 EU, and I told him, no, the meter said 16 and told DH to give him 16 at which point he started screaming at me that there was a 10 EU pickup charge from the airport and he pointed to a sign at the side of his cab, that did NOT say that at all! I told him this and he starting screaming that he was going to get the police! I might have told him to go ahead, just on principal, but we were on vacation and I really didn't want the negativity. So we gave him 26 EU. Just goes to show there are all sorts of people everywhere, but last time in Madrid, we were ripped off by a cab driver as well.
Chele60,
thanks for the kind words...
on to Leon...
Day 3—Salamanca-Leon
Somehow, in planning this trip I had been “drawn to” Leon. I’m not sure exactly what it was, and I’ve had this happen before (and been disappointed before—last time in Allicante—but that might have been due to the awful weather we had there) but Leon didn’t meet up to my expectations.
However, the Parador San Marcos exceeded my expectations—it was truly incredible and I loved every second I was there. Our room looked like the double featured in the pictures in the Parador.es website (though it looks bigger in the picture, which I often have found to be the case with Internet pictures of hotels and hotel rooms.) But the photos in the website of the Parador itself give you a good idea of how fantastic it is and why I’m glad I had the opportunity to stay there.
Leon, however, didn’t thrill me as much as other places I’d been to on this trip and others. While the cathedral was beautiful, and the stained glass windows impressive, the town itself didn’t have the energy of some of the other cities. At the risk of sounding “ageist”—it seemed “old”. It might be the lack of a major university there, thus the lack of younger people, or it might have been me, but I didn’t get a great feel for the city itself.
We did, however, find the best coffee and most delicious bread at Confiteria Fuensanta, Salon de Te & Bomboneria at Gran Via de San Marcos 37, plus it’s a darling shop—great place for coffee and a sweet (though we liked the bread even better). They also have other shops in Leon.
(More later…have to walk my sweet puppy.)
We had dinner at the Parador restaurant. The restaurant is gorgeous, very elegant, the service was good, the food very good except for the tortured brocolli and overcooked asparagus—but the main course “sea bass”, which tasted to me more like trout, was delicious, and the potatoes with them were good, and the stuffed red peppers were very good. Had an excellent vino tinto (Prago Raj…or something like this). For dessert we had an “orange mousse” that was more like a cream puff with an orange sauce on it, pretty good. The presentation was lovely and the people at the nearby tables (German, British, & French) were not loud or drunk.
Next on to Segovia...
Yes, Salamanca is really special--wish I had spent more time there.
The incident with the cab driver was really rather ugly--in my limited Spanish I asked to go to the Chamartin Train station, which he did, and the meter said 16 EU, but he told DH it was 26 EU, and I told him, no, the meter said 16 and told DH to give him 16 at which point he started screaming at me that there was a 10 EU pickup charge from the airport and he pointed to a sign at the side of his cab, that did NOT say that at all! I told him this and he starting screaming that he was going to get the police! I might have told him to go ahead, just on principal, but we were on vacation and I really didn't want the negativity. So we gave him 26 EU. Just goes to show there are all sorts of people everywhere, but last time in Madrid, we were ripped off by a cab driver as well.
Chele60,
thanks for the kind words...
on to Leon...
Day 3—Salamanca-Leon
Somehow, in planning this trip I had been “drawn to” Leon. I’m not sure exactly what it was, and I’ve had this happen before (and been disappointed before—last time in Allicante—but that might have been due to the awful weather we had there) but Leon didn’t meet up to my expectations.
However, the Parador San Marcos exceeded my expectations—it was truly incredible and I loved every second I was there. Our room looked like the double featured in the pictures in the Parador.es website (though it looks bigger in the picture, which I often have found to be the case with Internet pictures of hotels and hotel rooms.) But the photos in the website of the Parador itself give you a good idea of how fantastic it is and why I’m glad I had the opportunity to stay there.
Leon, however, didn’t thrill me as much as other places I’d been to on this trip and others. While the cathedral was beautiful, and the stained glass windows impressive, the town itself didn’t have the energy of some of the other cities. At the risk of sounding “ageist”—it seemed “old”. It might be the lack of a major university there, thus the lack of younger people, or it might have been me, but I didn’t get a great feel for the city itself.
We did, however, find the best coffee and most delicious bread at Confiteria Fuensanta, Salon de Te & Bomboneria at Gran Via de San Marcos 37, plus it’s a darling shop—great place for coffee and a sweet (though we liked the bread even better). They also have other shops in Leon.
(More later…have to walk my sweet puppy.)
We had dinner at the Parador restaurant. The restaurant is gorgeous, very elegant, the service was good, the food very good except for the tortured brocolli and overcooked asparagus—but the main course “sea bass”, which tasted to me more like trout, was delicious, and the potatoes with them were good, and the stuffed red peppers were very good. Had an excellent vino tinto (Prago Raj…or something like this). For dessert we had an “orange mousse” that was more like a cream puff with an orange sauce on it, pretty good. The presentation was lovely and the people at the nearby tables (German, British, & French) were not loud or drunk.
Next on to Segovia...
Jun 2nd, 2005 | 04:19 PM
#5
Joined: Feb 2003
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Paula,
I'm sorry that you had that ugly incident.
I also had a bad experience with a cabbie in Madrid who overcharged me . I was so naive back then that I didn't realize until later what had happened. I was so embarassed that I didn't claim the total I paid him in my expense report( this was on a business trip) since I didn't want to risk my boss questioning it.
I understand that you rather pay that get involved in an ugly incident with police, etc. that might sour your trip.
Regarding Leon, I hope I wasn't one of the posters that got your expectations up. I remember that at the time you were doing your research I posted how much I had liked Leon. To me more that the town and the Parador, the highlight was the cathedral. I had never seen anything like all that stained glass.
Did you see it at midnight when they turn all the lights off outside the cathedral and then , slowly , they start turning lights from inside the cathedral?
The Parador is awesome. To me is even more impressive than the one in Santiago de Compostela, which is supposed to be the "crown jewel" of the Paradores.
Looking forward to Segovia!
I'm sorry that you had that ugly incident.
I also had a bad experience with a cabbie in Madrid who overcharged me . I was so naive back then that I didn't realize until later what had happened. I was so embarassed that I didn't claim the total I paid him in my expense report( this was on a business trip) since I didn't want to risk my boss questioning it.
I understand that you rather pay that get involved in an ugly incident with police, etc. that might sour your trip.
Regarding Leon, I hope I wasn't one of the posters that got your expectations up. I remember that at the time you were doing your research I posted how much I had liked Leon. To me more that the town and the Parador, the highlight was the cathedral. I had never seen anything like all that stained glass.
Did you see it at midnight when they turn all the lights off outside the cathedral and then , slowly , they start turning lights from inside the cathedral?
The Parador is awesome. To me is even more impressive than the one in Santiago de Compostela, which is supposed to be the "crown jewel" of the Paradores.
Looking forward to Segovia!
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Jun 2nd, 2005 | 06:10 PM
#8
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Ivy,
Thank you for this information. Obviously, despite all my intense research, I didn't know this...well, I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse...really he didn't have to start yelling at us the way he did, but at least we weren't ripped off. Wish they had a sign that stated this at the airport.
Marchin,
Actually , we've had great experiences in the past with the Spanish police. One time we were lost in Malaga and they actually escorted us to our destination!
Cruiseluv,
Don't feel guilty--I was drawn to Leon and would have gone even without your raves, and I don't regret it, just regret that we didn't have more time in Salamanca and Segovia...
Thank you for this information. Obviously, despite all my intense research, I didn't know this...well, I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse...really he didn't have to start yelling at us the way he did, but at least we weren't ripped off. Wish they had a sign that stated this at the airport.
Marchin,
Actually , we've had great experiences in the past with the Spanish police. One time we were lost in Malaga and they actually escorted us to our destination!
Cruiseluv,
Don't feel guilty--I was drawn to Leon and would have gone even without your raves, and I don't regret it, just regret that we didn't have more time in Salamanca and Segovia...
Jun 3rd, 2005 | 12:48 AM
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,049
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Hi Paula,
the taxis have a sticker on their right window, written in spanish and english. You can see it once you sit inside. All the extra charges are specified there.
I take taxis quite often from the airport into Madrid, and on a quite Sunday evening none has been less than 18 Euros.
There is not only an airport charge, but also a train station extra charge (in both cases, both for dropping and picking up). So, in your case, I think that you had the two charges, something around 9 more euros ... There isn´t any extra charge for luggage, so if someone tries to talk you into that, it is a real rip-off.
He shouldn´t have shouted at you at all (although I sometimes wonder if I would be better off being a foreigner and being shouted at and not having to agree to all the "complex political analysis" some taxi drivers try to explain to you
...), and it would have been better if he had pointed to the COMPULSORY sticker all of the Madrid taxis carry. It would have been self-explaining.
BTW, many people in Spain think that the real crown jewel in the Paradores chain is Leon, not Santiago.
I am glad you liked Salamanca, it is one of my favourite places ...
Rgds, Cova
the taxis have a sticker on their right window, written in spanish and english. You can see it once you sit inside. All the extra charges are specified there.
I take taxis quite often from the airport into Madrid, and on a quite Sunday evening none has been less than 18 Euros.
There is not only an airport charge, but also a train station extra charge (in both cases, both for dropping and picking up). So, in your case, I think that you had the two charges, something around 9 more euros ... There isn´t any extra charge for luggage, so if someone tries to talk you into that, it is a real rip-off.
He shouldn´t have shouted at you at all (although I sometimes wonder if I would be better off being a foreigner and being shouted at and not having to agree to all the "complex political analysis" some taxi drivers try to explain to you
...), and it would have been better if he had pointed to the COMPULSORY sticker all of the Madrid taxis carry. It would have been self-explaining.BTW, many people in Spain think that the real crown jewel in the Paradores chain is Leon, not Santiago.
I am glad you liked Salamanca, it is one of my favourite places ...
Rgds, Cova
Jun 3rd, 2005 | 12:01 PM
#10
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Cova,
I really didn't mean to make such a big deal about the taxi, as overall, our experiences in Spain have been fabulous. And taking the Metro is confusing, but I'll get to that part later...(actually, I enjoyed my political discussions in Spain, as well as all over Europe, since I totally agree with the people, but Fodors is supposed to be non-political, so I won't go there...)
on to absolutely mind-boggling beautiful Segovia...
Day 4—Leon—Segovia
We had to leave Leon early to catch a train to Madrid, then to Segovia. Big train travel day, but I’m glad we left early because Segovia just took my breath away! Although the Parador was quite a bit out of town, it was spectacular. Ultra-modern, almost looked like it could have been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright—all concrete, brick, and glass with soaring ceilings and views of Segovia that were fabulous. And it was a full moon that night!
The Parador was walking distance to town…BUT a LONG walk. Still, it was a gorgeous day and we’d already walked enough in this trip to probably equal the distance back to Seattle, so a little more walking certainly wasn’t going to hurt us. (I remember a trip report where someone actually had a pedometer and reported the distance they had walked each day…I was half tempted to bring mine along, but was packing light, so it didn’t make the cut!)
We walk towards the town, turn a corner, and THERE IT IS! Sure, I’ve seen tons of pictures of the Aqueduct, but seeing it in person is truly a sight to behold. I just had no idea how enormous and graceful and gorgeous it is.
We roamed the streets of the old town, past the Cabildo Cathedral, through the park outside El Alcazar, to the Alcazar itself, which was closed, then back to Plaza Mayor where we had some wine and tapas (so so).
Although I had lost my journal/sketchbook with all my notes in it in Italy, I somehow had a few pages of printed information on Segovia, among them various restaurant recommendations. One in particular, Narizotas at Plaza Medina del Campo, a Rick Steve’s “splurge” stood out. I asked a policeman for directions and we came across it. It’s at a beautiful plaza and there were tables set up outside. I overheard two women and a man speaking French and asked them if they speak English, which they did, then asked how they liked the food. “Oh, I have absolutely no idea what I’m eating,” said one of the women, “but it’s really delicious.”
“Well, that’s good enough for me,” I said.
“I’d hate to be responsible if you didn’t like it,” she said.
“If the French say the food is good, it’s got to be good,” I assured her.
And boy was it! This was one of our top meals this trip, and certainly our best meal in Spain.
I really didn't mean to make such a big deal about the taxi, as overall, our experiences in Spain have been fabulous. And taking the Metro is confusing, but I'll get to that part later...(actually, I enjoyed my political discussions in Spain, as well as all over Europe, since I totally agree with the people, but Fodors is supposed to be non-political, so I won't go there...)
on to absolutely mind-boggling beautiful Segovia...
Day 4—Leon—Segovia
We had to leave Leon early to catch a train to Madrid, then to Segovia. Big train travel day, but I’m glad we left early because Segovia just took my breath away! Although the Parador was quite a bit out of town, it was spectacular. Ultra-modern, almost looked like it could have been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright—all concrete, brick, and glass with soaring ceilings and views of Segovia that were fabulous. And it was a full moon that night!
The Parador was walking distance to town…BUT a LONG walk. Still, it was a gorgeous day and we’d already walked enough in this trip to probably equal the distance back to Seattle, so a little more walking certainly wasn’t going to hurt us. (I remember a trip report where someone actually had a pedometer and reported the distance they had walked each day…I was half tempted to bring mine along, but was packing light, so it didn’t make the cut!)
We walk towards the town, turn a corner, and THERE IT IS! Sure, I’ve seen tons of pictures of the Aqueduct, but seeing it in person is truly a sight to behold. I just had no idea how enormous and graceful and gorgeous it is.
We roamed the streets of the old town, past the Cabildo Cathedral, through the park outside El Alcazar, to the Alcazar itself, which was closed, then back to Plaza Mayor where we had some wine and tapas (so so).
Although I had lost my journal/sketchbook with all my notes in it in Italy, I somehow had a few pages of printed information on Segovia, among them various restaurant recommendations. One in particular, Narizotas at Plaza Medina del Campo, a Rick Steve’s “splurge” stood out. I asked a policeman for directions and we came across it. It’s at a beautiful plaza and there were tables set up outside. I overheard two women and a man speaking French and asked them if they speak English, which they did, then asked how they liked the food. “Oh, I have absolutely no idea what I’m eating,” said one of the women, “but it’s really delicious.”
“Well, that’s good enough for me,” I said.
“I’d hate to be responsible if you didn’t like it,” she said.
“If the French say the food is good, it’s got to be good,” I assured her.
And boy was it! This was one of our top meals this trip, and certainly our best meal in Spain.
Jun 3rd, 2005 | 12:44 PM
#11
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,204
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For you foodies (and those fluent in Spanish), here's what we had at Narizotoas (www.nazizotas.net)
Aperitivo de Jerez Dulce o Seco
Croquetas de Tres Quesos sobre Lecho de Cebolla Frita
Filloas de Cangrejo y Merluza cubiertas de Crema de Gambas
Carpaccio de Ternera con Salsa a la Antigua y Parmesano
Mousse de Bogavante con Vinagreta de Piquillos
Bacalao con Pil-Pil de Ajo Arriero
Sorbete de Helado de Hierbabuena, Cava y licor de Whisky
Milhoja de Solomillo con Verduras y Patatas Asadas
Souffle de Chocolate con Helado de Mandarina
Vino de Misa Bendecido por el cura de la Parroquia D. Efrén
Café de Tueste Natural
1 Botella de Vino Zarraguilla Tinto Barrica (Segovia)
1 Botella de Agua Mineral
Surtido de Pan
Precio Por Persona: 30.25€
Aperitivo de Jerez Dulce o Seco
Croquetas de Tres Quesos sobre Lecho de Cebolla Frita
Filloas de Cangrejo y Merluza cubiertas de Crema de Gambas
Carpaccio de Ternera con Salsa a la Antigua y Parmesano
Mousse de Bogavante con Vinagreta de Piquillos
Bacalao con Pil-Pil de Ajo Arriero
Sorbete de Helado de Hierbabuena, Cava y licor de Whisky
Milhoja de Solomillo con Verduras y Patatas Asadas
Souffle de Chocolate con Helado de Mandarina
Vino de Misa Bendecido por el cura de la Parroquia D. Efrén
Café de Tueste Natural
1 Botella de Vino Zarraguilla Tinto Barrica (Segovia)
1 Botella de Agua Mineral
Surtido de Pan
Precio Por Persona: 30.25€
Jun 3rd, 2005 | 04:17 PM
#15
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Eloise,
Yes, it was a LONG meal, but we became friendly with the French/Belgian people at the table next to us, and the plaza was simply beautiful, as was the evening, so it was so enjoyable. Plus, one of us (guess who), simply couldn't finish...after the first course, I knew there was no way I could eat all this, and started passing food to DH...my only regret was that neither of us had room to finish my dessert, as it was perfect and unbelievably delicious. Really, I wish we could have split this meal!
Chile,
Oh, you've got to go here--it's really a treat!
Cruiseluv,
Lucky parents! This place, and Segovia, are fantastic.
I am going to try to finish this trip report.
I can't believe how long it's taking...how do other Fodorites do it? They must take their laptops with them!
TBC....
Yes, it was a LONG meal, but we became friendly with the French/Belgian people at the table next to us, and the plaza was simply beautiful, as was the evening, so it was so enjoyable. Plus, one of us (guess who), simply couldn't finish...after the first course, I knew there was no way I could eat all this, and started passing food to DH...my only regret was that neither of us had room to finish my dessert, as it was perfect and unbelievably delicious. Really, I wish we could have split this meal!
Chile,
Oh, you've got to go here--it's really a treat!
Cruiseluv,
Lucky parents! This place, and Segovia, are fantastic.
I am going to try to finish this trip report.
I can't believe how long it's taking...how do other Fodorites do it? They must take their laptops with them!
TBC....
Jun 4th, 2005 | 02:31 PM
#16
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Last Day—Segovia—Madrid
Beautiful last day—walked into town, (had to walk off that dinner from last night!) went to the Alcazar, which is every bit as impressive on the inside as the outside. There was one stained glass window in particular that I took a picture of that I plan to send DD—a woman warrior with a sword almost as big as her.
It was getting warm, so we took a taxi back to the Parador, got our bags, took another taxi to the train station and then on to Madrid. A beautiful train ride.
Once in Madrid, we needed to get to the airport. If it hadn’t been for Josephina, another angel, I don’t know how we would have done this alone. It was really confusing—even for her, and she lives there! Anyway, we wanted to get the luggage we checked in lockers at the airport and check them in to our flight at 6:25 a.m., but KLM was closed and we were told we couldn’t check in our luggage until the next morning (flight leaving at 6:25), so we got the shuttle to our hotel…Tryp Diana (50 E with sol-melia.com)—rather a dump, but we only needed a place to crash for a few hours…4:30 wake up call and all.
Second to last day—Madrid—Amsterdam
Easy flight, took train from airport to Renaissance ($109 Priceline)—they upgraded us to a mini-suite without me requesting it, which was much nicer than the other room. DH crashed and I walked around the streets, rather dazed out, ready to go home (IMO 3 weeks is the perfect time), and grateful for a truly wonderful trip.
Last day
Amsterdam—Seattle
Worse part of flight was going thru U.S. security in Amsterdam…lines were miles long (well, seemed that way).
Flight was fine, got bulkhead again, thanks to Fodors (seatguru.com).
THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping to make this such a fantastic trip. I really wanted to thank everyone who had helped personally, but, as you already know—I lost my journal/sketchpad in Pienza!
Until later,
Cioa, cioa,
Paula
P.S. I couldn’t believe it when I got on the scale at home—I hadn’t gained a single ounce! Well, that gives you an idea of how much walking we did. (Or maybe it was the airplane food on the way home—truly gross!)
Beautiful last day—walked into town, (had to walk off that dinner from last night!) went to the Alcazar, which is every bit as impressive on the inside as the outside. There was one stained glass window in particular that I took a picture of that I plan to send DD—a woman warrior with a sword almost as big as her.
It was getting warm, so we took a taxi back to the Parador, got our bags, took another taxi to the train station and then on to Madrid. A beautiful train ride.
Once in Madrid, we needed to get to the airport. If it hadn’t been for Josephina, another angel, I don’t know how we would have done this alone. It was really confusing—even for her, and she lives there! Anyway, we wanted to get the luggage we checked in lockers at the airport and check them in to our flight at 6:25 a.m., but KLM was closed and we were told we couldn’t check in our luggage until the next morning (flight leaving at 6:25), so we got the shuttle to our hotel…Tryp Diana (50 E with sol-melia.com)—rather a dump, but we only needed a place to crash for a few hours…4:30 wake up call and all.
Second to last day—Madrid—Amsterdam
Easy flight, took train from airport to Renaissance ($109 Priceline)—they upgraded us to a mini-suite without me requesting it, which was much nicer than the other room. DH crashed and I walked around the streets, rather dazed out, ready to go home (IMO 3 weeks is the perfect time), and grateful for a truly wonderful trip.
Last day
Amsterdam—Seattle
Worse part of flight was going thru U.S. security in Amsterdam…lines were miles long (well, seemed that way).
Flight was fine, got bulkhead again, thanks to Fodors (seatguru.com).
THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping to make this such a fantastic trip. I really wanted to thank everyone who had helped personally, but, as you already know—I lost my journal/sketchpad in Pienza!
Until later,
Cioa, cioa,
Paula
P.S. I couldn’t believe it when I got on the scale at home—I hadn’t gained a single ounce! Well, that gives you an idea of how much walking we did. (Or maybe it was the airplane food on the way home—truly gross!)
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KarenWoo
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