Extracts from my journal (I started in Sevilla) Oct 2022.
“Salamanca is a wonderful and beautiful small city - I loved my time there.
How did my second day go….
My Hostal Santa Monica was excellent but didn’t open until 12 noon so I left my pack at the albergue … after I begged and sweet talked the hospitalaro - not his normal practice.
So back-pack freeI I set off for Decathlon - a delightful 45 minute walk through ordinary Salamanca in slight drizzly rain.
At Decathlon, I talked through the issues with English speaking Rodrigues (rain gear, merino layers, Spanish attitudes to rain
).
On the way back I walked past a Convent that was recommended for a visit. They had a display about a nun/ saint - Teresa Chikaba. Her story is amazing and the displays evoked the pain and suffering she went through in her journey from slave to saint.
en.m.wikipedia.org
In the afternoon I went to the two cathedrals. They are right beside each other. I was most moved by the older one with the remains of painted walls and many sarcophaguses - whether they contained saints or just wealthy benefactors I don’t know.
The highlight of my site seeing day was the exposition - The Mystery Man - in the newer cathedral. This is really more like an art installation asking the question - who was the man we call Jesus. All the information and audio guide is only in Spanish at the moment, but the experience was so visceral that I was moved to tears. Truly unexpected and amazing. If this ever comes to Sydney it is a must.
Experts Unveil Latex And Silicon Shroud Of Turin Exhbition. Latest Madrid News and Information In English, Spain in English
www.madridmetropolitan.com
I finished the day with some pampering and self care - a hair appointment with the lovely Alexandra just 600 metres from my hostel.
I also strolled the garden beside the albergue, the plaza major, had some great food and got a great report from other pilgrims about the art nouveau museum.”
Gronze has a good list of things to see and do. I don’t usually explore in this way but randomly did most of the list without even trying.
Enjoy!