Castilla-Leon: Going back in time

To enjoy my last week of summer holidays this year I found a wonderful rural house in the mountains of Avila, where I could spend some time in close contact with nature. On our way there we visited Segovia. I was amazed at the huge roman aqueduct from year 50 AD, the old monasteries and the espectacular alcázar, built by the Moors in the XII century. It looked like a magic place, as if time had decided to stop there many centuries ago.

Then we arrived to the cozy rural house in the province of Avila, in a little village named Vallehondo ("deep valley"). It's close to the Sierra de Gredos, a mountain range with beautiful valleys and clean rivers. I especially liked to walk by narrow paths through the mountains to enjoy solitude with nature and breathe fresh air. And there I've ridden a horse for the first time in my life!! What an experience!! It was a female horse named April, she was soooo lovely! I still remember her turning her face towards me from time to time to know who was riding her hehehe.

In a village close to Vallehondo they were celebrating their local holidays, and there was a foam party in the plaza. It was fun to observe the kids playing there!

Driving towards east from Villahondo, you arrive to the city of Avila, the highest capital of Spain, located at 1,117m above sea level. It's surrounded by a huge wall, with 88 towers and 9 gateways. There are stairs to go up to the wall and see the city from there. When I was sitting down up there I imagined the pressure that many people felt lots of years back, while defending their city and their lives from the invaders.

On our way back home we stopped at Salamanca, a city that has the oldest university in Spain, started in the XIII century. And there were charming little villages along the way, not touristy at all, with wonderful views and a rich gastronomy. I especially enjoyed the gambas al ajillo ("prawns with garlic") showed in the photo below, though actually all the dishes were delicious!

In summary, it was a great trip through the old land of Castilla-León, away from tourists and noise; through little villages where people still let nature to shine. A great way to say goodbye to my summer holidays!