July 21st, 2011

The Kabcenells picked the best day to come visit me!! Okay, I will start off from the beginning. I met them in the plaza at 9:30 and took them to the food market next to the plaza. Rhonda got some great shots of all the animal guts and Jim hardly complained at all! (Jim is trying this new approach to life – viewing the glass half full rather than half empty, so far it’s going pretty well).

After the market I showed them my daily walk to class and we ran into Andy. I introduced them and he said they could come to class with me for the field trip today!! Awesome!! We had a couple hours until class so we hiked to the top of the Catedral and then rewarded ourselves with some delicious churros con chocolate. Heavenly.

Before class we had to cross some items off their checklist. Rhonda needed new white shoes (Kip apparently likes to eat white patent leather sandals), safran, olive oil, and a backpack. I am proud to say we accomplished everything except for a leather backpack…

At 12:15 we headed to class and they got the chance to meet all of my friends. Our first stop on Andy’s adventure was Salamanca’s Museum of Modern Art. Unfortunately no cameras were allowed but the exhibit was very impressive. The windows and ceilings were all stained glass, giving the entire entrance a beautiful glow. My favorite room was the one with the life drawings. The sketches were stunning and so realistic. After the museum we walked over to the gardens. Who knew Salamanca had gardens?! Apparently they were right across the street from the Kabcenell’s hotel too! We got some great group shots and we learned about a really cool Salamanca tradition. There is a well in the middle of the gardens and couples from all over come to secure a padlock with their names carved into it as a symbol of their everlasting love.

To cap off our lovely day of class, Andy of course had to take us to tapas! We returned to Bambu – one of our favorites – and all enjoyed some tasty treats. After our snack the three of us walked across the river to a restaurant with one of the best views in Salamanca. The porch is outside next to the river with the Catedrales as a backdrop.

The K’s were nice enough to drop me back off at my house and I was able to show them where I live! It was so great to see them and sad to say goodbye. I had a blast showing off Salamanca to my friends! Hopefully I will see them up north in a couple weeks!

Paz y amor,

Katherina