July 2nd, 2011

Today started out with a long run with Jenna through the farm fields of Salamanca. Unfortunately, due to our excessive fun we had last night we didn’t get out early enough to beat the heat. This land is a desert and that’s all there is to it. Last night it had sprinkled a bit before going out and we all feared it would rain on us. When I asked my Señora about it she laughed hysterically – according to her it doesn’t rain here, ever. “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain” is not just a cute rhyme people.

After our steamy jog we met up with the girls to take some paddleboats out onto the river. Honestly no matter what you do here it is awesome because from nearly everywhere there is a view of the Catedral. Pedaling the boats really worked up an appetite and we relaxed at an outdoor bar beside the river and ordered some ensaladas mixtas. This is my favorite meal in Spain so far – lights and fresh. It contains lettuce, tuna, eggs, white asparagus, olives, onions, and tomatoes with a delicious olive oil dressing. Fun fact: Spain is the mecca of olive production. Italian olive oil? Made from Spanish olives. Go figure.

After lunch I went to McDonalds of all places (I don’t even go there in the States!) with some friends who were craving cheap ice cream and I was able to use the wifi. After a while we all headed back to dinner and we had the delicious vegetable salsa again. I asked Choni and she said that on Monday she will teach me how to make it!! I can’t wait to bring this recipe back home. For our Foodie practicum one of our assignments is to cook a meal for our family, I’ll have to whip up something good for her that’s hopefully par with her delicious cooking.

After dinner I finally got a chance to skype my family! It was so good to see their faces. At 10:30 I then left to meet people at the plaza for another magical night at the Jazz concert. We all ended up heading in early afterwards because tomorrow we plan on going to the market and some museums because we don’t have many weekends in Salamanca.

Hasta mañana!

Katherina