My last day in Salamanca (take 2)

After my trip to Italy, I stayed in a hostel in Madrid for two days. But instead of staying in Madrid all the time, I hopped a bus to go back to Salamanca for a day…and it was wonderful!!!!!!! It was a gorgeous day, sunny and warm with a light breeze, absolutely perfect. I picked up a few more souvenirs, got lunch with a friend, and walked around a bit taking pictures.  Something one of my Spanish friends has been telling me: It’s not the place, it’s the people; the places are always there, the people aren’t.  This is becoming more and more apparent to me all the time, and it was especially apparent this last day in Salamanca. I love the place, but it was easier to leave knowing it will always be there; what had changed about it was that not all of my friends were there. There were no tears leaving this time, just a calm assurance that I will return again. 

I’ve found some nice quotes about Salamanca by famous authors that I’ve been meaning to share. Now I guess would be a good time.

One of the most famous quotes on Salamanca that can be found all over the city was written by Miguel de Cervantes in the Quijote. Cervantes makes several references to Salamanca in this work.

 ¨Salamanca que enhechiza la voluntad de volver a ella a todos los que la apacibilidad de su vivienda han gustado¨

Really old Spanish with a really rough translation of:

Salamanca makes anyone who enjoyed its modest home want to return. 

A plaque with Cervantes' quote

Miguel de Unamuno served as president of the University of Salamanca for many years; he wrote:

 ¨Es una fiesta para los ojos y para el espíritu

Ver la ciudad como poso del cielo en la tierra de las aguas del Tormes¨ 

“It’s a feast for the eyes and soul

To see the city as dregs of heaven on earth in the waters of the Tormes (river)”

A view of the Cathedral from the other side of Rio Tormes

…and…

¨Oh Salamanca, entre tus piedras de oro

Aprendieron a amar los estudiantes¨ 

“Oh Salamanca, among your golden stones

Students learn to love”

A view of the Cathedral from the common make out garden

Víctor Hugo was a little more objective in his evaluation of Salamanca:

Salamanca reposa sonriente sobre sus tres colinas

Duerme al son de las mandolinas

Y se despierta sobresaltada por el griterío de sus estudiantes

Salamanca sits smiling on her three hills

Sleeps to the sound of mandolins

And wakes up startled by the shouting of its students

Last picture of the Plaza Mayor....for now ;)

Common phrase in Latin about Salamanca that can also be seen around the city:

Quod natura non dat, Salamantica non praestat

What nature doesn’t give, Salamanca doesn’t lend.

Roman Bridge and Poppy flowers