Today was an extraordinary day in Salamanca. Our group met in the Plaza Major and walked to the New Cathedral where we gained access to an amazing tour that took us to the top of the cathedral, around the gallery at the clerestory level and then up through the tower to the top bell chamber. At each level artifacts were on display, including the pectoral cross of El Cid. We looked out windows designed for defense and saw the impact of the earthquake that destroyed Lisbon. It was a walk through history that taught us a lot about the people who lived in Salamanca.

We had toured the Cathedral earlier; now we go to see the sheer height of the nave by looking down from the gallery to the floor where the people were tiny figures. People had to have been smaller when the Cathedral was built! The passages were narrow and the pie shaped steps leading to the bell tower were alarmingly small and steep.

From the tower, you could see the Old Roman bridge with fields in the distance, see the layout of the city and get a really close look at the details of the domes, towers and ornaments of the building. It takes constant care to maintain the structure and we encountered numerous workmen. I like the fact that tourist and students help maintain this treasure.

Class today was very interesting as we wrote fairy tales in Spanish based on random words that each group drew. What fun! Then each student gave personal presentation about their families, helping us to get to know the group better. As the senior student, I wondered what it would be like to participate with a much younger group. It is truly wonderful as we learn about Spain and each other.

Our cultural activity was a tour of the Dominican Monastery and church that was instrumental in the decision to support Christopher Columbus is his expedition to the New World. It was fascinating to stand in the room where the leaders of the order discussed his plans. For a lover of art and architecture, today could not have been better!