This is the famous and historic Plaza Mayor of Salamanca, Spain.  The upper level are apartments and restaurants.  The lower levels are the cafes and some restaurants.  They have tables and chairs outside their establishments where people sit and enjoy the scenery, the delicious food, and the companionship of their friends and family.

I have walked around the plaza every single day twice or more a day since I got here three weeks ago.  For me, the scene changes with the time of the day.  The mornings are peaceful and tranquil and so perfect to start a busy day.  The afternoons are great for coffees and snacks they call tapas, and then sit down on the ground and study/chat with friends.  The evenings are the highlight of the day.  The Plaza Mayor is the center of social gathering where everyone meets and congregates.

Most cafes and restaurants have a big screen TV outside for special events.  For example, people watched the World Cup 2014 every night in the plaza.  I watched the last game with my group and my professor.  That night was intense and the crowd was cheering loudly.  It was quite memorable.  I will definitely miss the Plaza Mayor and its magnificence.