“Spain has a special place where everyone enters, leaves, meets, gathers, wanders, or just stops for a moment, called Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor simply refers to the main square. The mid-18th century main square in Salamanca has many cultural and social purposes for the public. Certainly, similar plazas could be found virtually in any city of Spain. However, the plaza is something that simply cannot be encountered in the United States and that makes it unique. This old world’s charm could be found only in Spain that conveys unparalleled atmosphere of magic and inner liberty.

At first, meeting under the clock with my study abroad group began as a mere reference point, which eventually turned into a cultural journey. It was my starting point for new adventure, interesting experience, or fun activity. Personally, I believe that Plaza Mayor is a symbolic place, like a crossroad that represents new beginnings, meetings, discoveries, and friendships. Without doubt, it is one of the cornerstones of Spanish culture.

Intriguingly, one is never alone while waiting under the clock. There are so many other people around parents with their children, lovers waiting on their dates, visitors gathering, friends, students, etc. Definitely, there is some authentic life happening in such a relatively small space called the Plaza Mayor. Time flies watching a mini spectacle of local life where people meet and interact as the emotions and situations are real. It could be nominated as the best reality show because it is completely spontaneous and natural. Perhaps, Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor is the most elegant and fascinating Main Square in the entire country. The beautiful Spanish baroque architecture leaves no one indifferent and bored. Especially, the plaza looks great when setting sun turns walls into gold and petals of summer’s warmth flutter in the air…

The Plaza Mayor taught me to slow down and notice how vibrant and beautiful the world is right next to me. It is worth to stop and spend a few minutes to admire little things right in front of us. Enjoying the moment helps to realize that some worries and problems in life are not as big as they may seem. Spain is all about simple, but authentic time with family and friends. In Salamanca, the pace is slower, but social connections are stronger, and the joy is more genuine. Life is just pleasantly different here and that sense of contentment I shall be bringing back home with me. ¡Nos vemos debajo del reloj!”-Friderikas Lukosiunas, SPC student, Spain 2018