DAY 11: AVILA

Titans in Avila!!!

At 3,710 ft. above sea level, Avila de los Caballeros ("of the Knights") is the highest provincial capital in Spain. In winter access roads can be blocked with snow, and at night the temperature plummets (we actually had to wear sweatchers in June!). The centre of the city is encircled by the finest preserved medieval walls in Europe. The walls are open to visitors. One of the best views of the walls is from "Los Cuatro Postes" (Four Posts) on the road to Salamanca. Mario, the bus driver, took us there to appreciate the view before entering the town.

Built in the 12th century, the walls are over a mile long. The oldest sections of the wall are guarded by nine impressive gateways, like "Puerta de San Vicente." The apse of the cathedral also forms part of the walls.

One of the things that we enjoyed the most in Avila was lunch. We had paella, rissotto and the most wonderful dessert... definitely for chocolate lovers!!! (see pictures below).

Yemas, a delicious lemony treat from Avila, were a must try for us. Well... most of us... This custardy cakes are made with egg yolks and sugar... like that: YOLKS and SUGAR. It is definiteley an aquired taste but unique!!!!!!

TOMORROW: WITH FAMILIES, until sunday!


We learned two things with this sign: (1) Abulences, name given to people from Avila and (2) Yemas, typical dessert from Avila



Details of Avila's Cathedral


Avila's Plaza de Mercado "La Grande" (there's another one called "La Chica")



Having an extraordinary lunch... and dessert, as always.... yum!


Will couldn't resist to have this picture taken with "El burro" ...


And Desiree couldn't help having this one... "Attacking Jamón Serrano"


Walking on the medieval wall...



Walking towards "puerta de San Vincente"


María, our guide from Gonzaga in Avila (she went to college in this town)


Loving "casual" pictures...


Looking for the bus stop, where we were supposed to meet our bus... Kathleen has the best sense of orientation in the group!!! Emily was the best photographer, Desiree was exhausted and Will... the umbrella man!!! Sir Will carried this umbrellas during the whole tour around Avila... what a gentleman!