Well, today was our big trip to Segovia. Here we are just below the city with the great Alcazar in the background. From here we went into the city to do some exploring. Our first stop was the Church of San Justo not far from the Aqueduct. The church was built in the 12th century and its greatest treasure are the paintings in the apse that date from its construction. One of
the most interesting aspects of the fresco is a repre-sentation of Adam and Eve riding on the back of an elephant. In a devotional given in 1999 Dr. John Rosenberg explained, "We see the tree and the serpent, and standing on the back of an elephant are Adam and Eve--fig leaves in place. The artist portrays the elephant as meek, as a bearer of burdens, and as the creation best equipped to crush the serpent's head. It is, in other words, a symbol of Christ, and by having the first parents stand on its back in the moments following their transgression, the painter reflects his understanding of the relationship between the Fall and the promised redemption." After leaving San Justo
we made our way up to the old part of the city. We saw the Casa de Picos, the Plaza de San Martín, and the Church of San Esteban. When we arrived at the main plaza of the city I took the students to see the Church of San Miguel where Isabel of Castile "La Católica" was crowned queen.
After a brief stop here, we went to the Cathedral, known by many as the "Lady of Cathedrals" because of its graceful lines. We had a chance to visit many parts of the Cathedral and see where some significant restoration has taken place to preserve its beauty. The rest of the day
the students had to explore the many wonderful places that are in Segovia. One of our favorite spots is to go into the Alcazar and climb the narrow staircase to the top of the parapet. There are 152 steps (more or less) up a winding staircase. From the top you have a beautiful view of the city and surrounding countryside. Need not worry! There is a four foot guardrail that protects visitors from getting too close to the edge! These narrow staircases were designed
to prevent soldiers from rushing up the stairs with swords drawn. After leaving Segovia we traveled a few kilometers to La Granja, an 18th-century palace built by the Borbon kings as a place of relaxation and recreation. One of the central features of La Granja are the gardens and fountains. Usually on weekends and on holidays the fountains are turned on for the public. The water is "shot" from a large holding pool located up from the palace. Gravity
pushes the water through the series of four fountains providing a spectacular display. If you do not watch it the
sprays of water will get you wet to the bone! I guess the best way to describe the whole event is to think of George Lucas special effects a la 18th century. After the show we were gathering to leave to meet the bus. I was looking around for some students who had not made to the meeting place. Suddenly I noticed Rhett laughing and chatting with a group of Catholic sisters. They were Sisters of Charity who work in hospitals with the sick and dying. Their most recent efforts have been with drug addicts and those who have been diagnosed HIV positive. They were so kind and one could sense their goodness. We all laughed together and had a nice visit. Meeting and learning from others is one of our goals. It helps us to be better people, better members of the Church, and more compassionate.
You will see from the pictures that there were thousands of people packed into both plazas. It was quite the experience. One of the more interesting encounters we had was with a group of young men who belong to the "Heraldos del Evangelio" conservative Catholic youth organization. Their uniforms were reminiscent of the Order of Santiago. 
The University opened the doors to the old "patios" and allowed visitors a glimpse into the past. The Calle Mayor is one of the most interesting avenues in the city. The street looks much like it would have in the XVI century when Cervantes wandered the streets as a boy. You will notice in the picture that the buildings are constructed in a cantilever fashion with businesses loca
ted beneath the extension and residences above. If you look carefully you will find "key holes" above the entrances to the private residences where the occupants could drop a key down to those wanting to visit. If you were among those who were not welcome (e.g., tax collectors), the resident would often respond to your request for the key with a pail of water. 
Some of the columns at the far end of the street are "recycled" from the Roman city of Complutum. The heart of Alcalá is the Plaza de Cervantes. At the far end of the plaza are the ruins of the church where the writer was baptized. What remains are a tower, some foundation stones, and the Capilla del Oidor. Inside the capilla is the original baptismal font used to baptize Cervantes. Strangely, the church ruins have become the favorite spot for skateboarders! Something that Cervantes may not have imagined, but his character Don Quixote may have perceived as one of the many menaces attempting to destroy him! On the left you will see the tower above the Capilla del Oidor. 
