Two nights in Madrid.  It's a capital city of manageable size, and I love it.  I don't want to write about it this time.  I'm not sure why, perhaps I need a break from being on holiday.  Have a look at 

http://beereurope.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/beer-in-madrid.html

So, with two new companions, I take the train to Salamanca from Estación Charmartin, not a bad place for breakfast.  It's relaxing, despite a gang of noisy but good natured youths on a stag party (despedida de soltero) for company.   Gracias chicos! 

 The view of the Walls of Ávila from the train takes me back to 1986, when I visited this beautiful town in the snowi.  These medieval walls are extensive,  covering approximately 2.5 kilometres, and comprising the largest fully illuminated monument in the world. 

Soon we are walking through the  old town of Salamanca in the heat.  We settle into our apartments then go for a wander.  The old town was declared a  UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.  Salamanca is the oldest and most important university in Spain and indeed, parts of it remind me of Oxford.  Cloisters, chaotic students and culture everywhere.  My companion is moved by convents several times per day.  We wonder at man's ability to produce such beauty in the midst of all the cruelty and inequality of those times. 

The university facade is shown below.  My photo is not clear enough to depict the frog sitting on top of a skull.  This is a shame, if you can spot it, the story goes that it will bring you good luck in romance or exams. 

The Escuelas Menores are beautiful 15th century university buildings which we happen upon on our first evening.

We are staying two minutes walk from the Plaza Mayor, said to be one of the most beautiful in Spain.  Certainly one of the largest and least spoiled that I have seen.