The Last Night in Avila

The past few days have been during the patron festival of our neighborhood in Avila.The neighborhood or "barrio" is called la Plaza de las Vacas--the square of cows, haha.

We haven't slept much the past several nights as this local party wears on until all hours of the morning night after night. We've also been subject to hourly bombings as unimpressive but incredibly loud fireworks go off. Last night we finally decided to drop in and see what all the fuss was about. We spent a little while in the wild atmosphere and then ended up retreating for some quiet gelato by the wall. Turns out it ended up being an early night at Las Vacas--3am instead of the usual 7am.

Today, poorly rested and with itching feet, we finished packing and then watched la Virgen de las Vacas  (a gorgeous statue of the Virgin Mary) dance on the shoulders of scores of young people to the sound of the energetic Paso Doble . Now we sit in wait of one last round of Spanish tapas with friends Kristen and Neme--and then our last train to Madrid.

I don't want to write too much about what last night meant for us, because I'd rather not think about how long it will be until I get to experience this place and these people again while we're trying to enjoy a few days in Madrid. Once we get home, then I'll be able to let it all sink in. I'll cry for a little while, and then I'll start planning how to come back for a visit.

Good night :-)

And of course, Spanish samurai?