Day Trip to Segovia Spain: A Day of Stepping Back into Medieval Times

Day trip to Segovia Spain

We rose early to catch the morning train from Madrid to Segovia! It took us about 30 minutes to arrive to this city of aqueducts and bull fights. Thankfully, no bull fights were happening on our visit. Ernest Hemingway was infatuated with the bull fights of Spain but I see it as a horrific act of inflicting pain on these poor bulls.

Anyway, the train station is set a bit out of the way so you must take a bus into town. My first impression of Segovia, at least at the train station, was “hmm… this is a mountainous Sahara”. Spain is also becoming popular as it is legal to mine cryptocurrencies here. Thus, the place is a favorite spot for crypto traders. Along with finding the trading strategies, it is important to find a reliable crypto exchange where they can trade safely. eToro is a reliable and safe crypto exchange that is ideal for trading. Visit https://coincierge.de/bitcoin-kaufen/etoro/ to know more details on eToro. We caught Bus #11 for 2 euros each and they dropped us off at the Roman aqueducts of Segovia.

We began sightseeing in the Old City. There were souvenir shops and restaurants geared towards tourists near the aqueducts. However, as you venture further into the heart of the cobble stoned town, the locals spoke mostly Spanish. I was pleased to see that these restaurant menus were not in English. Finally, a chance to practice more Spanish! So, what should you see with only one day to spend in Segovia? Have a look!

Catedral de Segovia

The location of the Catedral offers commanding views of the surrounding Sierra de Guadarrama foothills. It was the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain. There are 18 chapels articulately designed and, my favorite part, an Archive Room that preserves more than 500 antique books, including the Sinodal de Aguilafuente, the first book printed in Spain. The cathedral is in the Plaza Mayor in the center of the Old Town. Of course, there are numerous sidewalk cafes within this large plaza.*

Address: Plaza Mayor, Segovia

The Alcázar

The Alcázar served as the residence of King Alfonso VIII in the 12th century, and in the 13th century, the building was enhanced in the Gothic style for John II and Henry IV. *

Tourists can also ascend the Tower of John II to take in stunning panoramas of the town, the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the Meseta. They were breathtaking! You were able to see the full spectrum of this fortified city. I can imagine how well protected this place was as it is situated on a craggy, rocky hill!*

Address: Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia, Segovia

Like what you are reading? Here are more posts on Europe!

1. How to Best Explore Lyon, Chamonix, and Beaune, France

2. How Best to Explore Normandy, Loire Valley, and Avignon, France

3. Explore Paris in 5 days!

4. Explore Northern Italy in 4 days

5. A weekend in Iceland

6. Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast in 6 days

Aqueducts

Built during the “Flavio” period around 50 AD, the aqueduct channeled water 17 kilometers from the Acebeda River in the Sierra de Fuenfría mountains through a deep valley to the ancient city. There are 167 amazingly crafted arches!*

The aqueducts were some of the most incredible architecture I’ve seen thus far in Europe.

Address: Plaza del Azoguejo, Segovia

La Muralla Ramparts

Segovia is surrounded by arduous ramparts dating back to the 11th century. The ramparts feature blind arches, towers, and gates with horseshoe arches. Three of the old entrance gates remain: San Andrés gate, San Cebrián Gate, and Santiago Gate. (So I totally can’t find photos from the Ramparts but I think there are shots in my video above!)

Address: 2 – 3 Plaza del Socorro, Segovia

It was so hot that we often took refuge in shaded nooks and crannies of the city! Most of the sidewalk cafes were covered and out of the sun.  There are at least 6 other Iglesias (churches) in the town and 1 monasterio (monastery).

We were back on the evening train to Madrid by 6 pm and felt lucky to have gotten the chance to see this city trapped in history! I recommend no more than a day here. That is plenty of time to see the sights and sample the cuisine! Our Day trip to Segovia Spain was quite the time travel!

Be Well and Travel Often!

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Resources: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/segovia

About Author

Maegan and Michael are Adventurous Southerners who share their world journey and approach to living the travel lifestyle. You can expect humor and lighthearted banter blended with REAL travel stories and tips. Maegan is a registered dietitian, while Michael has an excerise science background, but both are outdoor lovers, and revel in the beauty of cultures unlike their own. Now, Maegan and Michael are working towards expat life through remote work. Join the adventure. Do you love to travel? Does your full time job or career prevent you from living the life you dream of? This is the duo to follow. Feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Nutrition Superfoods by Countries

Nutrition Superfoods by Countries

**This is not an all-inclusive list but rather foods that I have found, during my travels, to be nutrient dense.

I plan for this to be an ongoing series about the nutrition superfoods by countries. These cuisines are found within numerous cultures. Extensions will be added as I visit new countries.

A super food is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being”.

As a Registered Dietitian, I counsel clients and patients from various ethnic backgrounds. It is near impossible to be familiar with EVERY food known in a country. Instead, I choose to be familiar with the super foods a country produces and consumes most often. This is how I guide my clients towards the most nutrient dense cuisine of their choosing. Once discovered, I can manipulate these super nutrients into recipes and meal plans. This list is not comprehensive by any means. I can find something “super” about most any food. (For ex: I am eating Kraft mac n cheese as I type this post and it is NOT a super food but it’s “super” comforting)…

1. The United States of America

I am a citizen of the United States of America, so I will begin with the super foods found in my home country.

  • Salmon is a fatty fish that’s low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce triglycerides. Strive to eat at least two 3.5 ounce servings of fish a week.
  • Nuts, legumes and seeds are good sources of protein and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats when eaten in moderation. I like unsalted almonds, pistachios and walnuts. Walnuts are highest in omega-3 fatty acids too, which decrease inflammation in the body.
  • Berries like blueberries and strawberries have high levels of phytochemicals called flavonoids. I toss a handful of berries into my oatmeal or yogurt everyday.
  • Soy products like tofu, soy butter and soy nuts are high in polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Meat-free Monday anyone?
  • Pumpkin is low in calories, high in fiber and high in vitamin A. Hello eye health!
  • Kale provides vitamins A and C, potassium and phytochemicals. Mix it into a smoothie or toss it with spinach to jazz up a salad.
  • Low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt, which provides probiotics, calcium, vitamin D and protein. I prefer plain, nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream!
  • Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, but fat and calories too! A little goes a long way.

2. Mexico

  • Tomatoes are found in salsas and picante sauces, and tossed into salads. Tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene which protects the prostate, guys.
  • Chile peppers are often used to add heat and flavor to Mexican dishes. Peppers contain capsaicin which is a metabolism-booster that curbs cravings.
  • Black beans are ubiquitous in Mexican cuisine, and can often be found served on it’s own with some spices, or paired with rice in a hearty bowl that usually also contains fresh veggies. Beans contain high amounts of fiber-keeping you fuller for longer, support proper digestion, and prevent spikes in blood sugar.
  • Avocados are high in monounsaturated which can raise HDL “good cholesterol.” I love using them in place of mayo on a sandwich because of their creamy texture. Pass the guac!
  • Jicama is also, known as the Mexican yam (a root vegetable), jicama is often peeled and chopped raw into salads. Its mild flavor makes it suitable for savory or sweet dishes.Along with being high in fiber and vitamin C, jicama contains inulin, a prebiotic which helps to support a healthy gut environment.

3. Puerto Rico

  • Arroz con Habichuelas: Good old rice and beans. This dish is low in saturated fat and high in fiber.
  • Plantains are similar in appearance to the banana, but must be cooked to be eaten. Plantains are high in Vitamins A and C and low in saturated fats and cholesterol. I highly recommend you try Mofongo, to taste plantains at their best!
  • Tropical Fruits including the papaya, guava, passion fruit and mango, all of which are high in fiber and great sources of folic acid and vitamin C.

4. Italy

  • Olives and extra virgin olive oils contain monounsaturated fats known to help lower cholesterol and fight heart disease.
  • Garlic provides vitamins A and C which boost your immune function.
  • Basil provides relief for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and tastes amazing!

5. France

  • Red Wine has cancer-fighting antioxidants, reduces stress, and has been linked to a longer lifespan.
  • Endives is a bitter leafy vegetable contains over 60 grams of fiber. It also has plenty of vitamins C, A, and K, as well as folate.
  • Camembert cheese is a good choice because it is low in fat and contains only ~80 calories per ounce. It is also rich in calcium to promote bone health, is high in protein, and is a great source of vitamin B12. I loved sampling the cheese during market, when we were in France.
  • Mussels have some of the highest naturally occurring levels of vitamin B12. B12 is essential to helping your body convert food into energy. It also preserves the myelin sheath that insulates your brain cells, keeping you sharp as you age.

If you aren’t sure where to get started with your nutrition, we should chat! https://www.nutrimedyconnect.com/dietitian/maegan-white

6. Iceland

  • Skyr is like yogurt in texture, but has a much more viscous consistency because it is technically a soft cheese.  Skyr is popular in Iceland and is readily available in different flavors and sizes in the supermarkets. Known for its low fat content and high protein levels, we ate it every morning with breakfast.
  • Lamb from Iceland graze on mountain herbs, especially thyme, giving its meat a delicate flavor. Our host (also a chef) paired it with a delicious homemade gravy and root vegetables.
  • Hákarl (or Rotten Shark) is considered a delicacy in Iceland. Sharks have no kidneys to cleanse their blood, so the body of the shark is left to decay and undergo a fermentation process, thus turning its poisonous meat into a nutritious meal for their people. I did not have the chance to try this ammonia-perfumed gastronomy.

7. Spain

  • Paella is a staple in Spain. Paella is sauteed in Olive Oil, which is rich in mono-saturated fat and can also act as a antioxidant including vitamin E. Fish are high in Omega 3 fatty acids and may reduce “bad” cholesterol. Seafood also contains good protein and is low in saturated fat.
  • Plantains are high in Vitamins A and C and low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
  • Gazpacho is a soup that is high in fiber, iron, vitamin C in the peppers, vitamin E and vitamin A found in tomatoes.

What are some of your favorite nutrition superfoods from your travels?

Be Well and Travel Often!

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**This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own**

About Author

Maegan and Michael are Adventurous Southerners who share their world journey and approach to living the travel lifestyle. You can expect humor and lighthearted banter blended with REAL travel stories and tips. Maegan is a registered dietitian, while Michael has an excerise science background, but both are outdoor lovers, and revel in the beauty of cultures unlike their own. Now, Maegan and Michael are working towards expat life through remote work. Join the adventure. Do you love to travel? Does your full time job or career prevent you from living the life you dream of? This is the duo to follow. Feel free to contact us if you have questions.