Last trek to Madrid

This morning we explored Segovia, it was an amazing city so rich in history. This Acueduct was erected in the 1st Century by the Romans. It supplied water to the high-lying part of town. It was built by Granite. Its source was 14kms out of town, the acueduct is underground from there until it reaches the town. It was an amazing engineering feat.

From here we travelled to Avila. This is an amazing walled town and dedicated to St Teresa. She entered the Carmelite order here and began her work. We visited many special places linked to St Teresa. A chapel out of town is also dedicated to St John of the Cross. However, after driving to find it yesterday on our way in we gave up looking for it. Our bus driver and guide could not locate it.

Today was the Feast of the Assumption and we celebrated mass in the morning before our journey began. It was marked as a public holiday in Spain today and there were many celebrations in Avila. Fireworks kept going off in the street as is the custom in many European countries. However, a little unnerving for us as we walked around. It was a beautiful city and we had a taste of what Madrid will be like. We were surrounded by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world making their journey to Madrid as well. In parts it was quite overwhelming for our group to be so crowded. We will have to get used to this!!

Tonight we arrived in Madrid and we are staying in university accommodation. We are all well and looking forward to the girls birthday tomorrow. Opening mass tomorrow night and an Aussie celebration in the morning. Just found out we are attending a Football (Soccer) match on Sunday night (Madrid vs Europe - I think it is a friendly). The boys are very excited!