A city in western Spain, located on top of a
big,
flat mountain. It was made famous thanks to a battle at which the Duke of Wellington’s
British and Portuguese troops thrashed the French while the Duke’s Spanish allies enjoyed a relaxing siesta after a hearty lunch of
pig (see “Cuisine” below).
PEOPLE - Populated by a curious mixture of Castilian locals (“Salmantinos”) and American students. For nine months of the year, the Salmantinos walk the streets, wearing at least four layers of clothing, a
hat, scarf and gloves, and complaining about the
cold. For the other three months, they wear at least two layers of clothing and a
hat, and complain about the heat. At all times, the Americans walk the streets, remarking that everything is “
gee, really neat”. Both the Salmantinos and Americans secretly wished that they lived in Andalusia.
CLIMATE -
Cold, very
cold, f**king freezing, or f**king boiling.
ACCENT - The Salmatinos (unsuccessfully) mimick the accent of their better-spoken neighbours, the good people of Valladolid.
CUISINE - The Salmantinos enjoy a varied diet of roast
pig, pork sausages and ham, sometimes eating a stew made with all three and a few boiled chickpeas thrown in. Fish lovers can choose from trout stuffed with ham or trout wrapped in ham. On special occasions (see below), it is traditional to eat a
pig pasty.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS - On the second Monday after Easter Sunday, the Salmantinos celebrate the return of prostitutes to the city following Lenten abstinence.
Female Salmantinos bake a
pig pasty which is eaten by male Salmantinos so they have lots of energy for their evening in the puticlub (brothel).
MONUMENTS - The Plaza Mayor features a plaque to the City’s founder, the Duke of Wellington. Not content with one cathedral, the city has two - both of which are quite good.
THINGS TO DO - Learn genuine Salamancan Spanish - “¡Ay, qué frío! ¡Ay, qué calor! ¡Ojalá viviera en Andalucía!" - with a genuine Salamancan accent - “
Gee, Salamanca es una ciudad realmente neat!”. Alternatively, catch a train to Portugal, Avila or Valladolid.