Week 10

Three weeks remain of my time here in Segovia. This realization hit me on my home from Madrid last weekend, as I walked the mile to Moncloa station weighed down by my backpack stuffed with halloween costumes and my Doc Martens. Despite this discomfort, I tried to enjoy every step past cafes bustling with people talking in Spanish, sipping wine and enjoying the city life. Three weekends left. This also meant I only have three weeks left as a student. Ever. That one hit me like the bus that would take me back to Segovia.

Melancholy as it was, my existential thinking reminded me to enjoy the rest of this time, even when I have a mountain of homework to do. This week I decided to check out a cafe close to my apartment that I walk past every day on my way to school, but have never found the time to try. It’s called La Flor de America, and it turned out to be one of my favorite discoveries in Segovia. I ended up going four times this week.

Inside, it’s cozy with dark wooden beams over the ceiling and hanging plants draped around the space. The pastry case is full of over a dozen types of tantalizing bizcocho, the sweet breads and cakes common in Spain. They have molten hot chocolate, coffee, and more but my favorite thing is their extensive tea menu. It must have nearly fifty types of tea. I relished coming here before my (9 pm) dinner each day to work on the presentations and essays I have due this week. Studying at this cafe reminded me that student life can be fun when you make it.