Christmas lights decorate the narrow streets, lighting the way for evening shoppers. Here and there very old stone foundations and walls show in the modern settings, contrasting the solid greyness of antiquity with the modern glitz and feeling of being more temporary. The old city, looms above the commercial district. Wide stone stairs leading upward to the University. Imposing stone buildings, hundreds of years old, house the students and the bookstores, pubs and other little stores that cater to their needs.
Motor scooters buzz about like angry bees seeking an exit.
Helmeted riders, faces hidden like knights astride their mounts, impatiently move the strolling foot traffic aside. Does well physically, walking a couple of miles each day to and from the town centre. Raised 5 kids from poverty to comfortable upper middle class and apparently helped many others along the way. Refused to learn Catalan. All in all a strong, intelligent woman with a great passion for her children and grand children.