David Sparks

David Sparks is from Indianapolis, Indiana, in the USA. He has lived in Seoul, South Korea as well as in Salamanca. This time, he´s back to Salamanca for some serious fiesta and the occasional studying when time allows. David is a songwriter with an album to his credit. If you´re lucky you might find him strolling the streets late at night humming a new melody or dancing it up at 6 in the morning in Kandhavia.

Hi everybody. Since this is my first column in Salamancafiesta.com, I wanted to just let you know why I´m in love with this city. I lived here a few years ago, I came because I wanted to learn spanish. During that year, I pretty much kicked this city´s butt. I went everywhere, met everyone, played concerts at various bars, and met a ton of great people. Basically, no matter how long you´re here for, if you find yourself bored it´s your own fault. There´s so much to do in this tiny city you´re a loser if you feel bored for more than 10 minutes.

I´m not saying that you should go out partying every single night. That does get boring, no matter where it is. But what I am saying is that you should take advantage of everything Salamanca has to offer. Aside from the incredible night life (did you know even spaniards come here from madrid to party? And that´s a city of several million), Salamanca is rich in other ways. I´ll spare you the tour guide and tell you about a few places that you might not have been to.

First on the list has got to be La Parrilla. I´ve introduced spanish and foreigners to this tiny little place serving up carne a la brasa like you wouldn´t believe. it´s right off of calle van dick, near the cinema. for less than two euros you can get a beer and tapa, the best in town for my money. But the best part of this place is the atmosphere. Go on a friday or saturday night between 9.30-11, and expect it to be crowded. If you don´t leave with at least 2 phone numbers you didn´t do it right. This is not to be missed.

Cafe Becquer. This cafe in the round is right near San Marcos in La Puerta de Zamora. Named after a cheesy spanish poet. My favorite cafe to read in, have intercambio, or flirt with someone. It´s laid back, and the bartender is friendly by spanish standards. The becquer cappuchino is a bit pricey, but well done. The cool thing about this place is the vibe. Wicker chairs, round tables you can write on, and a good mix of tunes. Guys, I suggest bringing girls here.

These are a few places that might help you break out of the mold of eating at pans and company everyday. Next time I´ll give you my thoughts on intercambio - why everyone should do it.

Until next time.

David