Puff the magic elephant

Up early to get to Segovia station to catch the high speed train to Salamanca. This part of the line has only been open just over a year - very impressive it is too. The bit of the Spanish rail system we have experienced so far works well. Yet another country which seems to do things better than the U.K.

First thing we did after settling in was walk up to the main Square for a coffee. After the overnight and early morning rain (the rain in Spain certainly does rain on the plain) it was still cool so we went inside. The midday clock (top right) chimed, and then bizarrely puffs of smoke were released from the elephant's bottom. Too late for my phone pic, but caught at 3pm with my big camera :)

The elephant has a purpose - all part of celebrating the forthcoming (2018) 800th anniversary of the founding of the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest in Europe. This city looks a fun place if this artwork is anything to go by. For further evidence see the extra - adorning the cathedral much fine scupture, including a griffin eating an ice cream cone.