Day 3, Monday, 15 July Travel from Oropesa to Merida, Spain

Day 3, Monday, 15 July Travel from Oropesa to Merida, Spain

We slept like zombies from a full day on Sunday. Probably spillover from an overfull day on Saturday. We breakfasted at the Parador looking out upon the plain towards the Sierra de Gredos mountain range to the west. Again, a full beautiful buffet with meats, cheeses, fruits, cereals and of course, eggs to order! We had to work that off so off we went to explore the castle. Of course, Paul volunteered to move the car for easier load up by the only working elevator below. Hauling suitcases over ancient cobblestones is not easy so he moved the car closer to the elevator.

Ian, Cathie, Zoey and I climbed winding, stone staircases to the top of the towers. Ian indulged himself with his 360-degree camera and came up with some interesting angles. They have a medieval festival in the town of Oropesa in April and the courtyard is used extensively for plays and music year round. I love to see ancient buildings being used and living again, if only briefly. It’s why I love the Paradors. This one was the first historic Parador opened in 1928/9. They have saved a lot of their precious heritage by opening Paradors all over the country. They bring in tourist and locals and employ a lot of people, so good for the economy in beautiful rural areas, small towns and even cities. (ps the government runs them and they are finally making a profit!)

Lots of archeological goodies to explore and even a plaque telling of the legend that King Arthur had been here and there was an enormous 30 ft sword standing in the floor in a very atmospherically lit room! Tongue in cheek I am sure, but as they like the story of King Arthur I bet we will see more of the sword in the stone thing. Zoey was ecstatic and loved her first real castle…..wait child, there are more to come!

We eventually set out towards the Jarandilla de la Vera and the town of Losar to view ALL of the topiaries we had discovered on a previous visit. Lunch was Menu of the Day in La Puta Pario Restaurant Jarandilla . Zoey and I waited at the restaurant while the rest went to find somewhere to park that monster of a car. The streets are incredibly narrow, steep and devoid of parking. Lunch was excellent and we enjoyed leisurely meal.

We left for our next stop of Merida at 4:00PM and arrived at the Parador at 7.00. After unloading and deciding the unground garage was not an option due to the beast we were driving, Ian and Paul parking it in the outside parking lot and we walked into town to people watch and visit a Roman ruin or two! We visited the Temple of Diana where in the 16^th century , a resident decided to build his mansion! In the 20^thC they were going to demolish the mansion/palace but decide it too had historical value so they left it there behind the Temple.

Merida has the largest collection of Roman ruins outside Rome and is forever uncovering roads, buildings etc. The Via de Plato runs north from here. Of course, it is not silver but the effect of the moonlight on the road gives it that appearance. We have so much to explore tomorrow, I am still hurting from this morning!  I don’t know if we can keep up this pace, it is brutal! So much culture and history kind of overwhelms the senses and Paul and I have been here before. Onward family……to the Plaza Mayor.

We sat in the plaza having refreshments under huge toldos (awnings) equipped with misters. Lovely and cooling., the temperature is starting to rise, tomorrow will be hotter. We moved on to supper at the 100 Montaditos Restaurant chain of little sandwiches. By this time, it is 10pm. Are we crazy? Wine, beer and a heap of different sandwiches for 5 people for 32 euros! Enough is enough….off to the Parador to shoot photos with a full Spanish moon tonight along the way.

Buenos noches!