April 2018
- Caceres
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- Camino Portugues 2018
- Christmas 2017
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Visit to Farmworld with grandchildren today, April 15th 2018
Visit to Farmworld with grandchildren today, April 15th 2018
Enjoying the wonderful city of Salamanca in Spain
The sun was shining in Salamanca this morning, ideal weather was walking around this beautiful city, but not before having a hearty breakfast in this Pension and also arranging for the laundry to be done. After completing these two tasks, I left the Pension in search of a significant point of interest, a Roman bridge from the 1st century. This bridge is in an unbelievably good condition- it measures more than 400 meters and off course was the first bridge built in this area.
Local information indicates that the original arches are the ones closest to the city, the rest was rebuilt in the 18th C. The connection to the Camino of St James, continues in this city as all the pilgrims have crossed this bridge since time immemorial, as part of the Camino de la Plata, which starts further south in the city of Sevilla. This was also an important economic route in Roman times. Prior to the entrance to this ancient bridge we find a pre-Roman carving of a boar, apparently a sign of protection, immortalised in Lazarillo de Tormes, one of the great pieces of universal literature. I also had a stroll in the Calixto y Melibea Gardens, which is close to this bridge, an has a traditional Muslim design.
After this visit to an ancient site, I decided that staying in the past was a good thing so went to a car museum, which contains a large collection of both vintage and not so vintage cars. I will include so photos in today’s blog. I enjoyed this visit very much.
I then decided to go a bit outside out of town looking for a public library, as the wifi in the Pension was very slow. Well I did get to the library- 2 kms away, to find its door firmly shut. Enquiring with a local resident, I was told that today is Salamanca Day, a holiday, so the reason for the library being closed.
Walking back to the Casco Viejo – old town, I was rewarded in the Plaza Mayor with an array of colourfull displays as many locals were dress in traditional clothes. There was also a formal parade with all the usual dignitaries and regal pomposity on display.
Lunch today was a quick byte – vegetarian roll, it actually had tuna, but as it contained lettuce and tomato it was labeled vegetarian roll. Afterwards I visited the Real Clerecia de San Marcos, and claimed to the top of the two towers for bird’s eye view of this beautiful city, which has UNESCO World Heritage. I walked around the church bells, they are massive, and according to the brochure the main one is close to 10 tones. The buildings apart from being very large are very ornate in a Baroque style.
Afterwards I visited the Casa de las Conchas a palace built in the 14th C for a professor of the University of Salamanca, who also was a knight of the Order of St James. It is said that this was the main reason for the outside walls were decorated with the shape of shells, which is the symbol of St James. This building has a mixture of architectural styles which is also reflected in having windows in one side, of the Palace, of different shapes. Altogether another amazing building, which also demonstrates that changing times of that era.
Another stroll through the old time before stopping at a local shop, where you can buy a small packet of home made pasta and they cook it for you, adding your preferred sauce and of course with pecorino cheese. Dinner was great tonight, simple but delicious.
Will attend a string quartet free concert at the university at 8.30 tonight. Tomorrow I depart on route to the town of Caceres, and old Roman town.
Bye for now.