IF I was Emperor Augustus and I wanted to set up a city for retired soldiers who merited recognition, this is the city I would build, along the Rio Guadiana. And I might even call it Emerita Augusta. There I would build the most amazing amphitheatre where gladiators could enjoy their sport. To entertain the residents and special guests would be the most amazing amphitheatre. Built to last 2000+ years. And a temple and a means of bringing water from afar. And it would be good.
We had set our alarm for 8 am to make sure we got out to see these beauties but we were both still exhausted and it was completely dark outside so we stole another half hour of the day to rest.
Then we headed out to a cafe for some breakfast snacks before setting out to see the Roman ruins which were incredible. The other nice thing is that because it is shoulder season there were not that many people. Yes, a few Spanish groups, and a number of couples or singles, but nothing bad at all. The same thing in and around the streets - it was perfect to explore.
Alex and I were both in awe of the amphitheatre and the theatre. I have seen some ruins before, but this was a first for Alex and he was amazed. And so was I. The day was a pleasant 16 C so just right for exploring about.
After a few hours of exploring, we returned to the room to rest a bit. We both dozed a wee bit then by 3 pm headed out for lunch before they stopped serving. In Mérida lunch is served from about noon until 4 pm. Thi way it was kind of a 'lupper' for us if we find a wee snack for later. We went to a restaurant about 100 m away called Restaurant Maria where we had local dishes in our Menu del día - migas as our first, beef stew as our second, and flan as our postre. As is norm, this came with a basket of bread and a Fanta limon for Alex and some vino tinto for me.
Our next quests were to go see the Roman aqueduct - about 1 km away from our place in the opposite direction. This included an interesting walk down some commercial streets some of which had Roman antiquities peppered about. The aqueduct was amazing and an incredible structure - amazing they figured out how to build this 2000 years ago and even included baffles in their setup to slow water down when it had to be piped to a lower elevation. Smart people, those Romans!
Getting a bit tired after walking around all day, we started back toward our room but forst stopped at a large supermarket to get a few more things for tomorrow's breakfast and for our first day of cycling. Tomorrow is the first 'real' pedal stroke.
Now in the room, we shall see what the rest of the evening holds if nothing more than relaxing and resing for tomorrow. I already went to look over the bikes and to adjust my disc brakes so there would be no rubbing or squealing like yesterday. Everything is now good to go.
Alex just outside the Roman amphitheatre. We could almost 'see' the guests cheering in the stands 2000 years ago. -- Mérida, Spain
Across the road from the theatre and amphitheatre complex there were a few spots where the buildings were gone and archeological excavations were underway. -- Mérida, Spain
"The Roman Forum is an archaeological area in Mérida, Spain. It was the main public area of the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, founded in 25 BC by Emperor Augustus." (Wikepedia) -- Mérida, Spain
"The Aqueduct of the Miracles is a Roman aqueduct in the Roman colonia of Emerita Augusta –present-day Mérida, Spain–, capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. It was built during the first century AD to supply water from the Proserpina Dam into the city. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the aqueduct fell into decay and today it is in ruins with only a relatively small section of the aqueduct bridge standing." (Wikepedia) -- Mérida, Spain
