April 22 Torremejia to Merida (Stage 9)

We started with bread toasted with butter, jam, sweet cakes and cafe con leche at the Iberian Cafe on the main street of Torremejia. The owner of the cafe also owned the alberque. For 20€ you got room,    the evening meal and breakfast served at 0600.  We were on the road by 0630.  After a short 16k walk, we crossed the outstanding Roman Bridge into Merida. We felt pride that we entered the city as the Romans had. We took a left along the river finding the albergue easily after we past the new bridge. It is beautifully located looking out over the park adjacent to the river.  We then explored Merida, the capital of Extremadura. It is a world heritage site. It was founded in 25 BC as a retirement site for soldiers. It has more Roman ruins then any other city in Spain. The whole day was spent wandering through the city. Stopping for a delicious lunch in delicious sunshine put a polish to the perfect day. Being Sunday the museum was open and free. We were exhausted by the end of the day. Today was Mara's last day. She will take the bus back to Zafra where she lives. We walked her to the end of the modern, white, arched, suspended bridge and tearfully said our goodbyes. I have never seen Joan so relaxed and utterly cheerful with another person. They were constantly laughing and chattering in two different languages, Spanish and Portuguese, Mara didn't speak English. Joan would translate what George and I were saying and visa versa what Mara was saying. George would get out his English-Spanish cards and a walking Spanish lesson would ensue. It is hard to believe that we have known her for only 9 days yet she feels like family. It was very hard to say goodby she has become such a good friend. Tomorrow will be equally hard because George will be leaving us. He too has become like family, a good friend and our leader. Under his guidance we could do anything. He has less time available to complete his personal "Plata Way". He is also a very strong, disciplined walker. He sort of lopes along with arms dangling at his sides. I know this because as a good follower I have spent many hours hightailing after him. If you don't keep up our Black Knight will disappear before the sun rises. Tomorrow, he will once again lead us on our early morning journey and, sadly, drop us off at Aljucen. George will continue on to Alcuescar close to 40k distant. There are many daily distances exceeding 30k approaching 40k and we have the time to slice them into smaller chunks. To both our camino companions, Mara and George, Buen Camino for your life ahead. We will truly miss you. 

Albergue in Merida

Clothes for sale

Lining up at the albergue

George departing

Bye George

Coffee break

Camino companions

George navigating

Pilgrims relaxing

New grapes 

The long road

Big kids

Do they ever walk

Lost in Merida

Only for a minute

Temple of Diana in Merida

Roman aquaduct

Stu visiting a cemetery 

Stu caught stealing flowers