Merida Spain

Karen has injured her knee and is unable to walk so we organise a taxi to take us to Merida. I opt to go to help her and as I am not sponsored or anything like Peter and Andy, it isn't essential for me to walk every kilometre. Honestly I am also feeling tired and in need of a bit of a break anyway. we have completed 200 kilometres so far. I would love a sleep in which we can do by staying at a Hostal instead of an Albergue. Our host at the Hostal Rojo Plata in Torremejia drives us to Merida because it is Good Friday and no taxis. He was very kind.

We make new arrangements for the accommodation as there is one matrimonial(double) free and Peter, Andy and Karen are booked into a three bed room. There is no room for  me as it is already squashed. I am thinking of going to the Albergue but we do the sums and take the double room for Andy and Karen, while Peter and I share the other. We dismantle the trundle and end up with two singles and more room.

We get to see the midday passion procession with the Virgin Mary of sorrow with Christ crucified and laying across her lap.(Pieta style). The procession takes ages to move through the square.

The 

My sleep in evaporates when I organise a Skype session with Tim and the family which takes place at 7:30 am here but 3:30/4:00 pm back home. It was worth it to talk with everyone and let Mum see I am fine. Peter has a beautiful new puppy called Rex who I got to see. There are lots of dogs in Spain. Lots of little miniature Yorkshire terriers, hounds, Shi Zhu and mutts. They are mostly friendly.

Merida is an interesting town with lots of marvellous Roman ruins. We spent the day walking, of course seeing the sites. 

The aqueduct

The temple of Diana

The Plaza de Espana where it all happens!

I bought some swimmer bottoms so I will be decent( reasonably anyway )for the hot springs at Aljucen tomorrow.  It will feel odd putting the backpack back on after two days without. Our routines have been all muddled by the layover. Such creatures of habit we quickly become. The packing process has become so automatic now.

We have found a great vegetarian restaurant, the Shangrila, in Sagasta 21 st, up past the Temple of Diana. The food was really good and the staff friendly. It has a cafe side and restaurant side in different colours. Rare breeds in Spain as they are real meat eaters.