Day 14 - Merida - Zafra 80km cycled

The ´Alberge´in Merida was a ramshackle place ran by an disabled alchoholic, but still what do you expect for 5 Euros. I have to say, even for all the dowsides of dorm living it really makes touring spain quite affordable

 This is the bridge you´re supose to enter the city on, but becasue I´m doing the route backwards, I left on this roman bridge. It was the original bridge the silver traders would enter the roman fort

Thought this was great. After the Romans got oiusted by the Moors the castle got altered, and this sistern got added. It allowed water to seep through the sediment from the nearby river, and collect in this sistern, so even during a seige you would´nt have to leave the castle to get water. Just go down the slope and collect fresh water...so simple..so clever!

I was suprised they would allow this being a UNESCO site, but this new development won a competition as it helps resotre and shelter the roman remains beneath. Here you can see the original 2000 year old Roman road side by side with modernity.

 Its not badly done either, and some areas are still being exploreed. This was a roman neighborhood with shops, roads, baths etc

 Another example of very old and very new is this church. What you are seeing here is the new floor of the fully functional church (This photo was taken on a Sunday with a service in full flow). A very strange feeling being únderneath´a service. taking photos of thousand year old cripts

 This is the most famous one, for reason I cant remember. Mainly becasue of the vivd paintings.

 Okay, back above ground and looking at one of the only fully recognisable Roman ´circus´ where the chariet races were held, from the likes of Ben Hur!..think Charlton Heston doing his thing with 4 horses..sounds wrong..

 Originally had 11 tiers of seating, but not alot left now but the actual racing ground.

 Marvel at the Roman brickwork. Part of the original Aquduct into the city

 ..Ah, the ´circus´from above...quite cool. You can see it alot clearer..

 Again..think this might be a Calatrava bridge. Oh, before I forget a Pint goes to Jerry H and Will S for naming the Calatrava in Bilbao...Will I´ll be in Hong Kong soon!...Jerry, back in Brids not before long...

 A bit of nostalgia...I guess its the Route 66 of Spain. The original (well from the 50´s) Via De La Plata route

 600km done!!!....on a very similar bit of road as to the 500km marker..

Okay finally in Zafra, after a fairly straightforward and uneventful ride to this wonderful Alberge. An old Convent with open courtyard for breakfast, again for 10 euros!...amazing!