TUESDAY
The longest 'ancient world' bridge left standing in the world in Médina is a Roman one of course. This ancient Via de la Plata route was clearly hugely important to the Romans who called upon all their engineering skills to cross the River Guardiana which runs on to form a major section of the border with Portugal. This region was known as Lusitania to the Romans. Seven centuries or so later the Arabs made the most of the strategic position of the bridge and their Alcabazar (fortified castle) was built at one end. Heavily fortified walls housed the Arab forces.
A long distance cyclist turned up at the hostel. A Polish man living with a Portuguese woman and remaining a keen rather unconvential cyclist. He lived in Oxford for years and sped past me on his electrically assisted bike when we took off. Travellers on bikes and by foot from San Fransisco and Switzerland were on the road today. Moving in opposite directions but crossing paths and taking coffee stops.
The converted convent is basic and although many dormitories are available I'm the only 'peregrino' staying over.
It was raining today and Zafra didn't glow in the sunshine.
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I guess the Polish man sped past but then stopped for coffee to be able to talk. The pics seem bright. The only peregrino because no-one is bold enough to do the 1000km plus except you! :) Caroline x
ReplyDeleteI suppose I meet these long distance cyclists and walkers but there are more than you might think....especially over last 5 to 10 years as routes are becoming more developed and advertised
DeleteHe sped past as we pushed off from hostel together. He stayed in the same hostel and we talked as we were both preparing to leave. I mentioned you lived in Lisbon area.
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