Our first visit on our second day in Mérida was to the National Museum of Roman Art. An incredible building filled with an extraordinary amount of exhibits.
We then walked along the Puente Romano and sat and people (and turtle) watched in the sunshine for a while.
After lunch I set off to visit the Aqueducto de San Lázaro (where rain stopped play yesterday) which runs for an incredible 1.5 km. I find it totally baffling how these incredible structures were built in the first couple of centuries without any of the equipment or technology available today.
In close proximity is the Circo Romano (400 m long by 30 m wide with capacity for 30,000 spectators). I walked all the way around it but didn’t manage to find the entrance, although it’s supposed to be open every day. It was used for chariot races amongst other entertainment.
Then on to the Casa Anfiteatro, an archeological site with beautiful intricate mosaics.
All these sites are situated in or a short walk from the city centre. Mérida is truly a fascinating city.
And our accommodation could not have been better situated or more perfectly furnished.
Practically the entire train ride from Villafranca de los Barros to Mérida as far as the eye could see, to the horizon on both sides of the tracks, was lined with grape vines. On leaving Mérida by train today, there were olives initially but grown in a different way – planted very close together in rows looking like a giant (but not very challenging) maze. Further out there were various fruit trees and more vines and eventually cereal crops. Such a huge expanse of agricultural land!
We are en route to Málaga for what was meant to be a couple of days R&R, but we’ve already had those in Mérida so it must just be a holiday now.
Finally I feel safe to say that I’ve been really strong on this camino. I haven’t wanted to tempt fate before. Not even an inkling of a blister, no issues with knees or hips, both of which have stopped me in my tracks previously. Just a little backache towards the end of a couple of stages. I think I’ve taken just 4 or 5 paracetamol in total to ward off back pain.
Having failed twice in a row in 2019 (hip) and 2022 (knee) my 2024 camino felt like a ‘ make or break’ event – another failure and my camino days would be behind me. But it didn’t happen then, and it hasn’t happened now – so I feel confident that I have at least another camino in me and hopefully many more to come 🤞
Málaga is absolutely buzzing. Really as busy as I’ve seen it. On a Monday in mid May. We have another nice apartment situated in the historic (noisy) quarter. I think we’re both ready to go home now but have another day’s holiday first – well, someone’s got to do it and it might as well be me!
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
I absolutely love seeing all the artifacts, art & exhibitions from hundreds of years ago. How clever and talented were our ancestors! Totally beats ‘Modern Art’ any day!
I’ve loved reading your daily blogs, you take the most interesting photographs and your written dialogue brings it all to life.
Enjoy your last day in Málaga ❤️
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Where did you stay in Merida? It sounded perfect.
Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone
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years ago prob 2011 saw Merida roman theatre with no tourists whatsoever. Loved it. Enjoyed your blog as per usual. I like your flexibility approach too taxi or train if needed. I have just walked the ruta teresianna for a week. Also had few taxi rides at the end of the day…no shame at all. It was flat flat flat Jill Rogers
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Almost feel I’ve had a holiday walking (metaphorically) alongside you, appreciating your splendid photos and illuminating descriptions and reflections. Just wish I was up to doing it myself!
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Once again a wonderful post and beautiful pictures. So happy this Camino was a success for you! So happy I could follow along with you. Enjoy your holiday!
Cheers
Cheri
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So glad you’ve had a wonderful time , your pictures have been wonderful to see.
lily is looking forward to seeing her mummy home safe and sound . Xx
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It all sounds like mission accomplished. Well done. And you are coming back to Blighty in a few days, too, where it is probably hotter than Spain at the moment so you can adjust nicely 🙂 So many caminos, not enough time …
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Looks like an amazing day!
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I’ve SO enjoyed your Camino posts! Your photos are fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing and keeping the Camino dreams alive in years without walking in Spain. Good job and wishing you continued health. Tali
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I’m happy to hear that your hips and knees are behaving well! Thanks for the regular posts.
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I’m glad it all went well with no medical mishaps! As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed following your route and progress – and your photos, particularly of the wild flowers, are stunning.
I must say a huge, enormous thank you for talking about the Merlin Bird app. I hadn’t heard of it but am now totally hooked! My garden is quite wild, intentionally – my friends politely call it natural – but I had no idea at all how many birds call it home or pass through. An incredible 18 different birds are around on a more or less daily basis. I have one particular bird that I had never heard of, the Zitting Cisticola, that I have recorded every day so they are clearly nesting nearby which is very exciting – am I becoming a Twitcher I wonder?
Thank you again for being such an interesting and adventurous peregrina, I’m looking forward to your next journey.
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A grand end to the walk Maggie. Merida is a great place to have time to visit at a relaxed pace. So good you feel strong and are contemplating another walk. I for one will look forward to your reports and pics. Its been a privilege and joy that you share your walks with us. Take care and best wishes on your return home.
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Hi Maggie,
Wow…such an amazing adventure. Thankfully there were no health issues this time. Can I ask what kind of boot/shoe you wear.
Hope your walking buddy is feeling better now, too.
Thank for writing your blog. I really enjoyed hearing about life on the road.
Cheers,
Kristina Wilkening
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