Extremadura

EXTREMADURA is the most remote from the modern world region of Spain and our guide book informed us that we have the least chance of having any English spoken to us - the man at the hotel desk confirmed that straight away. I just love it when they say "no Inglais" and then proceed to give 60 seconds of rapid fire Spanish instead. We have adopted Manuel's standard response : "Que?" It is in central Spain bordering Portugal and is renowned for its nature and ruins of ancient settlements. We travelled the 3 hours from Salamanca to Merida to visit the wonderful Roman ruins there. We roamed the streets for these Roman ruins - pretty easy really as they are all sort of together - I guess the Romans weren't into long hikes for a night out either. The Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre were side by side (made for easy walking for old folks). The Theatre is still used as such each year for the city's drama festival in summertime - would be fantastic to see something there - but I'd recommend bringing a pillow to sit on! || ||
 * [[image:IMG_3351.jpg caption="The walls of the Alcazaba, one of Spain's oldest Moorish buildings"]] || [[image:IMG_3363.jpg caption="Puente de Guadiana - Roman Bridge almost 800m long"]] || [[image:IMG_3364.jpg]] ||
 * This town is full of Roman ruins. Although mostly a modern town (and a bit seedy in places) they have really looked after their ruins - even have English translations - first we have come across.
 * [[image:IMG_3385.jpg caption="Floor mosaic in Roman house"]] || [[image:IMG_3398.jpg caption="Amphitheatre"]] || [[image:IMG_3424.jpg caption="The view the gladiators got I guess"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_3412.jpg caption="The Theatre"]] || [[image:IMG_3413.jpg caption="the Stage Facade"]] || [[image:IMG_3403.jpg align="center" caption="Sculpure in the stage facade"]] ||