It’s a day off in Merida. I always feel a little bit awkward about having days off because sometimes your body tells you that you need to take a rest, particularly your feet. Very often you want to just keep moving, but I think it is sensible to have a day off now and again, and Merida is a perfect place to have a day off as you’ll see in the video below.
If you have never stayed in a parador, I’ll give you a look around the parador. The breakfast is amazing. I have to say though, this is my second Parador on this camino and I don’t think I’ll stay in them anymore. They’re a bit of an extravagance, quite expensive and really, at the end of the day, all you’re paying is a lot of money for a nice bed. And to be honest, I’ve had better sleeps in some of the Casa Rurals.
Also, to be totally honest, it just feel right! I’m on a Pilgrimage and I think some austerity in my surroundings will help me be less distracted and grounded. As you’ll see in the coming days and weeks…….I often swing to the other end of the spectrum regarding accommodation!
There are some amazing things to see in Merida. I was able to get around some of the Roman ruins and probably, the icing on the cake, was being able to see some of these Semana Santa parades. We were able to go down by the bridge, which was all lit up, and then see some of the parades through Merida near the Plaza Mayor. It was great to be able to catch up with some Aussie friends who are also walking the Camino. I had met them briefly in Seville and we end up walking together for a week or so.
Looks like Santa Semana in Merida, that was well timed Rob
Yes. It was great to see. Saw a couple of others in smaller towns/villages too.