OCTOBER 1, 2012 MONDAY BLOG #21

OCTOBER 1, 2012 MONDAY BLOG #21

Caceres,  Spain Plaza Mayor 8:30PM, 1 October 2012

Ok, so it is now a new month and officially within Spain things have switched over to the wintertime schedule for most tourist types of locations or buildings, etc. We packed up in Merida and fired up Carmen the GPS for the 65K trip up to Caceres our next location. Bright and sunny as we came up out of the underground garage and onto the back streets and one way system of Merida. In no time at all we were entering the big city of Caceres and our search for the elusive narrow pathway that climbs the hills to the old town center above the main plaza. The usual problem they sent the little chap out to hang the directional signs to the Parador but gave him only ONE (1) sign to post hence after you made the first turn and looked for the second sign you were on your own. But somehow are only two circuits back and around the beginning point at the bottom of the hill I lucked out and made a turn that was not sign posted but proved to be the right choice as it led us directly to the back parking lot behind the parador. We were too early for checkin at 1400 as it was just barely one PM. As we heaved the luggage from the trunk we started chatting with the other two couples pulled into the lot at the same time. A pair of Australian couples traveling around Spain and Europe. Laurie and Peggy, Dick and Sue joined us as we all put luggage into storage and we ambled off into the backstreets to find nourishment before any starved to death. Not even 1K from the Parador we stumbled into a fine place offering Menu of the Day for 10 euros. Orders placed and drinkies ordered it was time for tinto de verano and getting to know each other.  Laurie and Peggy had begun their 3 month vacation with stops in San Francisco and Boston before a month in Spain, followed by Switzerland, France, Japan and back to down under and Jane & I had thought 26 days was a long time; but well short of 3 months touring. I know that there are 4 shirts I hope to not see for a long time already in my traveling wardrobe!  Oh! Me too! Jane here. We finally checked in at about 3:30 maybe, cannot remember. All Paul knew was that it was time for a siesta. That accomplished we went downstairs and co-incidentally bumped in to our new Aussie friends. We had a drink together and each of us headed off in different directions to explore this medieval city. The Parador is very interesting having been recently renovated. It’s that juxta position of old and new that the Spanish do so well, but the jury is still out on the sinks in the bathroom! Anyway we headed ….downhill …..to the Plaza Major. I t was very lively down there and we strolled around looking at shops and people and old buildings. We finally settled on a tapas bar/restaurant for a snack even though neither of us was hungry! However one has to keep the wolf from the door, at least until breakfast.
The journey back was uphill and as I explained to you before Paul does not do “uphill” however I shamed him into it and 5 minutes later we were back at the Parador. No problem! Guess who we bumped into? Right, the Aussies. Nice people, one Lawyer, one psychologist, one professional viola playing musician and a retired teacher. Night caps and a chocolate cake to complete the day, nightie, night all!!