Mérida might be the perfect place to start a Camino. It is a small but interesting city for a pre-Camino rest day, and the next day’s walk is really nice. It begins with a stroll past this Roman aqueduct.
And a quick inspection of a Roman dam…
What a gorgeous day!
Me, eating an apple, under a tree
Now in Aljucén at the very nice Albergue Rio Aljucén. Our group now consists of 5 Spaniards (different people than before, German R, and English D. R and D may get us in trouble yet, given the 10 pm curfew!
Seeing Clarely 
Really enjoying the daily epistles which are full of interesting bits and pieces. Keep travelling well and safely. Buen Camino
You are right- Merida is a fabulous place to start a camino. Family met us here, and we had three wonderful days visiting all the sights. There’s so much to see!
Clare, if you stop at Alcuescar and have the whole afternoon sitting in front of you, consider a 3 km stroll out to the absolutely beautiful little Santa Lucia de Trampal. It’s a lovely walk on minor roads, through fields with horses and fruit trees. I have a distinct memory of sitting in a field of yellow flowers outside the church, eating my lunch and waiting for its afternoon opening at 4 pm. A visigothic gem! Enjoying your reports, so glad it’s going well, Laurie.
Hmm. Just arrived in Alcuescar, and will consider your suggestion before rejecting it, in all likelihood 🙂 Maybe after some refreshment, though.
I just found your blog having just discovered the Via de la Plata route even existed. I’ve never done anything like it, but one day I hope to walk the Camino, hopefully with my son. I will be following your posts (from Chile!) to see what it is like. Happy walking!
Thanks! As the walk progresses, I’m afraid my posts are becoming shorter!