Vía de la Plata – Day 7

I had a good sleep again, woke up at 8:00 and went for breakfast. For a change, it was refreshing having a breakfast without rush and my bag on my back.

I left Almendralejo at around 09:00 and curved back to the Camino trail. The landscape continues to be the monotonous farmland with no shade and flat terrain. I reached Torremejía – the destination I originally planned for today – in 2 hours and continued towards Mérida, a much bigger city hopefully with more possibilities to find accommodation.

The trail led to a road with heavier traffic, and I followed it for about 3 km. The asphalt feels not good on my feet, so I stopped for a short break at 13:00. Meridá is about 10 km away from here, mostly downhill. I am not in a hurry.

I had a long phone call with my sister. We talked about their children, about our father, who passed away 3 years ago, and about the difficulties of life. She has been waiting for a kidney transplant for 4 years now. I hope one day her health allows her to join me for a Camino.

I continued my walk towards Mérida. The trail led across a pasture with beautiful wild flowers blooming. The weather was beautiful but began to be a bit hot. When I checked on my phone, it was already 27°C.

Soon I could see the silhouette of the town Mérida with its bridges overarching the Guadiana River. I crossed the bridge, which is one of the longest Roman bridges in Spain, built around 25 BC, during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

After the bridge, the path led me on the river bank all the way to the albergue. I had to call them because at 15:30 they were already closed. I have been told to wait for one hour. I had a lovely refreshing lunch and checked in at the shelter. Apparently all the beds were booked, but they let me in the storage room where there was an additional bunk bed. Luckily I will sleep in a separate room.

I met again the Irish piano teacher, the Finnish pilgrim, and a Catalan guy I had also met in Zafra. We decided to go out in the afternoon and see the city, grab some drinks, and maybe have a dinner. It was a very joyful evening, where we also shared what we are doing here and where we are going. I love so much about the Camino that the people are open, vulnerable and kind with each other.

After dinner we headed back to the albergue, because at 22:00 they shut down the lights, and tomorrow will be another day. We need to leave the albergue until 08:00.