Monday 30th November
Today your brother drove Dad and I to the ancient Roman city of Mérida, about forty minutes North of Badajoz.
The amphitheatre, arena and gardens were absolutely spectacular.
Mérida was founded in 25 BC, and preserves more important Roman monuments than any other city in Spain.
The view from the entrance
Roman remains
The amphitheatre
The stage
Imagine gladiators, lions and other beasts in the arena
Roman arch
Roman columns
Shadows
Julio Cesar Augusto
Entrance to the amphitheatre
Columns and statues in the amphitheatre
Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus stands over the entrance to the amphitheatre
Gardens and ruins of Mérida
Having left the amphitheatre, we drove to the road beside the river, and walked along part of the oldest, ancient Roman bridge, and looked at more ruins of the Alcazabar.
Puente Romano over the river Guadiana
Puente Romano
Sitting on the oldest, longest Roman bridge
You were posing in front of a statue of Romulus and Remus
Your brother then drove us back to Badajoz, just in time for dinner.
The sky was beautiful, at first with a few whispy clouds, then a magnificent fiery sunset.
A wonderful end to a lovely day.
Big sky
Fire in the sky
Amazing colours
We do miss you my darling.
Our days are just not the same.
You would loved to have heard the stories of gladiators fighting the lions, or the emperor giving a thumbs down to the poor, losing opponent following combat in the stadium.
We wish you were still here, enjoying new places and sightseeing with us.
It’s just not the same.
Love you forever.
Beloved Angel son.
xxxxx
The Journey of My Left Foot (whilst remembering my son) 