Segovia

What a morning! As Ed has previously mentioned, we have become rather good friends with a lovely chap and his wife on the site. In fact, without them, I think our stay would have been a bit dull after the partying ended! Abilio is his name, his lovely wife is Albertina, and everywhere we go, they seem to go too! Yesterday we were eating ice creams before a swim, when La Vuelta came on the big screen TV in the bar. We stopped to watch it, and lo and behold, who should turn up walking his little dog (called Bobby Charlton!) but Abilio! A great conversation in French/Spanish/Portuguese followed and we all cheered on Chris Froome and Alberto Contador in the final kilometres up the mountain.

This morning, as we were packing and getting ready to leave, Abilio came to say goodbye. He gave us some great advice about our route, so today we have visited Segovia on his recommendation. He also gave us a list of places to visit in Portugal, and then from his pocket produced a pocket sized map for us that he had carefully highlighted showing what looks like a great route through Vino Verdi country. What a great man! As I've said before, every now and then you meet someone who is just full of life, kind, wonderful, and charming. Abilio, vous et un tres bonne amis! Muchos gracias!

Just after saying au revoir to him, the Dutch couple opposite to us struck up a conversation with us. They'd seen and heard us and Abilio chatting and thought it was hilarious! Apparently they were going to help us out, but found it much more fun to watch us struggle whilst they breakfasted! When we explained about our road trip, they also gave us bits of advice for places to visit in future. Leon, thankyou for the tip about the chequerboard when driving in Italy! Anyway, I digress....

Segovia was easy to find, but sadly the Spanish road signs let us down again and we lost the route for the campsite. It's not in our ACSI (off season) guidebook, so we relied on the road signs. BIG mistake! We must learn that the Spanish road signs do not necessarily guide you from one place straight to the next! So it was after much frustration that we arrived at the campsite, named 'camping acueducta' but actually no where near the Roman aqueduct that Segovia is famed for! 

A quick lunch of emergency bread and cheese, and we set off cycling into the town. What a treat - again, we met a little old Spanish couple at a road crossing, and asked for the way to the aqueduct. We were told to follow the road behind the wall...and it led us straight to the aqueduct, in fact, right alongside it. What a feat of hydraulic engineering, and to think that it was built in the 1st century AD and remained in use until the late 19th century to move water! The stones are joined by neither cement  or mortar. Quite stunning!

Using the freebie map from the tourist information, we followed the suggested route and signs and noted various sights along the cobbled streets to Plaza Mayor (main square) and all the bars and cafés, and the cathedral which dates from 1525. We then ambled along to the Alcazar right at the end of the town. Had a bite to eat in the excellent cafe there, then paid our cash to get in to the castle, a former royal residence before Madrid was chosen as the place to hold court. I do have the English version of the guide telling you all about the various kings and queens who have been there, and the uses of the rooms etc but that would mean more typing than I think I can do tonight!!! Suffice to say, that we were all impressed with the Alcazar and recommend a visit if you are ever in the area. The views from the top are magnificent...

So today there has been no formal schooling for Jasper and Maya, but I'm sure you will agree that with lasting impressions of wonderful people and an afternoon visit to Segovia with it's Roman history and Royal history, we have given them another thread or two to add to the rich tapestry of life they are currently leading. And if we didn't, we at least became Roman soldiers momentarily! 

Clare

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