As soon as I woke up I suspected something. This could be the last “normal” stage. It is a feeling that is both liberating and disturbing at the same time. Should my adventure end today? I'm a bit at a loss, but an empty stomach after a night in a Siberian icebox is rarely a good guide and even more rarely a mood enhancer. The fact is, …
La Via de la Plata – From Puebla de Sanabria to Xunqueira de Ambia
At eight, it feels like the middle of the night, I feel my way to the window to look outside. It takes a while until dusk turns the morning gray and I realize the true extent of the weather. It's raining heavily. There is a strange emptiness in my head. That's how it is now...
La Via de la Plata – From Santa Marta to Puebla de Sanabria
The journey is slowly coming to an end, the stages between Santa Marta and Puebla de Sanabria are getting bleaker every day. But the route still offers enough variety, be it with friends on the Camino or a gourmet restaurant or a missionary who turns out to be a conspiracy theorist. But then the hike becomes more and more strenuous in bad weather, made even more difficult by painful inflammation of the periosteum. It seems like a Plan B is needed.
La Via de la Plata – From Granja to Santa Marta
At Ganja de Moreruela the path branches off: the Via de la Plata leads via Astorga to the Camino Frances, while the Camino Sanabres is the southern route to the west.
The path offers a change of scenery, shows the effects of the forest fires and leads to Santa Marta de Tera with its remarkable church and modern hostel.
La Via de la Plata – From Zamora to Granja de Moreruela
At today's destination Granja de Moreruela the path splits. The historic Roman route continues north to Astorga, where the via then joins the Camino Frances. From now on the path to the west is called Camino de Sanabrés.
La Via de la Plata – From Salamanca to Zamora
I leave Salamanca and continue to Valdunciel. I cross long, barren stretches of the Castilian plateau, past dry sunflower fields along the way. Although I am annoyed by the effects of industrial agriculture, I still find moments of happiness and reflection in the quiet expanse. El Cubo de la Tierra is a highlight in every respect, but then the stage takes another long walk to Zamora, the famous city of 22 Romanesque churches.
La Via de la Plata – Salamanca
The article explores the magical allure of Salamanca - an exotic city rich in history and culture, with its red sandstone buildings, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The author describes the city's sights, such as the Plaza Mayor, the cathedrals, but also the curious astronaut at the Catedral Nueva. Despite the enchanting beauty and overwhelming sights of the city, the author feels tired and looks forward to the peace and quiet of the hike ahead.
La Via de la Plata – From Fuenterroble to Salamanca
This article follows the hike from Fuenterroble to Salamanca and reflects on the landscapes, encounters and personal reflections along the way. From encounters with wind turbines to reflections on cultural references, the article captures the essence of the experiences. The hiker reaches the halfway point and expresses his anticipation of the challenges ahead.
La Via de la Plata – From the Arco de Càparra to Fuenterroble de Salvatierra
The content describes the further stages on the Way of St. James and reflects on the surroundings, encounters and experiences. It describes the author's thoughts, observations and physical sensations during the trek, including interactions with other pilgrims and experiences with the accommodations. The journey presents both physical and emotional challenges, which are described with candor and humor.
La Via de la Plata – From Cañaveral to the Arco de Càparra
A pilgrimage with a touch of drama: My journey from Canaveral to Gallisteo is marked by Achilles tendon pain, early morning resentment of eager pilgrims and the surprising ~discovery of a breakfast bar. The adventure continues to the Arco de Càparra, where the impressive Roman arches leave a humble impression. As the unrelenting heat burns from the sky, the traveler cannot help but reflect on the life that once flourished amidst the now crumbling ruins.
La Via de la Plata – From Caceres to Cañaveral
The writer experiences a festive Sunday in Cáceres, enjoying an Irish concert and philosophical reflections. An afternoon in the medieval city leads to an evening with friends. The next day he sets off on a demanding 35 km hike to Cañaveral, where he has to contend with heat and poor roads. The day ends with a reflection on the difficulties of the journey.
La Via de la Plata – From Alcuescar to Caceres
The post is a detailed report on the hike from Alcuéscar to Cáceres, which passes through Valdesalor. The trip includes beautiful descriptions of sunrise, encounters with wildlife, a visit to the village of Casas de Don Antonio, crossing ancient Roman bridges and the difficulty of finding accommodation in Cáceres. In Cáceres, the traveler enjoys the vibrant life of the city, its rich architecture and, as a highlight, an evening of Irish music.
La Via de la Plata – From Merida to Alcuescar
The writer reflects on the uncertainty of revisiting places in life as they trek from Mérida to Aljucén. The jourmey includes visits to the Aqueduct of Los Milagros, an impressive example of Roman engineering, and the Embalse de Proserpina reservoir. The peaceful yet deserted El Carrascalejo precedes the arrival in Aljucén. The journey continues amid rain and storm towards Alcuescar, ending in a chilly accommodation.
La Via de la Plata – Merida
Mérida, a city between Seville and Santiago, is a blend of modern Spanish lifestyle and Roman past. It houses the National Museum for Roman Art showcasing artifacts from the Roman era. Famously known for its well-preserved Roman heritage, Mérida has received UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Visitors are charmed by its historical sites like the amphitheater and Roman theater, vibrant culture, and rich gastronomy.
La Via de la Plata – From Fuente de Cantos to Merida
Fuente de Cantos - Zafra The weather forecast was not wrong for once - heavy thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for this morning. So not what you want on the wide plains between Fuente and Zafra without protection. It's amazing how quickly you deviate from fixed resolutions when the sky isn't blue and sunny...
La Via de la Plata – From Almadén to Fuente de Cantos
My hotel is closed for Descanso, which probably means innkeeper's Sunday, so breakfast in a nearby bar, for the first (and definitely not the last) time with tostada with mantequilla (or rather inedible margarina) and mermelada and a gran café con leche. At least something sweet in your stomach, almost like being at home. The Spaniard is eating breakfast next to me...
La Via de la Plata – Tough Beginning
From Seville to Guillena The city is still in early morning slumber when I say goodbye to Nuevo Suizo (without having found out what the name is about) and take the first steps on the Via de la Plata, which takes me into a should lead to Santiago de Compostela for a few weeks. The way …