Avila
It takes just over an hour to get to Avila by train. The land is flat and featureless and obviously farm country. We couldn't see any pig farms but they must be around somewhere given the prodigous amount of pork on sale. Avila is like stepping back into a mediaeval town. The old town is surrounded by a huge wall which is in extraordinarily good repair given its age. We arrived to a biting cold wind as the town is in a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. Our hotel is a step away from the cathedral and our corner room looks out over the doors to the cathedral. It's warm and comfortable so we will have to resist the temptation to just luxuriate here. There are Romanesque churches to explore!I
Avila is bitterly cold and the rain is now driving down. We decided to have lunch in the hotel. It was superb and after a bottle of wine our energy is ebbing away. Why struggle in the rain finding beautiful Romanesque churches when you can just relax? Perhaps the rain will abate. Later. Later. mananya.
Oh dear.... The afternoon disappeared after a late lunch and the churches remained unexplored. We are trying to get the energy to brave the 2 degree winds outside and walk around the old town. Time for full flaps down Ushanka hat.
Redeemed! We managed to brave the elements and had a wonderful night walk through a deserted Avila. Our footsteps echoed on the wet cobblestones. Bitterly cold though.
Artistic pic of our bed reflected in the window of the hotel room.