Plasencia

Left the village today to explore Plasencia, the main city in Extremadura.  Very hot again - it's going to be a shock and a half going home!  This is the old cathedral, a fascinating building, but not quite as fascinating as the first place we visited which was the Ethnographic and Textile Museum. 

It has a huge selection of all sorts of looms, examples of weaving and embroidery, quilting and handicrafts, as well as leather work, old agricultural and cooking and household paraphernalia.  The traditional dress costumes were so colourful and intricate and the symbolism in each piece was   explained in detail by the very knowledgeable and interesting guide.  Really fascinating, and the fact that it is housed in an ancient hospital with brick and stone built arches made it all the more of an experience.

Tapas at lunchtime - 2.30pm -  and then on see the Roman aqueduct.  There is just so much to see here, and only so much time!  

Back in the village we sat in the shade under the kiwi fruit trees and watched the cats sprawling in the sun.  Later we walked up the hill to watch the sun setting on the mountain side across the valley.  Passed a sty with two of the traditional black Iberian pigs in it - very few left in the village.  It's a truly beautiful place and still relatively unspoilt.  It's going to be hard to leave tomorrow, even though we are heading back to the vibrancy of Madrid.