Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Where Romans walked

It is no secret that some ancient civilizations were able to construct incredible things that would impose a challenge to modern engineers: Pyramids, aqueducts, catapults, temples and cathedrals... and also long lasting, good quality roads.
As part of a number of activities planned for a neighbouring city's annual festival Chocalhos, I got to walk on a Roman road.

The walk started from the local city hall and ended at the neighbouring town, which is straight on the other side of the local mountain range. It started pretty early with the traditional bell-bearers and then some goats (yes, tradition... they didn't come along on their own accord). We overtook the goats 'cos they were shitting all over the place, and began the uphill walk with a good rythm. Got to the other side in around an hour and then started descending towards the other town through the roman road. This took like half an hour.




This thing is in good condition and it's like 2000 years old and is still used by local people, which makes me even angrier to see local roads filled with holes 5 years after they've been built.



Whenever the trees allowed us to see beyond them, the view that greets the eye is pretty damn good. Sadly my cell phone's camera doesn't do it justice.

Old meets new

Arrived about half past ten in the morning. The locals were just waking up from last night's daze, but some of them were working hard at making pastries. Snatched a couple of those to refill energies and then waited for my ride back to town, although I wouldn't have had a problem if anyone asked me if I wanted to walk back.

The walkers arrive

Great views all around

If you ask me, it's one hell of a way to start a sunday. That was a lot of fun, good for the body, and great for the eyes.

7 comments:

  1. Being surrounded by nature and history is incredible. Wish I could swap polluted big cities for this, atleast for sometime.

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  2. Ahh I think I'd like to do that some day.

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  3. I couldn't help but think of all the people who walked there so long ago. Could they even comprehend taking a picture with a device you use to talk to someone across the world that you carry in your pocket?

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  4. In reverend Cerimon there well appears Following!

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  5. I would like to participate in a trip like this.

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  6. i'd like to do that, looks like fun.
    +follow

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  7. I remember being amazed at the fact that Romans had modern roads.

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