u/SaSaWeweNani

I moved to Spain last year and only recently ignited my love for Roman history. Stumbling on the theater in Zaragoza and then visiting the sites in Tarragona got me absolutely hooked.

This past week I was able to make a trip to the south and visited Baelo Claudia, Cádiz, Itálica, and Mérida. Baelo Claudia was unique as a standalone site in a picturesque bay, and the garum processing area by the sea was very cool. Cádiz was a bit of a stretch but the theater was cool and it's amazing they would conserve this given the lack of available land in the city. Itálica was impressive with sprawling grounds, much of it still not excavated. The amphitheater was way bigger than I imagined. I had a lot of expectations for Mérida and it did not disappoint though I felt it was more of a sum of its whole rather than one specific site. The aqueduct had unique red brick that I hadn't seen before.

I realized that I've gone all in when I got home and read there was an annual chariot race reenactment Mérida and got super excited browsing online for Roman costumes.

I can't recommend this circuit enough. My partner and I also have other interests beyond Rome (hard to believe, I know) and there are plenty of other activities and sites to see for those that aren't totally crazy about all the sites. The driving distances were very reasonable and the food all along the way is elite!

We've got a lovely farmhouse that has been built up by the family over the years. It has a lot of quirks and character due to it being built up piece by piece and I love the Mediterranean feel. My wife and I have spent 20 years in Africa though her roots are here. She does not give two #$%$ for interior design and I am really excited to have a place to call our own after years of spartan lifestyle.

The fireplace: We used it in the winter and loved it. I was thinking of removing the metal door but it honestly works so well that if it ain't broke don't fix it. The plates are a vestige of the past and would love something there but not sure.

Any suggestions for that mirror space, or is it actually a nice feature? It's massive and has a beautiful wooden frame though not sure I can repurpose.

I want to replace the green metal chandelier, it has six bulbs but only two are plugged in and I feel it's a bit of an eye sore.

Second pic I will get rid of the crappy white dresser. There are four pieces that I framed and I was really happy with: Alhambra (original), Van Gough olives (print), Wild Dog (original), and penguines (original). The woodwork in the house is beautiful and would love to keep the style.

I'm new to all of this so any other suggestions for templates or even sites that have inspirational stuff would be appreciated.

The Roman sites at the center of Tarragona rightfully get most of the attention, but this aqueduct outside of town is such a cool site. It's set in a park and you can walk across the top!

These trees really fit with the local architecture in April. This photo was taken in Zaragoza. I'm only familiar with miombo trees putting out their leaves in fantastic colors; what tree is this and are there others like it?

This was one of my more memorable travel experiences, we hiked and camped one night on the wall. We did not have much information so we basically just hiked one way and then returned. Incredible views, challenging terrain (some sections were straight up), and we didn't see another person the entire time.

castillo de Yéquera o castillo de Lacorvilla, Zaragoza