Old

When you come from the New World, your sense of 'old' is very new. We spent the better part of yesterday at Segovia, Spain where a huge section of the aqueduct, circa 100 AD, built by the Romans, is still standing. The stones and form are not constructed with mortar, pressure keeps the granite stones in place. Amazingly arch forms are suspended this way. The Romans built it and the Spanish have maintained it, though it has not been used for water transport, with a few exceptions, for about one hundred years. It is an incredible sight in the center of the lower level of the city.

                                              Aquaduct at Segovia

Old in the New World is much less so of course. In the city of St. John's where I was born, anything older than one hundred years or so is exceptional. This is because that city was destroyed by fire several times in its history of being the oldest English-founded city in North America, circa 1583.  In Segovia, one of the houses on a road leading to Plaza Mayor is 500-600 years old. It has thick stone walls, built to last and older than St. John's.

             Imagine owning that front door!

The Segovia cathedral and the Alcazar or royal palace are just beautiful as well, making this a World Heritage site well worth a visit. However, the people were the main attraction with their custom/traditions and culture. Early Sunday morning, the streets were empty, except for a few stragglers headed home from the bars the previous evening. Then for those who attend Church, there are Sunday services, followed by visits to restaurants where tapas, beer or wine are served. 

                   Segovia Cathedral, made of sandstone, difficult to repair

At the Plaza Mayor on Sunday, a brass band played a variety of contemporary music which attracted many and kept them from their aperitif. After we had toured the Alcazar, the previously crowded streets were empty, between three and four o'clock, as the people had lunch. The Spanish often eat their evening meal very late in the evening, nine or ten o'clock. Time spent socializing with friends and family is a priority and the people appear relaxed and happy. 

                                                       Alcazar Palace

             

  Palace display: The poor horse, carrying all that weight

Old can be amazing in many ways and especially when it comes to engineering, architecture and traditions.

                  Streets after four o'clock