Extremadura is extreme history

Of the many ethnic groups that have inhabited the Iberian Peninsula during the past few millennia, the Romans take the cake (or flan) for some of the most remarkable buildings. This influence is highly visible in the Spanish province of Extremadura, which is located three hours south of Madrid along the Spain-Portugal border.\nOne of the first stops, as well as one of the most important ones, is Mérida. To someone who has never seen Rome, I thought this city could have been named Little Roma, with its colossal theater, amphitheater, aqueducts and bridge.\nFirst the theater: The Romans knew how to build these right. Standing at the top of what was left of the second tier of seating, the voices of other tourists on the stage were crystal clear. Nowadays, sitting there is a great way to eavesdrop without anyone noticing, but back in the Roman empire, it meant the city's poor still had great seats to a theater production. While it only holds about 4,000 people today, during its glory years, the theater held close to 10,000, making it a site to see and imagine. Marble columns two stories high framed the stage while statues of writers and deities filled the alcoves between pillars. \nSound cool? The amphitheater is even better. Picture it as a smaller, more run-down version of the Colosseum in Rome and you've got what's in Mérida. Alcoves for caged animals for gladiators to fight flanked the arena entrances, while row upon row of stone seats rose into the air, giving everyone their money's worth for a fight.\nOn the way out of town, make sure to check out the bridge that has withstood 2,000 years of river current. It's still in great shape for walking, resting and photo-ops. Also, the aqueducts are a can't-miss, as their color and decor were replicated centuries later by the Moors in the giant Mezquita in Córdoba. Make sure to glance up at the top of the aqueducts because you might catch a glimpse of a few of the thousands of white storks that populate the province. At least now we know when the stork brings the baby, it brings it all the way from Spain.\nFor another day of sightseeing and pictures for the family calendar, head over to Caceres in Upper Extremadura. Its main attraction is the Old Quarter, enclosed by town walls and great watch-towers that offer incredible views of the lush countryside. The Old Quarter looks like it just came out of a movie set in the Middle Ages or before. The high stone walls, cathedral, towers and cobblestone streets could make anyone feel like there should be livestock and fruit stands scattered about with little old ladies running around in dumpy frocks and bonnets, just like a scene out of Monty Python. Except, there wouldn't be a guy going through the city with a cart and a bell screaming, "Bring out your dead!"\nLast stop on the weekend excursion is Trujillo, birthplace of conquistador Francisco Pizarro. A statue of him on horseback stands in front of an old church, whose bell towers are littered with stork nests which weigh more than 100 pounds. Walk further into the old part of the city to discover a medieval castle. The castle's high walls and lookout points allow any visitor to capture the full breathtaking beauty of the region -- a great way to end a historic weekend.