Toledo (and not the one in the State that Sucks)

Yesterday the family took a day trip to Toledo, so I could experience this historic city which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. With pure blue skies and such rich brown architecture, it was a gorgeous place to be.

Despite the sun being very hot, my family wanted to be sure I got to see everything there was in Toledo. It's definitely doable in a long afternoon, we arrived around 11:30. (its about an hour's drive from Madrid). We walked down the main road and ended up at the Alcazar. In Sevilla, the Alcazar was a palace, while here, it was a history museum. That wasn't quite what I expected when I walked in, but I really enjoyed getting to see all the different aspects of Spanish history, which I know next to nothing about.

The uniforms, weapons, maps, and documents were all very interesting, and I really enjoyed Quique's excitement when he was explaining everything to his kids. He loves history and was really getting a kick out the of size and detail of this museum. Magui didn't like it as much, but she hung in there as we went through room after room, exhibit after exhibit of Spanish history.

In the center of the Alcazar is this large courtyard which was quite refreshing after being in the museum's AC. It has some very ornate architecture (as does everything in Toledo) and was a nice pause from soaking in all the history the building had to offer.

Once we had enough of the museum, we walked through some shopping areas down to the cathedral. We figured since the main doors were closed that the cathedral wasn't open that day. Which seemed strange for the middle of the week, but we took the chance to give our feet a break and grab some lunch. We went to this nifty place recommended by their neighbors, which the kids found to be "super chulo".

Our table was in the basement cellar, and felt sort of like a wine bar (similar feel to vinology, but more rustic - less class). We had the meal of the day, which offers 3 things for 9.90 Euro. I had some pesto pasta, deliciously amazing deer meat (I should have taken a picture, this stuff melted in your mouth!), and then a sweet dessert that was basically pancakes with caramel sauce and sweet cream.


Back on the road, we did a bit of window shopping until we decided that the tourist train would be an awesome way to fend off the food coma.

The train ride was about 45 minutes, and took us all around the outer gates of Toledo, passing by all the famous bridges, gates, walls, and buildings that one should see on a historic tour. At one point, we were at the top of the hill opposite the main point of the city, which gave us an incredible panoramic view.

I've become quite a big fan of the stitch assist feature on my camera, and think I should start a collection of photos done this way. (the photo at the top of this blog entry is my Toledo panoramic shot). I can't wait till I get a more high tech camera with better zoom and depth capture capabilities, then I'll really have some sweet facebook albums :)

All in all, this was a short n' sweet day trip to yet another Spanish city I've heard so much about. While I think Sevilla is still my personal favorite, getting a chance to see different parts of the country has been such a fun and rewarding experience.

Today is my last day in Spain, and while I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again, I know there are tons of little things i'll miss about living with this family. I know for sure i'll miss the ability to travel every weekend, although there are some places in Michigan that I've been told to check out :)

Being a world traveler has been a blast. Now ill just make the most out of being a "city trekker" or a "mid west trail blazer" or something like that.

Peace, Love, and Happiness,

~Jenna