Toledo is Magical

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The taxi driver who picked me up from the train sation said that for every Toledo native there are ten tourists. It is a little city for sure; a big change from Barcelona. Ancient too. It kind of feels like you stepped into a little kid's vision of some medievil kingdom. I read somewhere that its considered to be an open air museum and it kind of feels like that; like you're actually inside of an exhibit.

The synagogues, the mosques, and the cathedrals are all on top of each other. Islamic architecture seems to be the overriding force though. Because of this, the public squares are few and small. The homes have central courtyards used for entertaining and people spend less time in the streets.

On my second day I met a guy who said that this season is painfully short of tourists. For whatever reason, the streets are pretty quiet and the cafes are mostly empty. I had the whole town to myself and got to meet a lot of locals.

Last night was also the night of my 10-year reunion and, for a small second, I was wondering what I was doing in Toledo. It didn't last long though. I love it here. I was lucky enough to have an impromptu mini-reunion in March, so most of my reunion desires are sated. Val just sent me pics of the big night too. I don't feel like I missed out too badly (other than seeing Geoff K. vogue). Happy Reunion to all the Midwest City Bombers- especially Trevor, Patrick, Gina, Scott, &, of course, Val.

XOXO- Joy

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Photos

Local Color
Outside the Alcazar

Respect
I love this photo. Just outside the cathedral square.

Celebration
There was a big wedding at the Cathedral. The narrow streets were filled with people and confetti.

Creepy doll nuns making marzipan
There's a convent nearby where the nuns make and sell marzipan. Everyone in Toledo sells Marzipan, but the nuns seem to be the most agressive salespeople.

Nuns at Work
They are tireless when it comes to sweets.

Iglesia de Jesus
Up in the belltower, with 360 degree views of Toledo.

Outside the Cathedral
Every evening, these kids get together outside the main cathedral for soccer practice.

Restaurant 24
Manchego Cheese, Deer Meat, Jamon Serrano, and Pate

Cervantes
Just outside the Plaza Zocodovar

Gallego Pride
Gallegos are the Texans of Spain.

Peasent Food
The food here in Toledo is much richer and warmer than anything I had in Barcelona. Simple ingredients prepared well that taste yummy.

Server's Recommendation
I asked him what he thought was the best choice on the mnue del dia and he came out with this dish- eggs, shrimp, garlic, and green beans. It was delicious.

Holy Toledo
The local architecture is influenced by Christianity, Muslim, and Judaism. For many years, the three existed in harmony here.

Toledo Surrounded
Toledo is surrounded on three sides by the Rio Tajo, pictured here.

Calle Commercio
The main street that takes you from Plaza Zocodover to the Cathedral. Lots of shopping and people-watching here.

El Greco
You aren't supposed to take a picture of this, but I didn't know until it was too late so why waste the shot. "The Burial of Count Orgaz" from the Catedral Tome, pictured here, is considered to be his best known work.

Perdiz
Partridge is a big deal here. I loved it!

Segways, segways, everywhere
Not just in Toledo. I saw these for rent in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. $20 an hour for a 15 minute ride. Toledo's streets are narrow and bumpy, so this actually makes some sense here.

Comments

[Val]

I would have rather watched the creepy nuns make marzipan with you than go the the reunion.