Toledo: Day 2

Today we traveled from Madrid to Toledo. Breakfast at our hotel in Madrid was wonderful. I am a sucker for a good European breakfast with meats and pastries and low sugar juice. When we got to Toledo, we started a panoramic bus tour to take in all the beauty of “The City On The Hill”. It is absolutely breathtaking here.
Fun facts of the day:
Toledo was the original capital city of España. It is known as “the city of 3 cultures” because as early as the 8th century Muslim, Jewish, and Christian people lived and practiced in one city. This is evident as there is a strong presence of all 3 different kinds of architecture. I noticed the Arabic arches the most.
It is also known for producing beautiful swords, knives, and jewelry.
After taking photos during the bus ride and taking in the beautiful scenery, we got to go to a sword making demonstration and also watch a master craftsman create an intricate pendant. We all shopped till we dropped. A few people actually bought swords. I bought 2 pairs of earrings, a necklace, and a souvenir for Alex.
Next, we went on a walking tour and got up close and personal with the streets of Toledo. Our guide- Angel- pointed out that the streets are narrow to keep it cool in the hot summers. I can confirm that it was cooler in the streets than in some of the shops and restaurants. We got to see the beautiful cathedral here (Primera del Toledo) which was built in 1227. It was of course gorgeous. There are catholic cardinals buried in tombs throughout the cathedral, marked by an inscribed spot on the floor and their iconic red cardinal hat suspended about the tomb site.

After the cathedral, we walked to the other side of the city and went ZIPLINING!! I was very scared, but it ended up being amazing. We flew over the Rio Tajo @ Puente de San Martin. The river was huge and it felt so cool to see the San Martin bridge from over the river. 10/10 experience.

After the zip lining, we went to lunch at a local restaurant. I got slow roasted beef cheek with potatoes, and a peach juice. The waiter brought us “free” food for the table (I’m pretty sure it was the Tapas since Sam and Bex bought drinks). It was regular potato chips with vinegar anchovies laid on top. It was… interesting. But not too bad.

After lunch Alyssa, Claire, and I split off from the big group and just strolled the streets. We stopped to buy a few souvenirs, and stopped at a little confectionery to try some Marzipan. I got to practice speaking in Spanish with the very nice lady who was working. We wandered and eventually got lost (which was our tour guides advice for visiting Toledo) but we navigated our way back without any map.
Other evening things we did:
-got churros and chocolate
-tried a weird sandwich at McDonald’s (I know, I know. Someone else wanted to go so I went along with it)
-walked uphill… A LOT.

They weren’t lying when they said that this is the city on the hill. It is incredibly hilly here with narrow street passages and steep roads made of cobblestone.Read more