Espana. Week 2. (Jan. 24, 2014)

Week two! We are settling into classes, took another trip to Madrid, and topped it all off with a day in Toledo! Toledo is just an hour or so Southwest of Madrid. It was amazing! Right when we got there we met up with our tour guide who took us to the top of a hill across the river from the city so that we could get pictures. The view was absolutely beautiful! (I posted pictures of Toledo on Facebook a few days ago, so go there to see everything.) After everybody got their pictures, we toured the Cathedral, which is known everywhere as the crown jewel of Spain. Ask anyone, and they will tell you the most beautiful cathedral in all of Spain is Toledo's. Following our tour of the Cathedral, which was beautiful but not super educational, we walked the narrow, winding streets to the famous Synagogue of Toledo. There was at one point a large jewish community in Toledo, but they were driven out when Spain officially became a Catholic nation. The Synagogue still stands, however, and in my opinion, it was equally as beautiful as the Cathedral. 

Once the tours were over, we parted ways with the tour guide and were allowed to wander for a few hours. Austin bought a sword, because Toledo is famous for them. All the bullfighters in Spain have swords made in Toledo! Austin and his friends found a Medieval Torture Devices exhibit and just had to go see it. I took one look at the pictures and knew I couldn't stomach it, so I continued walking while they went in. Free time started right about the same time as siesta, so the whole town was quiet and sleepy feeling. Many shops were closed, and the plazas only had a few people picnicking together. It was really cool to just walk and walk. I got lost several times, but somehow always found my way back to the main Plaza. 

Toledo looks like it was just stopped a few hundred years ago. Once you go through the old city wall, which is still standing, the "old city" part of town looks like it is from a storybook. Contrasted with the hustle and traffic of Madrid, it was a very welcomed breathe of fresh air. I can't wait to go back! 

Sorry I am already so behind on posts! Our wifi was out for a while, and we have been traveling so much. I am working on catching up, so stay tuned for more! 

Con amor, 

Reagan