Hola Amigos!!!!
Yet another wonderful day in Espana....
This morning we departed Madrid and drove south about an hour to Toledo. What a cool city! Tiny streets that weaved in maze-like patterns (apparently done on purpose to confuse would-be attackers).
We also learned that Toledo is the former capital of Spain. Going back eras, it was the capital for the Visigoths (5th century) who were then conquered by the Arabs, who were then conquered by the Christians. It is also the most important Spanish city in Jewish history. This has earned it the nickname 'city of three cultures' as the merging of Muslim, Jewish and Christian peoples is apparent in most everything.
It is a former metal works center and also features jewelry (we saw a demonstration of how this is made by hand - and will be bringing some home with us), ceramics, furniture and mascarpone treats (made by the cloistered nuns who sell it through a window at the convent).
We toured around and learned about this city from our guide Jose (same guide as yesterday in Madrid). A highlight was seeing one of the most famous paintings in the world. Painted by El Greco, it remains in the church where he painted it. Trivia: can anyone name it?
We enjoyed lunch and free time to roam the city before heading further south to Cordoba - about 4.5 hours' drive, which gave everyone a chance to chat some more and catch up on sleep.
Amazing views of the olive 'groves' which spanned miles and miles....
Everyone says hello to family and friends back home. And special greetings to our friends who have traveled with us in the past but did not make the journey to Spain wth us - you are missed but we can't wait to share our stories with you.
Yet another wonderful day in Espana....
This morning we departed Madrid and drove south about an hour to Toledo. What a cool city! Tiny streets that weaved in maze-like patterns (apparently done on purpose to confuse would-be attackers).
We also learned that Toledo is the former capital of Spain. Going back eras, it was the capital for the Visigoths (5th century) who were then conquered by the Arabs, who were then conquered by the Christians. It is also the most important Spanish city in Jewish history. This has earned it the nickname 'city of three cultures' as the merging of Muslim, Jewish and Christian peoples is apparent in most everything.
It is a former metal works center and also features jewelry (we saw a demonstration of how this is made by hand - and will be bringing some home with us), ceramics, furniture and mascarpone treats (made by the cloistered nuns who sell it through a window at the convent).
We toured around and learned about this city from our guide Jose (same guide as yesterday in Madrid). A highlight was seeing one of the most famous paintings in the world. Painted by El Greco, it remains in the church where he painted it. Trivia: can anyone name it?
We enjoyed lunch and free time to roam the city before heading further south to Cordoba - about 4.5 hours' drive, which gave everyone a chance to chat some more and catch up on sleep.
Amazing views of the olive 'groves' which spanned miles and miles....
Everyone says hello to family and friends back home. And special greetings to our friends who have traveled with us in the past but did not make the journey to Spain wth us - you are missed but we can't wait to share our stories with you.
Comments
Is it "El Expolio" or "The disrobing of Christ" in English?
I realy enjoyed Toledo when I was there.
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