Toledo (not to be confused by the city in Ohio) is a city just outside of Madrid that we took a short 30 minute train ride for a day trip. If your going to see Toledo, which I would definitely recommend, make sure your ready to do some climbing. Not knowing Toledo (unlike Tricia, who happened to study there for a few months), I hopped off the train expecting to be in the city center like all other Spanish cities. However, it was a short uphill climb around a corner before you viewed the city entrance and wow, was it an entrance.
There it is, sitting a top a hill and surrounded by water and the original city walls. A very beautiful view, that I have been told is even more beautiful at night. Aesthetically, Toledo seemingly has been untouched for thousands of years. Filled with narrow winding roads that go up and down and all around. Our first stop was Tricias old stomping grounds, the Centro de Estudios Internacionales Fundacion Jose Ortega Y Gasset. Tricia showed me the little street that dead ended to her dormitory where she stayed and studied. A converted old convent attached to a church, Tricia told me that when she lived there, her room was pretty stark and simple as if a nun could be living next door. Next we viewed the Catedral in Toledo. I have to admit I complained on having to see yet another cathedral, but was glad that I did because it was beautiful. I am always amazed by how much time and effort to complete such a colossal work of art. The picture is a example of the detail in sculpting and the thoughtful design that took place in 13th century gothic cathedral. I have to repeat how much walking we did, but it was worth it because the views were great looking over the old city and the surrounding area. I loved the charm of the city and was not fazed by the gobs of tourist and tourist shops selling Toledo swords and jewelery. I think Tricia was taken a back about how many more tourists and international American students were there compared to when she was living there just a few short years ago. Still, a beautiful city that can not be copied.
There it is, sitting a top a hill and surrounded by water and the original city walls. A very beautiful view, that I have been told is even more beautiful at night. Aesthetically, Toledo seemingly has been untouched for thousands of years. Filled with narrow winding roads that go up and down and all around. Our first stop was Tricias old stomping grounds, the Centro de Estudios Internacionales Fundacion Jose Ortega Y Gasset. Tricia showed me the little street that dead ended to her dormitory where she stayed and studied. A converted old convent attached to a church, Tricia told me that when she lived there, her room was pretty stark and simple as if a nun could be living next door. Next we viewed the Catedral in Toledo. I have to admit I complained on having to see yet another cathedral, but was glad that I did because it was beautiful. I am always amazed by how much time and effort to complete such a colossal work of art. The picture is a example of the detail in sculpting and the thoughtful design that took place in 13th century gothic cathedral. I have to repeat how much walking we did, but it was worth it because the views were great looking over the old city and the surrounding area. I loved the charm of the city and was not fazed by the gobs of tourist and tourist shops selling Toledo swords and jewelery. I think Tricia was taken a back about how many more tourists and international American students were there compared to when she was living there just a few short years ago. Still, a beautiful city that can not be copied.
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