Toledo

Toledo. I'd heard a lot about this city. Friends, family, and travel websites all said that it was great. In fact, I read on multiple sites that it was in the top five cities to visit in Spain! And since its less than an hour bus ride from Madrid, I had to go and see what all the fuss was about.

I left the house around ten and had to wait awhile for the bus. The ride there wasn't that bad. When we arrived at the Toledo bus station I walked up the hill to the main part of the city. I followed the old city wall to one of the gates, entered, and then made my way further up the hill. It took me awhile before I finally found other tourists. When I did, things got crazy.

I know I've written a lot about the narrow streets I've encountered here in Spain. But Toledo wins the prize for the narrowest. And the most. I could tell right away that this was an old city, because everything was so cramped and closed in. I began to wander the streets, but quickly found that it was impossible to navigate through. The city was like a maze, and some streets looked so similar to others that at times I wasn't sure if I was going in circles.

I did my best to follow the signs to the Cathedral, and eventually found my way there. I bought my ticket at the little shop across the "street" and then entered the building through giant doors. 

Most Cathedrals I've been in are amazing. But none have seemed as HUGE as this one. The ceilings are so high, and the stained glass is incredible. And the architecture everywhere else is simply jaw dropping. Literally. It was one of those experiences where you can't help but stare wide eyed and say, "Wow" about every thirty seconds.  It definitely made the trip worth it.

After that I walked a ways to the old Monastery. There wasn't much to it, but I got to see the Church and the courtyard which were both nice. From there I accidentally walked out of the old city, and didn't realize it until I was too far to turn back. So I once again followed the city wall to another entrance and re-entered. 

By that time it was three o'clock. I was starving. I found a small cafeteria-like restaurant and bought a chicken wrap and fruit. The chicken wrap was bad, which was unfortunate because I'd been looking forward to it. The fruit was amazing though, and since my host family only has fruit for desert, it felt like a special treat :)

After lunch I wandered some more. I went in a few shops and looked around. I think Toledo has a requirement for all shops to sell swords, because they were seriously EVERYWHERE. I ended up finding a "Taste of America" store, where you could buy canned pumpkin, bagels, goldfish crackers, skittles, reeses, and peanut butter! After a month in Europe eating strange foods, this was a very exciting thing for me. :)

It was right around 4:30pm when I decided it was probably time to leave. I bought a raspberry-lemon sorbet for the walk back. It was a good day. I always enjoy getting out and exploring new places. But as for Toledo being a "must see" city? I'm not so sure. The cathedral was definitely amazing. And there were some great views from high up on the hill. But besides that it felt crowded and worn down. I liked Segovia way better.