Day 6 From Toledo to Madrid

Today we woke up in the lovely and grand Toledo. A town founded by the Romans with the name of Toletum. We started our visit with a panoramic view from the outside of the town. 

Then we went to a factory where they make swords and jewelry with the Toledan typical technique of Damasquinado. Incredible pieces of handmade work. 

After that we walked it's streets and visited "Capilla de Santo Tomé" where the famous El Greco painting called "El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz" is exhibited. Then we saw The Synagogue of Santa Maria, and lastly the breathtaking Cathedral. This church was built in pure Gothic style and its interior has the "Tesoro" showing fabulous pieces made out of gold and silver; you can also find what is believed to be the Virgin Mary's actual footprints on a rock; and paintings by El Greco in the sacristy, and the most deliciously Baroque style piece showing the whole Bible on a statute. One of my favorite European Cathedrals I've ever been to.

We then had lunch in a nice restaurant recommended by a sweet lady, Carmen (I know, all Spanish ladies seemed to be called Carmen) She was the owner of a store where the other teacher of the group, Cindy and I bought some things. When we asked if she could recommend a place to eat she actually walked us to her nephew's restaurant called El Gallo. That is the Spanish warm and welcoming personality right there. 

After lunch, we traveled for an hour or so on the bus and arrived in Madrid. Our hotel in Madrid is really nice. We all took the subway to the restaurant where we had dinner. After dinner we walked the streets of downtown Madrid at night. We had the best of times with the kids. Went to a Market place called "Mercado San Miguel". Walked to Palacio Real (Royal Palace); a Plaza with a statue of "Don Quixote de la Mancha" and the place called "Las Cuevas" where the oldest restaurant of the world is found (according to the Guinness Book of Records) "Restaurante Botín". We walked back to our hotel.

We really had a lot of fun and the kids went to bed again tired, but happy

Day 5 Never thought I would find a place where Christianity and Islam blend in one building

Today we travelled on the bus from Sevilla to Toledo with a stop at the amazing Córdoba. We had a guided tour in the town. We walked its small allies and streets, eating Tapas and visiting the most incredible Cathedral I've ever seen. The building is now a Catholic Cathedral, but it was built inside an old gigantic Mosque.

Back in the day when the Muslim were ruling the area, they built this Mosque with exquisite Moroccan  decorations. Apparently they kept the building due to its beauty, but there is no clear reason as per why they didn't tear everything down to build the new building as was the common doing at the time. Walking inside you can feel the mix of culture and see areas with Arab decorations combined with Catholic statues on the same wall. This was one amazing experience that has been my favorite by far regarding culture and history.

We arrived in Toledo late at night. Had dinner before checking in our Hotel, and went to bed tired but happy.

These are the two stars of the tour: our guide Amanda and bus driver Carlos. 

Day 4 The day we danced Flamenco

Today we woke up to a thunderstorm. It was pouring in Seville! Luckily enough, it all cleared out when we had to go out for our tour in the city. 

An outside, specialized guide came especially for our group, and told us a lot about the history of Spain and Seville specifically. Such a rich city, with so many places to see and history to learn. We started with Plaza de España, and the building that Spain built for the World Fair in 1920. The building was amazing, the architecture remarkable and the decorations just grand! With ceramics all over and a clear Arab influence.

After that we walked the neighborhood of the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) watching narrow allies with the most beautiful balconies. We visited the house where the painter Murillo was born, and saw the Carmelite Convent founded by the great Santa Teresa de Ávila (Saint Therese of Avila).

After that we continue walking up to the most gorgeous Alcázar Palace, and witnessed the impressive way the Kings of the time used to live. We learned the current King and Queen have actually a room in the palace and it is where they stay at when they are visiting in Seville. Decorations in the interior and exterior are just breath-taking. We even saw and heard a very regal Peacock.

Next walk was to the magnificent Cathedral, which we learned is the third biggest in the world.

After that we had a quick lunch and did some shopping walking the streets of Seville. 

The evening had a surprisingly fun experience. We got to attend a mini lesson of the Flamenco dance, had dinner and there watched an outstanding performance on the "Tableao" which is what they called the stage where they danced, played guitar and sang. What a beautiful art the Flamenco is!