yesterday (27th) we went to Toledo on the fast train. it was a wonderful trip, although it necessitated a c. one-hour wait to buy a ticket on the 26th. even that was kind of fun cos it was one of those "take a ticket with your number on it and run to the counter when it pops up" sort of things. i hadn't encountered that before and novelty is always good. We got A190 and it was about A160 when we arrived. Not to mention the B numbers that were also running and up to 5 counter staff. anyway, it was ok and some good advice from the rough guide to buy the ticket before the day!
Toledo itself is an amazing town, with all these buildings packed onto the outcrop that just pops out of a huge plain. We jumped on a tour bus (which we don't usually do) and got a view of the town from the outside, looking down over the river and the walls. it was worth it, as it was an open-topped double decker, with an english commentary, so it gave us a good start to our time there.
The woman at the information office helpfully placed crosses on the map showing the two places we MOST wanted to visit - the El Greco museum and the alcazar. Off we went with barely a pause for a visit to the surviving templar hostel (and dungeon) and to sample the local marzipan.
Anyway, turns out the helpful crosses signalled the fact that both El Greco and the Alcazar are closed for repairs. funny.
Toledo is the most monk-y, nun-y, priest-y place we've been so far. The highlight was the strict nun at the church where el greco is buried - well - his coffin is in the basement - who helpfully pointed out the glass viewing tile that you can use to see el greco. she also sold us some marzipan products at the end of our visit. very cool.
i need to work out how to place pictures better - anyway, you've got toledo and geoff queuing to buy tickets for toledo. more later as my voucher is expiring and we're off into madrid again.
hasta la vista!
Good to catch up on the latest...
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Marzipan - didn't know it was Spanish too. how interesting! Also very German!
Festival disporto sounds very cool. Cheesecake for breakfast doesn't, but when in Spain...
Toledo looks seriously cool and very old! And the odd monk/nun/priest adds to the rich tapestry of life I guess. I suspect most nuns are strict in Europe - bet she still wore black! Any flying nun hats??
And queueing with numbers - you'll soon get very sick of that one!!!
Hame is now much better. Work yesterday but only school hours! And went to bed very early but slept through and woke dry - make of that what you will!!! He thinks he is allowed back into our room as a result.
We won Stage Challenge and my hearing has almost returned to normal. And Aotea had an entry in the new 'raw' section meaning no set. they done good!! Very colourful and varied dances. Michele Toomath was their announcer - another story!!!
Kath off work til end of next week - in some pain and very awkward. May get a lighter plaster this week. The description of wrist after it was broken are gruesome.
Your house is still there and in tact. It has now stopped raining and I can see some sky. At Hataitai this pm (the only sport on just about!) it was appalling. they called games off after 2pm - big of them. Mad. At least there is good and proper coffee there now- mind you the queues today were phenomenal - and we didn't have numbers!!
Anyway am about to start dinner.
it is rather cold. Enjoy the sun - and everything else that goes with it.
anon x