Toledo

incredible clouds in Toledo
see all photos »

The next morning we boarded the bus early for Toledo. Upon our arrival in Toledo about one and a half to two hours later we first stopped at the outskirts of the city to take pictures. It was beautiful! Or as they say in Espanola…muy bien! After our little photo shoot of Toledo we split into our two assigned groups to tour the city. First we visited the Cathedral of Toledo which was different from other most other cathedrals in its design as it was in the shape of a cross. The inside was mostly white with intricate carvings and an exquisite altar. From the cathedral we walked through the city to view one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, “The Burial of Count Orgasz.” Our final site before breaking for lunch was the Synagogue, which was especially interesting due to duality in function for both the Jews and the Muslims. It was edgy and unique from other religious locations I have visited since in Europe. For lunch our entire group when to the scenic Monte Rey restaurant overlooking the city for a delicious lunch. Afterwards we visited the craftsman’s shop of Toledo gold and steel where I bought a beautiful necklace pendant.

view of Toledo
see all photos »

Upon returning to Madrid, Katie, Elizabeth, Kari and I hit up the fabulous shopping of Madrid. I ended up purchasing a ridiculous gold spandex dress for only 6 Euro! Just wait until ya’ll see pictures…it’s hilarious! Seeing as it was Valentine’s Day Kari and I ended up finding a fabulous Italian restaurant a ways up the street from our hotel and had probably the best dinner I’ve had in Europe so far. We split a delicious Caesar salad (you can’t find Caesar salad anywhere…seriously!) as well as ravioli, a chocolate brownie sundae and Sangria. Before leaving our waiter gave us each a pretty red rose!

We first stopped at the outskirts of the city to take pictures. It was beautiful!

our boys: Joe, Stephen, Scotti (Stephen), Jordan, Richard, and Folosho
see all photos »

That evening our entire group attended a Flamenco show courtesy of Student Government. It was absolutely amazing! Flamenco by definition is a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Andalusia Gypsies. My personal explanation is a type of intense dance, almost like a combination of salsa and tap in which the dancers express extreme emotion and sharp movements of their feet and hands accompanied by music. I LOVED it!