From Barcelona to Madrid and Toledo

Our experience in Barcelona was phenomenal. We took in all the Spanish culture possible by being outdoors, in shops, tapas bars, etc. Barcelona is lively, architecturally stunning, and delicious! We ate our way around from tapas bar to tapas bar. In a tapas bar you find a plethora of tasty Spanish appetizers. You pick out 2-3 things you want to try, split it, and move to the next tapas bar.

Tapas Bar in Barcelona

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia

Yesterday we arrived in Madrid via the AVE (high speed train). We quickly freshened up and took a bus tour of Madrid followed by a tour of the Prado Museum. After the Prado we had dinner and a walking tour of the city. Then, we went back out for tapas! It was a very long day, but enjoyable to say the least! Seeing Velazquez’s and Goya’s masterpieces was very meaningful as the guide described them in detail. I am looking forward to tonight’s meal at Botín as well as a free day tomorrow.

Across from our hotel in Madrid is the monument to Miguel De Cervantes, author of Don Quijote.

Madrid's Plaza Mayor

Today we are enjoying a beautiful day in Toledo and Madrid. After breakfast we boarded the bus and made our journey to the magnificent old city of Toledo. We began with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, and then a walking tour of the cobblestone streets of the town taking in all the Mudéjar architecture (mix of Arabic and Christian styles). After the Romans, the Visigoths (Christians) settled in Toledo. In 711 the Arabs came and made Toledo their home. For over 400 years Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived harmoniously together. It remained this way until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled the Arabs and Jews from Spain. Toledo has remained the religious capital, but after Madrid was named the capital of Spain in the 16th century Toledo has been left untouched. It is one of the most well preserved medieval cities. We were unable to take pictures of the beautiful things we saw inside today. Among them were El Greco’s masterpiece, the Cathedral of Toledo, and a synagogue built by Arabs.

Panoramic View of Toledo

Cathedral of Toledo