It feels like my time in Spain is flying by. I can’t believe it’s already October, I’ve already been here a month, I’ve already visited so many places, and I know I still have so much time left, but it’s going to go by so quickly.
I started school this week so it’s been a lot with adjusting to a new schedule, traveling on the weekends, and of course, getting sick. As I sit in the hotel room in Seville recovering from a sinus/ ear infection, I’m reflecting back on last weekend’s trip to Toledo and Madrid (post to come). It’s such a whirlwind of places and sights and cathedrals and museums and buses… It can be hard to keep up sometimes.
That being said, here’s a little bit of our brief visit to Toledo.
Catedral de Toledo
Toledo boasts an old gothic, mudejar style cathedral, and every part of it was beautiful. We had a fantastic tour guide, Carlos, who explained everything so well- the historic significance of the style, influenced by the 13th century French gothic style, as well as describing the purpose for everything within the cathedral. With as many tours as we go on here, a good guide makes all the difference, and even though we only had an hour in the cathedral, I learned so much.
Santa Maria la Blanca
Toledo has an old Jewish quarter, even though there is only 1 Jew living there. The only synagogue has since been turned into a museum, Santa Maria la Blanca, but has also been used as a Christian place of worship throughout history.
Puente de San Martín
Vista de Toledo
The inspiration behind El Greco’s famous “Vista de Toledo” (the real thing was better).
Demasquiado Craftwork Factory
We ended our brief visit in Toledo with a sword-making demonstration at the Demasquiado craftwork factory, where I got this priceless shot of Sydney wielding a sword.
My next post will go into detail explaining my weekend in Madrid, right now I’m sitting in Seville, and next weekend I’m heading to Barcelona. The time is going by so quickly, and even though I’m sick I’m having the time of my life. My classes are outrageously fascinating and I get to spend time with some of the coolest people I’ve ever met (i.e. the sword-wielding roommate of mine pictured above), and after days like today I like to reflect and realize how lucky I am and what an amazing thing I’m experiencing.
Oh! Also, if you haven’t checked it out, I just posted a new youtube video which you can click on here, about a tour of the Albaicín district in Granada!
Until next time,
Ashley
Ashley Whitwell 