Madrid & Toledo

 “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller

Today was a full day in Spain.  It’s nice when we are not traveling as we can get up a little later and head out to the day’s sights.  The morning was an included portion of the tour sightseeing with the local specialist (Rufo).  First we stopped at the Plaza de Espana where we saw a monument to commemorate the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes who was the author of the famous book Don Quixote.  Laureen got a funny picture of Say as she was adjusting her shorts.  We kidded her about it all day.

Monument to Miguel

Next we went to the Royal Palace.  This stunning structure is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in the city of Madrid, but is actually only used for state ceremonies. King Felipe VI and the Royal Family do not reside in the palace, choosing instead the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.  The Palace had 3418 rooms; 1.45 Million Sq. Ft. and is the largest palace in Europe (by square footage).  Our guide had indicated that at one point the Royal Family had 50 separate families living in the Palace.

Frontal Image of the Royal Palace

I Can't Get Over the Architecture of These Buildings!

Stunning Roman Columns on the Royal Palace

In Front Of The Royal Palace - Madrid

Next we went to the Prado Museum – one of the top 5 museums in the world.  The building that today houses the Museo Nacional del Prado was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. It was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet, by orders of King Charles III. However, the building's final purpose - as the new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures - was the decision of the monarch's grandson, King Ferdinand VII, encouraged by his wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza. The Royal Museum, soon quickly renamed the National Museum of Paintings and Sculptures and subsequently the Museo Nacional del Prado, opened to the public for the first time in November 1819.  There are countless paintings in this structure, and we spent the latter part of the morning with the guide (and then for a while on our own) looking at the works.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside the Museum – so I can only show you pictures we took from outside the building.  We did find the only Rembrandt in the building – so I can say I’ve seen an original from that artist.

Prado Museum Entrance.  No Photos are Allowed Inside

External View of the Prado Museum

Next we took a short lunch break close to the Neptune Fountain on the Paseo del Prado (road right by the Prado Museum) before we jumped back on the bus to take a trip to the former capital of Spain – the city of Toledo.

Lunch at the Neptune Fountain in Madrid

Neptune Fountain

It’s about an hour drive from Madrid to Toledo and along the way you can see a number of grain fields and Olive groves.  When we arrived, our guide took us first to a spot across the river from Toledo where we could see what one expects to see when we think of an old Spanish town.

The Stunning Skyline of Toledo

Our Tour Director "Kassie" Attempting to get a Photo of the Group in Toledo

Next, our guide took us on a walking tour of the various sections of the city itself.

The Streets are so Different From Where I Live

Narrow Streets of Toledo Spain

Narrow Street in Toledo with Church Steeple in the Background

The Front Gates/Doors of the Cathedral in Toledo

Imagine How Old This Door Is...

Hard to get the Full View of the Cathedral in Toledo

Finally, we were granted some free time to walk around.  Laureen found a place with clay tiles like the ones they use in the town for addresses on the buildings.  She bought a grouping of tiles that spells the word “Alegria”, which is the Spanish word for “Joy”.  I picked up a small letter opener, made by hand in the town.  Toledo is known for its incredible metal work which was brought into the country by the Moors prior to the Spanish Inquisition.  The small letter opener that I picked up was hand forged and includes 24 carat gold insets – again – all done by hand.  I was really tempted to come home with another sword because they are really amazingly crafted.  I think one day, when I come back, I’ll pick up a helmet for a suit of armor that I can put on my desk!

Toledo is known for its Steel Artisans.  Wanted a Sword Pretty Bad.

Could Have Opted For a Suit of Armor Instead. ;-)

Laureen and the Tiles She Found

Had I known that there was a train that takes you from Toledo to Madrid (and the station in Madrid is two blocks from our hotel), I would have stayed out in Toledo for the rest of the afternoon, found a place to eat and had supper there - and then took a train back to Madrid.  The place was mesmerizing!  Instead, we came back with the rest of the crew at 4:00 PM and we were on our own for dinner.  10 of us got together and found another place not too far from the Hotel and we all had a great time!  They call me Captain Curt now - and one person called us Captain and Tennille.

The Crew at Dinner in Madrid

7:15 AM Bags out.  8:15 AM on the bus.  Heading to Barcelona.

Curt & Laureen in Madrid (Toledo), Spain.