The Arrival

Along with the computer issues and language barriers (for me, at least), our initial arrival was more hectic than expected. After we posted "The Wait" from the Toronto Airport, our flight was delayed adding an additional hour and a half to our already excessive layover time. Once we arrived in Madrid, we had to take the Metro to the bus stop. After walking to the opposite end of the airport, with both of us questioning why I had to bring so much luggage, we got on the Metro for a forty-five minute trip to the bus stop (that included changing trains three times). Once we got to the bus stop, we were informed that the bus to Toledo no longer leaves from that bus stop and now leaves from a bus stop on the opposite side of town. Refusing to navigate the crowded Metro again with three rolling suitcases and two backpacks, we took a taxi to the new bus stop. From that bus stop, we took an hour-long trip to Toledo, where J. Santiago's friend, Issac, picked us up.

At this point, we had been traveling for twenty-four hours. However, in true Spanish style, a celebration and tour of the beloved "terra madre" was due! First, we went with Issac for a drink overlooking the beautiful city of Toledo.


A View of Toledo:



Issac and J. Santiago:



After a drink and a snack (we had not eaten in eight hours), Issac took us on a tour of the city and the University of Castilla la Mancha, where J. Santiago had studied during his year abroad.


Walking through the City:



The university is a beautiful paradox of architecture. It combines modern, sleek lines with the original Spanish/Moorish architecture. It is not uncommon to turn one corner and walk over a glass bridge covering old stone inscribed with Latin, or see an archeological excavation site surrounded by the updated library and cafeteria.


One Example of the Modern and Ancient:

While at the university, we met one of Issac's friends and Victor joined us. We then headed out for my first taste of comida tipica: tapas y cervezas. The first restaurant was similar in architectural style to the university, a fusion of new and old. Multicolored mood lighting changed shades as it reflected off the ancient Moorish wall of the city that was excavated behind an old plaster wall as the bar was being renovated. It was surreal to see neon green, pink, red, yellow, and blue illuminate a thousand-year old remnant that is enclosed inside a very modern, chic restaurant.


The Spaniards at the Restaurant (Issac y Victor):

While there, we had sardines with tomatoes (I've already had my fair share of sardines and anchovies, and I'm surprised to say that they are quite tasty!) and jamon croquettes (Spaniards LOVE fried food!).

We then left to eat carcamusas, a traditional Toledo dish made up of veal, peas, and tomato sauce. At least, I hope that is what was in it! Issac joked with me that it consists of rat and/or pigeon...Well, it is one tasty rat/veal/pigeon/whatever dish!

Enjoying Carcamusas at an Outside Bar:

After all the food and socializing, we headed back to Victor's house for some much-needed rest. However, to our surprise, we were shortly greeted by two more of Victor's friends who wanted to welcome the Americans as well. Eventually, thirty-three hours after we first woke up in North Carolina to begin our travels, it was time to lay down our weary heads and get some rest...