Toledo y Escalona: Dia Tres

On our third day in Toledo, Victor, J. Santiago, and I went to the very impressive cathedral. It is simply stunning. As we walked inside the cathedral, I walked ahead of both Victor and J. Santiago, in need of some time alone where I could think (in English). Walking alone really gave me the opportunity to observe the power and sanctity of the cathedral. Everything was written in Spanish and everyone was speaking in Spanish around me, but instead of trying to translate like I had spent so much time doing, I simply enjoyed the beauty around me. While walking, I finally saw the true purpose of a cathedral that I had once read about—its purpose is to draw your gaze up to the heavens and leave you so impressed with the majesty and grandeur of the cathedral’s heights, and thus the heavens, that your thoughts turn towards what exists beyond the ceiling arches, the stained glass windows, the stages of the cross, the miracle relief around the pulpit, the gilded statues, etc. I think that I had never really experienced this because every time I’ve been in a cathedral, I’ve had a tour guide or been able to read the explanations. I typically spend so much time focusing on the facts that I have never been able simply to enjoy. Today I just soaked in everything around me. Regardless of how you may feel about the grandiosity and overabundance of wealth associated with Catholicism and its more ornate places of worship, if you enter a cathedral with an open mind, you cannot help being impressed with the ornate craftsmanship and incredible skill required to create such a lovely place. If you slow down enough, it might even make you think about the wonder beyond the man-made…

Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures inside the cathedral, so I can only post pictures from the outside. I did get one picture from inside (my two Spanish translators, J. Santiago y Victor assured me that it was O.K. without a flash), but I was quickly greeted with, “No fotos!!!!!!” by the security guard. At least I was able to capture a picture of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel. Perhaps he will continue to guide us on our many travels.

Saint Christopher:

The Cathedral:

We then walked to get tapas at a restaurant. On the way, J. Santiago and I chatted with Miguel Cervantes, author of Don Quixote:

I also had an unfortunate incident where I walked through dog urine in flip-flops. That is a huge downside to a city made of stone with no grass. The animals tend to do their business wherever they please!

After lunch, Victor went home for a siesta, and J. Santiago and I decided to walk around. Victor informed us, “You are crazy! Only tourists are out that late in the afternoon!” Being the tourist that I am, I jumped at the opportunity to see the streets of Toledo a little less crowded due to the heat (100 degrees). It was hot, but worth it. Then again, I don’t know if I would suffer the heat like that again…Maybe I am becoming a little more Spanish? :)

Our Afternoon Stroll:

J. Santiago explaining that these corner extensions were built hundreds of years ago to deter robbers from hiding in dark corners:

We returned to Victor’s and got ready to go to Escalona, Victor’s hometown, to see his parents and sister.

The famous castle in Escalona that is across from Victor’s sister’s pastry shop:

Nighttime view of the castle from Victor’s parents’ house:

Hanging out on the terrace:

Hanging out at the outdoor bar owned by Victor’s sister (notice the castle behind us):

While in Escalona, we met several very friendly people. At a small bar, we met a man who reminds you of someone from a movie. He was very jovial and always wanted to pay for drinks, food, etc. At the restaurant, our waiter surprised us by sitting down at our table and speaking in excellent English. He had lived in London for two years and worked as a waiter. He told us many funny stories about his travels through Scotland and the United States, including being robbed in New York City from West Side Story-like gang members in pink jackets! We had a great time in Escalona and really enjoyed meeting the friendly, welcoming people.