When I arrived in Toledo yesterday I knew in an instant that this was the place I was meant to be. The town is what I had envisioned Spain to be. The cab driver dropped me off at the hostel I had booked on line. While they were friendly and kind, they did not offer internet service (well, they did for 5 euros an hour). I was disappointed as I longed to be able to talk to Nick when I needed a Nick-fix. So, I left my bags there and sought out another place. As luck may have it, I found this three star (***) hotel that offered wi-fi and breakfast for only 40 euros a night (the hostel was 36 euros per night), I booked this place in a heartbeat and although I didn’t get my money back at the hostel, I figured it was worth the loss. I love this place and frankly, I love the night time receptionist. Seriously, he is gorgeous. I called last night to ask what time breakfast was and he offered to bring me juice right then and there. I declined of course, but his offer was so kind…and he speaks a little English.
I wandered around a little yesterday afternoon and again last night (after a mid afternoon break for my Nick fix). The town is amazing. Nothing but cobblestone roads and buildings you visualize when you think ancient Spain. None of the shops in the bottom of the buildings or the restaurants or bars are tacky. They all look like they belong. Of course they have tacky trams running through town (which I may ride today to get a birds eye view of the town) and they have tourists type traps scattered about. But overall, it is so lovely that I feel at peace.
I intended this trip to be a journey of many different routes. And, spiritually speaking, Toledo has fulfilled a hole in my heart that I have been seeking for the majority of the last decade. I am not certain that the effects will be long lasting, but it has filled my heart for now and I can only hope for it to sustain when I depart. I have snapped a few photos of the town, which I will share in this blog, but my goal today is to take interesting (at least to me) pictures of the buildings and the people who capture the peace I am writing about. I am leaving now, and I may come back for my afternoon break (nick-fix) and then I will head out once again so that I can soak up every second of the beauty and serenity this town has to offer.
5 responses:
You do know that part of your heritage is related to spain. Your Great Grandmother (I believe) immigrated from Spain. I know that she spoke broken English. It sounds like your having a great time. Love to you. Mom
Mom,
I thought grandma was from spanish decent. It all makes sense now why I am so at home here. I wonder what part of Spain they originated from? Can you find out?
love,
Val
Valerie,
I don't know if I can find out before you leave, but I'll try. love you, mom
You keep finding the most amazing places. I loved Tossa de Mar, now I'm blown away by Toledo. I'm glad you outta of Madrid. As pretty as it was your hostel experience is exactly what I was afraid of for you and I don't like the thought of you there any longer than you have to. Stay at the *** hotel with the nice (dreamy) man...
I need my Val fix.
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