Estoy mui bien!

Hola amigos! Hoy es domingo y camine mucho.

This morning, I awakened to Kaylene rustling through her pack to find her flashlight and realized my watch alarm did not ring as it was set for 7 am this morning. Oh....what are vacations for if you can´t sleep until the last minute, throw on some clothes and head out for the day. Actually, it didn´t matter much given my backpack had not yet arrived at the hostal. So, yes, I did wear the same lovely attire for another day..

Our group gathered in the coffee shop; we enjoyed our European breakfast of prociutto, cheese, bread and cafe con leche, then took a brief walk to the metro. We caught a train, then bus to Toledo, an ancient city of coexisting religious groups - Catholic, Jewish and Muslim. Toledo is also the home of El Greco, the famous painter, who has many art pieces throughout the city. On one corner, there is a simple synogogue with a striking interior with elaborate gold carving on the walls., A few meters away, the alcazar (mosque)piered above all other structures, but was unfortunately closed for renovation. The most phenomenal structure was the Catholic cathedral filled with extraordinary El Greco, Velasquez and other art pieces. Other previous pieces included gold, metal, alabaster, and walnut wood. Somewhat hidden an altar was literally carved into the ceiling to allow more light into the holy structure. While walking through the cathedral, red hat were hanging from the ceiling. Interestingly, these hats were located just above the burial place of bishops who passed over the years. The hats are expected to remain in place until they rot and fall.

On to lunch....I was so proud of myself for putting my Spanish to use. I ordered delcious championes and calamares (mushrooms and squid)and each was tasty. Of course a little tinto vino from La Mancha perfectly completed the meal. Delicioso!

After spending several hours in toledo, the group headed back to our hostal for a break. A shower was in order as to prepare us for the next shift of site'seeing....more tapas...actually this time I enjoyed paella, while others enjoyed octupus, pigs ears and potato omelete....an OF COURSE VINO TINTO!

OK.... I plan to abruptly end this evenings blog, as Kaylene and I head back for some rest before our long day of travelling to sevilla. I´ll write more later.....
Chao!
LeeAnn

MADRID ARRIVAL...ROUGH START

Hola amigos! Have you ever missed your flight, arrived at your destination without your luggage, found yourself wandering amongst ladies of the night (in the day), with a fabulous result? Well, this was my day. Yes, I actually travelled for hours in the US before I finally arrived in Madrid. With anticipation, I went through customs and to the carousel where my backpack was to be delivered. Thirty minutes later, the carousel stopped and my backpack was no where to be found. Thinking positively and using the phrase I learned on my trip to Thailand.....I said to myself Chai yen yen.....or cool your heart. I just thought....I have the essentials....my money, passport, soft walking shoes, and a few other items. All would be fine. So....I reported my missing luggage, hailed a cab and travelled to the Hostal Laris.

As I entered the hostal, I realized, I don´t really need to check-in....I have no bags!!! So, I was off to send an email to Kaylene to plan a time to meet given her arrival was prior to mine......we caught up....and it was not only me who had challenges on this lovely day. Kaylene's debit card didn´t work....she had to take the metro, with next to no money, from the airport to the puerta del sol, where she wandered around for a hotel she did not book. Could this be anymore exciting?? OK...I am going to cut to the chase, as I am running out of euros on the internet.....my pack was found...yahoo!.....the group gathered......walked along the grand via....finally settling for some tapas....sangria and a nice chat. Oh.....the view was amazing....the food delicious and the company great. Kaylene and I are the only Americans in the midst of Aussies and Canadians.

Well, all, I am exhausted, as you can tell from my awful writing skills....my mother would be horrified!. I am on my way back to the hostal and tomorrow is a new day!

Hasta luego.....LeeAnn

BARcelona, Indiana?

Yes, BARcelona, Indiana! Kaylene and I kicked off our travel adventure with pre-travel Spanish tapas, wine and a chat at a local restaurant in Indianapolis......BARcelona! If I don't say so myself....we are glowing in our pre-travel aura!..... You may view our blissful smiles in the photo attached. :o)

Kaylene arrives in Madrid on friday....LeeAnn arrives on Saturday morning.....Meeting point is Hostal Laris on the Grand Via.

More excitement to come......stay posted!
Cuidate, LeeAnn

Travel Anticipation!

Hola amigos! It is the time of year for relaxation and exhilaration........yes, it's vacation time! Next week, at this time, I will be on a travel adventure in Spain with my good friend Kaylene. The wine, tapas and flamenco are speaking to me already!

Stay posted and share the Moorish experience with me as I travel from Madrid, to Seville, to Costa de la Luz-Algeciras, Ronda, Cordoba, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona! Enjoy! Hasta Luego!