Day 14

 This morning we were up and at it to meet our taxi at 7:30 to get to the meeting place for our tour. Once we made it and hopped on the bus it was an hour drive south to Toledo. Toledo is a very old town which originally was the capital city of the area however, Madrid soon replaced it. There are a number of old churches and cathedrals in the town and all the houses are very old but well maintained. When we arrived we first did a panoramic bus drive around the edge of the town overlooking it. We then headed to the town square to begin our walking tour. We saw where the Jewish parts of the town were which have small golden plaques in the footpath to night where the Jewish area begins and finishes. We then headed to the Cathedral which was built from 1200s-1400s. It was very gothic style and is the second largest (not tallest) cathedrals in Spain. We then had free time for an hour. Over here they eat lunch at 3pm but our free time was at 12 so barnaby and I had lunch. 

We then headed back to the bus to drive to Segovia which was 2hrs north of Toledo (1hr north of Madrid). Segovia is another very old preserved town which has a castle on top of the hill and a huge aqueduct built by the Roman’s. When we arrived at 3pm, we headed to lunch… after lunch we had an hour walking tour of the city finishing at the castle. We were then able to wander the castle freely. It is not a very big castle so didn’t take us long but the view from it (it’s on the side of a cliff) was impressive. We then wandered back to the town square to wait for the bus. We left Segovia at 6:30pm… so made it back to Madrid at 8. 

It was a huge day and we are both exhausted but it was good to get out of the city and see two other towns. Toledo is a UNESCO site. Once we made it back to Madrid, we grabbed a taxi to meet Belle and Corinna for dinner. 

We had a very nice dinner and caught up on all of Belles travels and plans. Including the news she is engaged!!! They plan to work in Ireland until September now and then travel until Christmas. Once they have Christmas with their families in Spain they will then decide where to go/what to do. They will get married in the Ireland town hall in the next few months. 

At 11 barnaby and I headed back to our room. We are looking forward to a sleep in and quiet day tomorrow before flying back to Switzerland tomorrow night. 

Belle and Corinna stayed out for some drinks. We are all meeting in the morning after check out. 

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