David and Pop-Pop's Europe Trip
Toledo, Spain
After we arrived in Spain late in the day, we met with Pop-Pop's friend Margarita, who took us to dinner. The next day she took us on an afternoon trip to Toledo.
Having again had an evening with bedtime at two in the morning, I should be more tired than I am. But I can write until I need a nap.
Yesterday Pop-Pop, Margarita, and I visited Toledo, which has a military history portrayed in a military museum, the house of El Greco and a museum of paintings he made and paintings he owned, and a still-thriving sword making market.
The town is dominated by its cathedral and its fort. The fort was a last stronghold of the resistance during the civil war of the 1930's. Above ground the fort was bombed into ruins, but at the time weapons did not exist which could penetrate the thick stone floor. The inhabitants lived miserably in the basement for months before finally their shelter was breeched.
The house of El Greco was being repaired, but I did get to see the museum. My favorite painting of his there was Lagrimas de San Pedro, which besides the style of face and hands El Greco is known for had a color scheme which appealed to me more and the portrait was detailed with some ivy and a pair of keys St. Peter is holding.
The swords for sale were surprisingly inexpensive; I had told Margarita about the Society for Creative Anachronism, and she bought me a small one so I will think of her when in garb.
After a brief stop at the local Parador (halfway between a hotel and a youth hostel) with a view of all of Toledo we returned to Madrid. I had a nap until the evening began at half past eight.
 |
 |
 |