In and around Toledo

Our day in Toledo was one of quiet pleasure punctuated with little surprises. We went up to have breakfast to discover that the breakfast room is a windowlined bower overlooking the old city. There we met a pleasant couple who suggested a bus tour for only 5 euros which they had done the day before. This we did, but as we waited to get the bus, we visited the Museo Santa Cruz which is a work in progress so is free, great. The tapestry room is huge and dramatically lit. The courtyard has a wonderful collection of ancient stone bits and pieces from Roman and preroman days, well heads, burial markers etc. There was also a magnificent display of ceramics and of course, El Greco, citizen of Toledo . From there we wandered up to wait for the bus and found the library and on the top floor a wonderfully tranquil cafe overlooking the city. That would be our lunchspot we said and then went down to catch the bus. It was a tad cool but we had a drive all around the city with spectacular views of the Toja River.
In the afternoon we decided to find this neat outdoor escalator that takes you up or down between the old and new city. On the way Sheelagh spotted the sign for Radio Toledo and a guy unlocking the door so, of course, she engaged him in coversation about Dorian who works in a radio station so we were invited to come in and tour the studios. It was a very modern station in a 500 year old building. We rode the escalator down to the new part of the city and walked back up, I know, that was a bit backwards, but we're trying to get fit.
On the way home we found a shop selling bellota, (acorn) fed ham that Liam has been going on about and for only 7 euros we got 100 grams to go with a local strong cheese, croissants and fruit to make a picnic supper. On the way home we stumbled across a beautiful theatre where there was a free showing of the costumes from operas and plays of 20 years. We were almost alone in there and it was magical with the lights and music softly playing.
It was a wonderful day and we got to talk to Liam's family, Dorian and Malcolm and Delyth our good friends in England.