I went to Toledo on September 29th. The city is built on a hill, literally. But this is most definitely one of my favorite places I have ever visited! I could have spent so much time here! There are over 80 churches, the El Greco museum and Toledo is full of Cervantes quotes, the namesake of my beta fish!
Here is the beginning of my posts from my travels. From 26 Sept - 28 Sept I was in Madrid with the group I am studying with here. Madrid was still a candidate city at that point for the 2016 Summer Olympics (losing out to Rio de Janiero later that week), so here is a picture of me with the campaign poster. We went to El Prado, one of the most famous art museums in Europe (and the world). Also, since Spain is very old, Madrid was build close to the center of the Iberian Peninsula, so all the highways start in Madrid and go out from there, pretty cool. And last is the Royal Palace, which is gorgeous but not really used today except for formal occasions!
I am in a break from school right now - about two weeks between orietation and the start of the semester. Therefore - time for a trip! I spent 3 days in Madrid, 2 days in Toledo, and now Ireland. Pictures from Madrid and Toledo to follow in the coming days/weeks. But here is an intro to Ireland!
On Sunday we went to the beach to catch some rays and relax. Turns out we went to the wrong beach, and the beach was rocky! But, live and learn and it was really nice to just relax and have fun!
On Saturday morning we went to the Alhambra, it is an old Arab palace (and one of the places nominated to become one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, but lost). It is gorgeous! Here are some pictures. From the Alhambra, you can also see the entire city of Granada! The white buildings are from Albaycín, the place I visited a few days ago. And the flags I thought were really fun - they are (from right to left): European Union, Andalucia (the province I am in), Spain, and then Granada! Hasta Luego, J!
On Friday morning, we walked/hiked up Sacromonte, one of the high hills surrounding Granada. A little geography: Granada is in a valley - that means hot days and cool nights! Here are pictures of me with some new friends - with the mountains/hills in the background. The courtyard in Sacromonte. Sacromonte used to serve as a religious palace, and is very carefully preserved because of this. The other is a picture of the sunrise of the Alhambra (actual Alhambra pictures to come soon). The last is a 'wild' aloe plant - grows locally here! Imagine is those in our houses in the States got this size! J
