Toledo

The curso intensivo is over! In the end, I think I appreciate it. For example, I went with some friends to Toledo and we were quoting our art professor in jest when we recognized something we learned about. It was neat to be able to identify the characteristics of certain types of architecture. To get to there, we took a 45 minute bus ride that cost 8 euros round trip. We didn't know exactly what to do once we got out of the bus station, but we walked up a huge hill and found the main part of the city. First, we got café (0f course, we had to get up at 7) and churros y chocolate. I'm not sure of a description that would do justice, so here. I know, right? We took oursleves on a tour of the city and got started finding some places of interest. Toledo has become such a touristy city, which is a little unfortunate but there are a lot of cool shops, especially sword shops. They sell replicas of swords of historical figures (El Cid Campeador, Christopher Columbus, Robin Hood, Los Reyes Católicos, Felipe II, etc) and movie characters. I totally geeked out over the replicas from the LOTR films; I think I heard that the swords used in the movies were made in Toledo! The main cathedral there is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in my life. Seeing all the detail craftsmanship was really moving; I don't know if it was just becaue I was hungry, but I definitely felt something when I walked in. After going to see El Greco paintings, we stopped for lunch and got the menú del día. This daily menu is offered at many restaurants, you choose one first plate, one second plate and it comes with bread, a beverage, and dessert. We then went and explored down by the river where a tour would not take you :) It was really satisfying being our own tour guides, we even made it back to the bus station without problems.
Now that I think about it, I've been here for a MONTH. It's just unbelieveable. I'm getting to know the city better all the time and I like pretty much everything about it except that so many people smoke everywhere. My clothes and hair always smell terrible after being out at a bar or a disco, but I guess I have to deal with it. I do think there is some legislation out about regarding smoking, but I can't remember right now. Our actual classes start this week, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyting will be like. Also, the weather has been nice and cool lately. I like that a lot but its really chilly in the mornings and before it would get hot enough in the afternoons that I wouldn't want to comit to carrying a jacket around all day; I think its about time for that. I have some things to do so this is all for now.
Un abrazo.