Today we head to Toledo for a view of this 2,000 year old city. This place has been the home of some of the earliest peoples in Spain, the Visigoths, the early Kings, the muslims from North Africa, the crusades, the painter El Greco and on and on. Toledo was known as the "City of the Three Cultures" where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived in peace. Until 1492 when the Muslims and Jews were shown the exit by the Catholics. But the peaceful co-existence of the three great religions plus the cultural and heritage earned the city its UNESCO designation in 1986.
Toledo gained the reputation of the best sword makers in Europe in the 17th and 18th century. The City sits atop a high hill surrounded by the river and three sets of walls. The only access to the city was over one roman bridge and over three sets of walls. It would be quite a chore to conquer this city! Spain was spared the destruction of World Wars I and II and so Toledo is in great condition. We walk up and down and all around and the feet and legs need some rest so we will save a closer look at the City for tomorrow. To Javier's home we go following a stop at the food store. Javier proves again he is a great cook so we gather in the kitchen and help when we can until another great meal is before us. Out comes more beautiful Spanish Wine.
Toledo gained the reputation of the best sword makers in Europe in the 17th and 18th century. The City sits atop a high hill surrounded by the river and three sets of walls. The only access to the city was over one roman bridge and over three sets of walls. It would be quite a chore to conquer this city! Spain was spared the destruction of World Wars I and II and so Toledo is in great condition. We walk up and down and all around and the feet and legs need some rest so we will save a closer look at the City for tomorrow. To Javier's home we go following a stop at the food store. Javier proves again he is a great cook so we gather in the kitchen and help when we can until another great meal is before us. Out comes more beautiful Spanish Wine.
We bring gifts for Javier and he is touched by our thoughtfulness. Jim and Tina give a very special wine - the Wine Spector "Wine of the Year" from Paso Robles - Saxum. Javier is speechless. Clyde and Krim offer a special whiskey - one of only 5 left from an award winning small batch producer friend. Javier is again speechless. But here is the special thing. Javier thinks for a bit and says, "I would like to share these special gifts with you, because this is a special visit and it would mean a lot to enjoy them with you". He does, however, wish to reserve a bit of whiskey to share with a whiskey loving friend together with a special cigar. I want a picture of that event!
The conversation is so easy with Javier and Alexa and we talk and laugh until Tina says, "Holy cow, it is 3:40AM! Javier and Alexa work in a few hours so we head to bed.
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