Toledo is so peaceful and charming! It’s small and easily doable in just one day. 

We had a tour guide, Mario, in the morning to show us some of the must-sees in Toledo. He was born and raised in Toledo and was so excited to show us his home town. Every corner we turned, there was at least one person saying “Hola Mario! Qué tal!” He was one of the most enthusiastic and friendly Spaniards I’ve met so far. He was also a little all over the place, but he kept us awake. 

Mario took us to the jaw-dropping Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo. All my friends studying architecture back home at Virginia Tech would’ve fallen in love. Every inch of the place was intricately constructed! He said it took over 500 years to build. Them Spaniards really took their time.

We eventually ate lunch outside a cute little restaurant with tapas and sangria before heading to the hotel to freshen up and meet with the ISA directors. We got our schedules (yes, no class on Friday!!) and learned a little bit more about what to expect with our homestay. We were also reminded this is not a vacation. Meanwhile, our ISA directors set us up in a hotel with this view… (not a vacation??)

But really, I’m already picking up on so much Spanish. So far, everyone I’ve encountered is patient and enjoys talking to us. I’ve also picked up on some sign language… I just move my hands to try to convey what I’m tryna say when my Spanish isn’t cutting it. 

We ended our day in Toledo walking around the narrow cobblestone streets and eating dinner at another restaurant with tapas and Sangria (they really love Sangria here!) 

And before catching a taxi back to the hotel, we stopped for some ice cream.

I really do feel so fortunate to have spent the day just wondering through the historic streets of Toledo. The group of girls also studying through the ISA program have a heart for Spanish culture and travel and I already love touring around Spain with them.