Yesterday we went spent some class time going over the details of the Ford Focus that we will be given to drive around for six weeks when we return to the U.S.  The car has quite a sophisticated electronics package so there was quite a bit to learn.  Among other things it is capable of locating a parking spot and  parallel parking on its own!  I know a few people who could use that feature.  Then we spent some time learning about the technical details of our post-trip videos that we will be producing.  I am going to have to beg Jane to help out on that part.  

After we finished our class time we boarded buses for Toledo, which is a medieval city located about 40 miles from Madrid. It was actually the capital of Spain before Madrid.  Built high on a hill with beautiful views of the Tagus River, it is quite a stunning place, especially on a beautiful day. Luckily the weather cooperated and we had a very sunny, crisp cold day to enjoy the city. We visited the cathedral (which was about 20 degrees cooler inside than it was outside, due to the very thick stone walls).  The sacristy of the church is like a mini-Prado. The walls are lined with paintings by El Grecos, Caravaggio, Velasquez, etc.  Unfortunately no photos were allowed inside the church.  However I did get a nice shot of the river and bridge: 

After a great walk around Toledo we boarded our buses and headed back to our hotel in Madrid.  As we drove back to Madrid I was reminded of the last time I had been to Toledo, with my sister Sheila. We rented a car and drove to Toledo, and decided to take a country road on the way home. It was a very narrow and winding road. As we were coming around a blind corner there appeared a car speeding in the other direction right in the middle of the road. I swerved to the right; he swerved the other way, and our driver side rear view mirrors hit each other, breaking ours off (and is too I am sure). He didn't stop and neither did we. That was a scary moment.  Awaking from my reverie I was pleased to be in an air conditioned bus on a three lane highway.  

Upon our return from Toledo we took a  short rest and then down to the bar for what we thought would be our last visit (see below). Then we boarded small buses and headed off to dinner. Our group (which is rather large) was broken up into smaller groups and taken to various restaurants which we chose when we first arrived here.  Cath and I had chosen a place called Taberna Bilbao, more or less at random, among a list of six places offered to us.  Well, I can tell you that we chose well.  We were served a series of tapas type dishes that were among the most delicious I have ever had.  First we got jamon serrano, (Spanish cured ham), then a very delicious green salad, then some croquettes filled with molten cheese, then some deep fried fish in a crispy coating, then salt cod in a tomato sauce, then short ribs in a different tomato sauce, then a series of cheeses (are you full yet?), then a pear poached in red wine, then a baked custard. And I'm sure I am leaving out a course or two.  We were really in hog heaven.  Here is a shot of our group at the table: 

When we left we complimented the owner on the great food and asked her to take a photo with us: 

As we left the restaurant we were a bit behind our group (busy taking pictures and yakking) and we retraced the route we took when he arrived, taking a right turn out the door of the restaurant. But unbeknownst to us our guide had moved the bus to another street, so our group followed the guide to the left.  We kept walking along, and since there were a lot of people in the street we just assumed that our group was among them.  When we arrived back to where we had been dropped off, of course there was no one there.  So there we were, standing in the middle of "La Latina" (the old and twisty part of town) with no idea where we were, or how to get home.  (As I mentioned, I don't even have any Euros).  We wandered around a bit, thinking we might see our group.  No one showed up. Finally we began walking back toward the way we came, and there was our tour guide, coming to retrieve us.  He explained about the change of bus location, and took us back to our group.  We were very relieved that we didn't have to rely on our own wiles to make it back to the hotel.  

Since it was our last night together as a group everyone decided we'd better head to the bar for one last beverage together.  We spent an hour or so chatting about the great meal, the great experiences we'd had together, and how we all wished it didn't have to end so soon.  Finally we gave up, said or goodbyes, and went to bed.  

Now that our Ford Focus portion of the trip is done I doubt if I will have as much to write about. But a few people have written to say they have enjoyed reading about our travels so I will write again if anything of interest happens.  And in my experience, when you are traveling, something interesting happens just about every day. That's one of the great reasons to go travelling. 

Cath and I will be checking out of the hotel this morning, and moving into the center of town to the Westin Palace Hotel.  We think it will be fun to be a little closer to the heart of things for a few days.  But we will certainly miss this very unusual hotel, and the three sentinel bears guarding the front door.  

Jim S., reporting from Madrid