Holy Toledo!

 At one time, this ancient walled town was home to Jews, Moors and Christians. Queen Isabel (Chris Columbus' funder) got rid of all but the Christians. But the influence of all is strong.

bridge to Toledo walled town

Monestery-only 6 Franciscan monks left here

pottery in underground cave

motherly Mary

Amazing cathedral. After it was built, artisan was funded to customize one of the side chapels-see below. 

Architect cut a hole in the roof and created this! Also see a red floating hat. These hang from ceiling over graves of cardinals.

Monstranse - used to carry the consecrated host during a Corpus Christi procession

Synagogue built by Moors

Synagogue built by Moors-paid by the Jews. Converted to Christian church. Now a museum. The columns adorned with Pineapples-have meaning only to the Moors at the time as a fruit of welcome.

panorama of Toledo - beautiful, friendly city

Makin' It To Madrid

 With 2 hurricanes in 2 weeks in October 2024, we were relieved we could escape for a month in Spain. At least we could AFTER the power came back on. 

ABC news crew heading home after storm coverage

Little did we know that a major storm would hit us again - this time in Spain. But that is later. First - Madrid!

Food exploration is always top priority - so we jumped in our first day. Chocolate and churros, Iberian ham, Mercado de San Miguel got us started.

Churros!

just a snippet of food choices at Mercado de San Miguel

halloween chocolates

first tapas!

one of a zillion pig legs (black hoofed) for tasting

hanging at the palace, waiting for the king

Kings guards

giant panda waiting for the king

 

Bear and strawberry tree represents coat of arms of Madrid. Female bear = fertile soil of Madrid. Tree=aristocracy.

sunset over movie opening event on right

Giant horses

Giant winged thingy

                                                                                                                                            Buildings in Madrid have HUGE 

Single store with video'd atrium

toppings.

                                                                                                                                                       Picasso!!!  

Guernica

San Francisco Explorations - Always More to See

 We always find something new to do in the Bay Area. Besides hiking, eating, wandering, eating, shopping, eating, we visited with old friends!!!

good time at Moss Beach!

 

must have monkey chandelier!

Unusual warm day in SF - perfect for Lands End to Sutro Baths hike!

never tired of GG Bridge

busy shipping day

Sutro Baths

climbing around the Baths

Artwork at the Baths

Sutro Baths wall decor

a swing on the trail!

actual baths

'teeth' along bath wall (rusted rebar for concrete walls)

Nearby Lincoln Steps

Turk marches up

tile detail

tile detail

cutest tiled bench at the top

 

no issues!

warm day!!!

US Federal Mint building on Market

because - solar

didnt know it was a thing

always wonderful knitting

adopt older pets!

Moss Beach was our relaxation haven - Thanks to friend Jackie!!!!

getting my yoga in before the cliff slides into the ocean

turk loves the mussels!

wonderful coastal hike to the point

baby seals on the beach!

neighborhood goat

Turk had to get his yoga on

to the airport!!!

maybe over-equipped for flight to Tampa?