Hummingbird Wings

Estoy bien. Time is flying faster than the wings of a hummingbird. I value each moment of this life and each day of this amazing trip to Spain. I am fully enjoying this experience. I have walked through many miles of Spanish history. Prior to coming to Oviedo , we spent a day at Toledo," City of the three cultures" the city that is truly on a hillside. It is built mainly of bricks, a virtual fortress. Buildings display beautiful and detailed examples of 'Moros' archtectura. In this historical city, in very close proximity one can find synagogues, iglesisas, and mosques. An example of despite difference, in time people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate to build beautiful buildings and co exist peacefully.
Pretty much a pedestrian area with all of the hills, very narrow and curving "Calles". Our guide Pablo was quite knowledgeable about every aspect of the city, history and people of Toledo. The streets had various sized stones in them and it one wasn't careful they could trip. I didn't trip, but I got a fat, red, hot , swollen, painful blood blister behind my big toe on my left foot. It took a minute to heal but when I say my foot was on fire...We were fortunate  to take a very long and tall escalator to the central part of the city. One of the orders of nuns are known for their Marzipan which is widely popular. We also visited the Museo of El Greco, which was once his home, and now houses some of its works. My most notable highlight of this excursion : Toledo Cathedral was massive and absolutely breathtaking. The gothic architecture, the frescos, the beautiful stained glass windows are indescribable and I will have them etched into my memory for a long time.
 To actually have had the opportunity to  walk into the wondrous Cathedral is mindblowing to me. It no wonder tourists and the pious flock to it. When I visited the fabulous Prado museum, and the Royal Palace in Madrid, I thought that it couldn't get much better but each day, each excursion, seems to prove me wrong. I have taken hundreds of pictures while I have been here and I hope to be able to share many of them before I fully forget where they were taken or why they were significant.  While in Madrid we ate ate many restuarants and the food was amazing, our hosts were awesome and the sangria was awesome!

Wifi or lack of..

I have spent the past two hours composing a detailed and informative description of my experiences in Spain. How about NONE of it was saved. I am feeling some kind of aggravated right now!

It is a lovely sunny day in Oviedo, Spain. I am sitting in a cozy corner with a beautiful panoramic view of the mountainside.Everyone here is very laid back, family and friend time is very important, as it should be. Spain is an interesting potpourri of history, religion, fashion, food, architecture and culture. I invite you to take a mental journey with me to Madrid, to me, another Manhattan in its own right. Taxi's and people move briskly through the city. Fashionistas of all ages grace the calles (streets) . El Cortez de ingles seems to be a one stop shopping spot. The ground floor has a supermarket, Hot food counters, coffee shops, yes...Starbucks is here, and Dunkin Donuts, Micky Dee's and Burger King with many additional options than found in the states. There is also an area which sells cell phones as well. The higher levels of the store, maybe foru or five floors in some cases are reminiscent of a Macy's or Dillards. Metro stations (the subways) swiftly move people around the city and if you are daring and adventurous you could probably walk around the city to fully enjoy its magnificence. With the sunshine and gentle breezes and a pair of comfy shoes and a map it isn't impossible to do.
The adventure begins... This lovely city is a mixture of what most of Spain is; old and new, modern and traditional. There are likely sights, sounds, tastes , and fashions to pamper the most discriminate tastes.  Every few blocks there are tables awaiting your arrival, for cafe (coffee) tapas , cervesa, or cool and refreshing agua. But be aware, someone may be watching you as you are watching the city in motion. A couple of days after my arrival, I was on the Metro, heading back to my hotel, and probably because I am a mature diva, obviously a tourista I became the target of a carterista (pickpocket). He had a heavy jacket draped over his arm..on a hot day, trying to conceal his dastardly deed. What he didn't know was that I am very aware of my surroundings and  had no problem grabbing his hand, bending his fingers painfully back and shoving him across the train. Not bad for a "tourista", he was shocked and terrified and as soon as the doors opened he ran from the train. Other passengers applauded my courage and gave thumbs up and good looking out signs. You see I was raised in the inner city and have seen so many things in this life that makes me be cautious. I have survived four or five ( lost count) bank robberies as well and being terrorized by the gang "Ambrose Lane" when I was a young college student and mother of two young sons. God has constantly protected me, and guided me. That was just a small hiccup on this amazing journey. I have been visually delighted at the amazing and varied forms of architecture. Seeing the daddies proudly push their ninos through the city is some really fashionable carriages has also been nice. In many cases the Mommies were not with them and they were fully on task with their young ones of all ages. There is so much green space here. Parks were street musicians and singers entertain, jogging, skating and skateboarding, playing futbot, running with or walking "el perros" or just enjoying a cold and tasty helado. This just a thimble full of Madrid. I have so many good memories and experiences to share but I wont bore you with it all at once. I want you to please re-visit me and stroll with me through this journey. I want to share more with you about the pampered  pooches that are living well in Espana. Ciao!